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

    Google

    Despite the recent period being the most painful of time for my family, I have to commend all at Walker & Morrell and Connor in particular for their care and support during the most difficult of times. From our first meeting till the day itself…

    Rob Hardy

    Google

    Excellent and professional service

    darren potter

    Google

    In such terrible times as losing a member of the family, it is a godsend to have Aimee. Thank you for looking after the second member of my family and me twice over both losses.

    Kathleen Bray

    Google

    All the staff at Walker & Morrell helped us at a time when we felt lost, they provided a respectful and dignified funeral service for my wife. Natalie listened and acted on what we decided, along with providing advice and guidance. She guided us on…

    Billy Short

    Google

    This is the second time using Walker & Morrell in Gateshead. Losing a loved one can be a deeply traumatic and confusing time, from the first telephone call Nicola helped guide us through what can be a minefield. She discussed with us what we wanted,…

    Lynne Guthrie

    Google

    From the moment we contacted them after my dad passed away, Nichola and the whole team showed compassion, respect, and genuine humanity. They took the time to understand what we wanted for Dad and delivered everything beautifully. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and they…

    Nathan Hunter

    Google

    Walker and morrell looked after my dad when he passed, Natalie was our funeral director and she was amazing she went above and beyond for us and she gave compassion and support while arranging my dads funeral they cared for my dad very well bringing…

    Emma Coulson

    Google

    Aimee and the team at Walker & Morrell guided us through the process and took care of eveything throughout what was a difficult time for the family. A job very well done.…

    Glen Robson

    Google

    Can’t thank Nicola at Walker & Morrell Washington enough for everything you’ve done to look after my mam at a very difficult time over the last few weeks and for giving her a really lovely send off, nothing was ever too much trouble, Nicola was…

    Claire Downie

    Google

    I have no reservations regarding recommendation of Walker and Morrell. Natalie was exceptional. She was approachable, sensitive, proactive and left nothing to chance at a very difficult time for my family. I cannot find any criticism to make regarding the W and M team.

    Ian White

    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