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

    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

    Google

    From the moment we made the first phone call, Natalie and the entire team at Walker & Morrell Washington have been incredible. The level of care our loved one received was everything and more than we could ever have hoped for. Natalie went above and…

    Tia Barrow

    Google

    Walker & Morrell Funeral Directors provided an exceptional service for my Mam’s funeral, and I can’t thank them enough. Everything was handled with genuine care, dignity and professionalism from the very beginning. I want to give a special mention and particular praise to Nicola Lynn,…

    David Heron

    Google

    We as a family can’t thank the staff at Walker and morrell enough for all the compassion and care from all members of staff. When my grandad sadly passed away Nicola helped take care of the funeral arrangements and really helped navigate us through everything.…

    Liam Robson

    Google

    I like to thank you and all staff for looking after us I recommend for ppl to take yous on board so lovely thank you again yous all made us welcome and made my dad look lovely 😍😍

    Michelle Otto

    Google

    Natalie Holywell was our funeral director, she was absolutely amazing and extremely supportive, helpful and professional, I would like to take this opportunity to thank her & the team for everything that they did for us, thank you xx

    James Braban

    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

    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