About Us

    About Walker & Morrell Funeral Directors

    Walker & Morrell Funeral Directors have over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of funeral services. Previously Manager and Assistant manager of the largest funeral company in the North East we work with our experienced and dedicated team to provide a more personal service to the bereaved with a reputation for being the very best at what we do. 

    We have conveniently located funeral homes in Washington and Gateshead, and are proud to serve the people in those communities of many different cultures and faiths, as well as those with no religious beliefs. 

    The teams at all our funeral homes will provide advice at every stage of the funeral planning process, and will arrange an individual and unique funeral to help you celebrate the life of your loved one. 

    Here at Walker & Morrell Funeral Directors we also offer an affordable prepaid funeral plan, Choice, so that you can arrange and pay for a funeral in advance. This will protect your family from rising costs and remove uncertainty about your wishes.

    If you would like to talk to us about planning a funeral, or our Choice plan, please come and see us in any of our funeral homes, or if you’d rather we can arrange a home visit. We’re also available 24 hours a day on the phone so if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call your local funeral home.

    Latest Reviews

    Much Loved

    Walker and Morrell provided outstanding care and professionalism during a very difficult time. They were compassionate, organized, and attentive to every detail, making the process stress-free and dignified. Highly recommended for their empathy and dedication.

    Debby Kitchen

    Much Loved

    We came into contact with Walker & Morrell when we sadly lost my sister, Sheila. Obviously, this was a very difficult time for the entire family, but, thanks to the compassion, professionalism and sensitivity of Natalie from Walker & Morrell, who oversaw the arrangements from…

    Georgina Hutchinson

    Much Loved

    I found native and her team really amazing from start to finish they gavid my David care all shown with love

    Julie taylor

    Google

    Natalie and the team could not have been more helpful and understanding. She ensured everything fulfilled our needs with sincerity and compassion. Providing a check list and providing everything required. Checking in throughout the process to ensure everything was right. Natalie instilled care and trust…

    Lynne

    Google

    On behalf of our family I just want to say a huge heartfelt thankyou to Nicola and Andy, for everything that they did for us at the difficult time of my dad passing away. The care an empathy given was second to none, Nicola was…

    Lisa Murray

    Google

    A lovely service was provided for my late Father. From meeting Martin and Conor soon after my Father's passing we knew he was in good hands. All our concerns were taken care of from putting together the service at the crematorium to arranging the venue…

    Steven Winder

    Google

    Huge thank you to Nicola and the Walker Morrell team for everything you have done for our family over the past few of weeks, always with empathy and sensitivity from the very first phone call. You provided just right level of guidance and direction when…

    Richard Alcock

    Google

    There’s nothing we can pick fault with. Aimee was amazing. We used your Services for our dad and Mam was happy to arrange with you for her funeral. Aimee was compassionate and empathetic at all times and gave us space to make decisions that felt…

    Tricia Staley

    Google

    Extremely helpful and welcoming from the get go, walker and Morrell staff were absolutely fantastic with me through an extremely difficult time in my life. I can’t thank or praise them enough for their service and kindness throughout. An absolute credit to the funeral industry.

    naomi etchells

    Google

    In our darkest days, Walker and Morrell took my beloved Dad into their care - they did a wonderful job. All the staff I encountered on my visits to the Washington office were very professional, warm and friendly. Natalie is an outstanding credit to the…

    Sheena Bell

    Meet the Team

    John Morrell Dip FD & MBIE – Retired

    Funeral Director / Founder

    Lynne Walker Dip FD & MBIE – Semi Retired

    Funeral Director / Founder (Business Principal)

    Martin Morrell

    Area Development Manager & Funeral Director

    Born and bred in Washington, I have worked for Walker & Morrell Funeral Directors since April 2010, having previously worked as an accountant for a building society. As the family business grew, I joined as a Funeral Service Operative and then worked my way up to become the manager when my father John Morrell retired in 2018. The thing I enjoy most about my role is being able to help families in their time of need, listening to their stories and learning about their loved ones. In my spare time, I like to watch and play football and spending time with my family and walking our dog.

    Nicola Lynn

    Senior Funeral Director – Gateshead Branch Manager

    Nicola has worked for Walker & Morrell since 2017, when she joined her aunt Lynne Walker in our Gateshead branch. Having previously worked in the insurance industry, Nicola loves her role and all of the families she gets to meet.

    Aimee Hughes Dip FD

    Funeral Director

    I have worked at Walker & Morrell since 2014, starting as a receptionist before becoming Funeral Service Operative then moving on to be Funeral Director.
    I have recently studied for the NAFD Diploma in Funeral Directing, graduating in September 2025.
    In my spare time, I enjoy spending time at my caravan in Yorkshire with my husband Andrew & cockapoo Dexter.

    Natalie Holywell

    Senior Funeral Director

    I have worked in the funeral industry from the age of 16 as it was my chosen profession, that was 32 years ago, the majority of which has been as a Funeral Director. I enjoy absolutely every aspect of my role and have worked for Walker & Morrell since 2022. Outside of work, I enjoy socialising with family and friends, eating out and going to the gym.

    David Hindmarch MBIE

    Regional Embalmer

    I started working at Walker & Morrell in 2012 as a Funeral Service Operative. I have recently completed the British Institute of Embalmers course, becoming a qualified embalmer in March 2025. Since qualifying, I have moved positions and have become the regional embalmer for Funeral Partners.

    Andrew Walker

    Funeral Service Operative

    Stephen Smith

    Funeral Service Operative

    Carolyn Payne

    Receptionist / Administrator – Washington

    I have worked at Walker & Morrell since 2022 and I have been in the funeral industry since 2018. I love meeting all of our families and being able to help them in whatever way I can. I will often be the first person you see waiting to greet you with a smile when you come into the chapel of rest.

    Conor Walker

    Trainee Funeral Director

    Hayley Parker

    Receptionist / Administrator - Gateshead

    I have worked for Walker & Morrell since 2023 and I am now based in our Gateshead branch after working in healthcare for many years. I enjoy meeting new people and love to learn new skills. I am a self confessed crazy cat lady, love camping trips and music festivals.

    Our Values

    Pride

    We take pride in everything we do. Our aim is that everyone who works for Funeral Partners shares our values.

    Helping People

    Our business exists to help the bereaved to make fitting arrangements for their loved one’s last journey and to provide lasting memories for family and friends.

    We do this with a positive, caring and understanding approach.

    Respect for everyone

    We value diversity and treat everyone with the same respect, courtesy and dignity.

    Professional Standards

    We are a professional organisation and we strive to achieve the highest possible standards in everything we do and to improve upon these standards continuously.

    Accept responsibility

    We accept responsibility for our actions both as a company and as individuals.

    Partnership

    We believe that we can only achieve our goals by working together in partnership with client families, suppliers and our employees.

    Our locations

    We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

    Call 0191 416 4160 visit branch or arrange a home visit