Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us ever face. When it happens, you should not have to work out what to do next on your own. As independent, family-run funeral directors caring for families in Whitehawk and across East Brighton, we are here to take the weight of the arrangements while you look after each other.
Sussex Funeral Services is run by Philip and Sallie, who between them have looked after countless local families over the years. We are based just along the coast at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ, and we are proud to serve the Whitehawk community with the same care we would want for our own. Whatever kind of send-off you have in mind, we will listen properly and guide you gently through every step.
You can reach a real person here at any hour. There is no answering service and no rushing you along. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so the moment you need us, someone who understands will pick up the phone.
Whitehawk sits in East Brighton, tucked beneath Brighton Racecourse with East Brighton Park close by and Whitehawk Hill rising above, home to its ancient Neolithic camp. It is a close-knit part of the city with neighbours in Woodingdean, Kemptown, Bevendean and Rottingdean, and we know how much local families value people who genuinely understand the area. If you are just over the hill, you may also like to read about our care for funeral directors in Rottingdean.
For families in Whitehawk, cremations are usually held at Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road or at The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road, both a short journey away in Brighton. If a burial feels right for your loved one, this most often takes place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We can arrange any of these for you and explain what each involves in plain, honest terms.
When someone dies, the death is registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. We will let you know exactly when and how to book that appointment, and we will make sure you have every document you need before you go. Nothing is left for you to puzzle over alone.
A traditional funeral gives family and friends a proper chance to gather, remember and say goodbye. Whether you picture a church service, a chapel at the crematorium or a graveside farewell, we will shape the day around the person you are honouring and the way your family likes to do things.
From the first conversation to the moment we lead the cortege on the day, we take care of the timings, the paperwork and the small practical details, so you and those closest to you can simply be present. Everything is arranged at your pace, with nothing decided until it feels right for you.
A direct cremation is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to say goodbye. The cremation is carried out quietly and respectfully without a formal service beforehand, and the ashes are returned to you afterwards. It suits families who prefer something private, or who would rather hold their own celebration of life later in a place that means something to them.
We treat every direct cremation with exactly the same care and dignity we bring to any funeral. You are never made to feel your choice is any less important, and we are always here to talk through whether this is the right fit for your family.
Not every family wants a religious service, and that is absolutely fine. A celebrant-led funeral puts the focus firmly on the person who has died, telling their story in their own words, with the music, readings and memories that meant the most to them. It can be as reflective or as uplifting as you wish.
We work with experienced local celebrants who take real time to get to know your loved one before writing the service. Whether you want a quiet, personal gathering or a warm celebration of life full of laughter, we will help you create a day that feels completely true to them.
For many families, faith sits at the very heart of saying goodbye. We arrange funerals across all faiths and denominations, working closely with your minister, priest or faith leader to make sure every custom and tradition is honoured with care and respect.
If you would like to understand the different options available, you are welcome to read more about our religious funeral services. Whatever your beliefs, we will make sure the service reflects them fully and faithfully.
Some families feel drawn to a more natural farewell, and we are glad to help. From woodland and green burials to a traditional grave, we can talk you through what is available and what each choice involves, so you can settle on something that feels right for your loved one.
For burials, families in Whitehawk most often choose Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We will handle the arrangements with the cemetery and explain everything clearly, including options for eco-friendly coffins and simple, natural resting places.
Planning ahead is a thoughtful thing to do, and it can bring real peace of mind. A prepaid funeral plan lets you set out your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices, sparing your family both worry and expense at a difficult time.
We will sit down with you, without any pressure, and explain exactly what a plan does and does not cover in plain English. There are no hard sells here, only honest advice, so you can make the right decision for you and those you love.
The details are often what make a funeral feel truly personal. We offer a wide range of coffins and urns, from classic and traditional to simple, natural and modern designs, so you can choose something that suits your loved one and your budget.
Beyond the coffin, it is often the small, meaningful touches that stay with people. Favourite flowers, a treasured piece of music, a photo tribute or a much-loved song can all help tell the story of a life well lived, and we will happily help you weave these into the day.
Worrying about money should never get in the way of a fitting goodbye. We believe in complete openness about funeral costs, so you always know exactly what you are paying for. We will give you a clear, written breakdown from the start, with no hidden extras added along the way.
Whether you are looking for an affordable and simple funeral or something more traditional, we will work within whatever budget you have and show you where savings can sensibly be made. Everyone we care for is treated with the same dignity, whatever they choose to spend.
Choosing a funeral director is a matter of trust. Families across Whitehawk come to us because we treat every person in our care as though they were part of our own family, with warmth, patience and total honesty.
The first step depends on where the death happened, but you can always call us straight away for guidance. If your loved one died at home, a doctor will usually need to attend, and if they were in hospital the staff there will explain what happens next. Once you are ready, phone Philip or Sallie and we will take care of everything from there.
That is entirely up to you and your family. Many Whitehawk families choose a cremation at Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road or The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road, while burials often take place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We are happy to arrange a church, chapel or graveside service to suit your wishes.
Deaths in this area are registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. You will usually need to book an appointment first, and we will let you know exactly when to do this and what to bring. We make sure you have all the documents you need before you go.
Yes. We understand that budgets vary, and we offer everything from a straightforward direct cremation to a simple, dignified funeral. We will always give you a clear, honest quote and never make you feel your choice matters any less. Every family is treated with the same care, whatever they choose to spend.
Absolutely. Many families prefer a celebrant-led funeral or a relaxed celebration of life with no religious content at all. We work with experienced local celebrants who take time to get to know your loved one, so the service truly reflects who they were and what mattered to them.
Yes, always. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Whenever you need us, day or night, a familiar and understanding voice will answer the phone. You never have to face the first difficult hours on your own.
Yes. A prepaid funeral plan lets you record your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices. It can bring great peace of mind and takes a real weight off your family later. We will explain everything clearly and without any pressure, so you can decide in your own time.
We do. As well as Whitehawk, we care for families across East Brighton and beyond, including Woodingdean, Kemptown, Bevendean and Rottingdean. Wherever you are in the area, we are only a short journey away and always happy to visit or talk things through over the phone.
If you have lost someone, or you simply want to talk something through, please do get in touch. There is never any obligation and never any rush. You can reach Philip or Sallie 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453, and we will be here with calm, caring advice the moment you call. If you would like to know more about the people looking after you, you are warmly welcome to read about our family-run firm.