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.
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
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
Funeral Service Operative
Andrew Walker
Funeral Service Operative
Stephen Smith
Funeral Service Operative
Jason Callan
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.