Darlington: 01325 482999 | Newton Aycliffe: 01325 318600

Pre-paid Funeral Plan

About Whitehouse Funeral Service

An independently family run and managed funeral business with branches in Darlington and Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, but covering the whole of the North East.

Whitehouse Funeral Service are here to help you at what is a very difficult time. Our Funeral Directors have a wealth of experience in arranging funerals and dealing with families compassionately. Assistance can be given in helping with all your funeral arrangements, including flowers, catering and any special needs. We don’t claim to be able to turn grief into joy but we do listen and do arrange that unique experience, remembering that every life lived is so individual.


Bereavement is a distressing experience which all of us encounter sometime in our lives, yet it is something that is talked about very little in everyday life. The distress and emotional upset can leave the bereaved completely disorientated and unsure as to what to do next. Our service and personal attention starts from the very first time you contact us.

Whitehouse Funeral Service is here to help you through that difficult time and with good family values and your needs at heart we will endeavour to make the whole process easier for you and your family.

Funeral Directors front


The business is run by a family team of John and his wife Julie and his parents Mel and Dorothy. The team also includes 5 other very experienced Funeral Directors in Bryan A. Shepherd, David Gray, Stephen Robson-Cross, Tracey Rimmer and John Watling. All well known and respected in the local community, whose manner and professionalism can only increase the quality of service already installed in the company.

Managing Director - John Whitehouse

Funeral Director - John

Financial Director - Mel Whitehouse

Financial Director - Mel

Funeral Director - Bryan A Shepherd

Funeral Director - Bryan

Funeral Director - David Gray

Funeral Director - David

Funeral Director - Stephen Robson-Cross

Funeral Director - Stephen

Celebrant / Funeral Director - Julie Whitehouse

Funeral Director and Community Champion - John Watling

Funeral Director - Tracey Rimmer


David Gray and John Whitehouse

Whitehouse Funeral Service

At our premises in Cockerton and Newton Aycliffe we have created a younger, fresher appearance giving an air of familiarity and homeliness. Our approach is reflected in this as we like to celebrate a life that has been, remembering all the good times, rather than create a sombre atmosphere. However, our respect for both the deceased and the family is always paramount.

Our rest rooms have been tastefully decorated reflecting the light, warm colour scheme which is present throughout the building. This provides confidence to the family in entrusting their loved one to us. Final goodbyes can be said as each deceased person will have their own room until the day of the funeral.

To find out more about our services, please contact us.

Caring for your needs day or night

Every life lived is so individual...

customer testimonials

Can't thank you all enough for the way you looked after my dad and family amazing.

- Victoria

Today we had my Brother In Law Pete's funeral. From the beginning we had an excellent service. Nothing was too much trouble. The whole experience was first class. Thanks to John and his drivers. Would certainly recommend this company.

- Carol

Fantastic people great service would recommend to everyone Mr Shepherd is impeccable at his job thank you so much.

- Hayley

From first phone call right to the very end, dealt with all our wishes for our dear mama with a professional yet friendly manner. John helped direct us when we were unsure where to turn and advised us on matters we'd never dealt with before. Would definitely recommend thank you.

- Sarah

I would like to thank every body for what you did for us on my husband's funeral it was first class service and I would highly recommend them thank you again.

- Joanne