Helping People During Difficult Times

If you were to walk into the C.C. Carter Funeral Home in Newport News, you would likely experience a sense of calm and peace, and that is exactly what their staff is trying to invoke. The team took great care in designing a tranquil and comfortable space for people navigating a time in life that is often challenging and emotional. There is an area for relaxation and reflection, space to watch television and experience fellowship, and an area to prepare and serve food; they have thought of everything. C.C. Carter Funeral Home has been in its current location since fall 2023, however, its history extends much further back. 

The Gilmore Funeral Home was established in 1941, by Mr. Van P. & Helen Gilmore. The Gilmores offered funeral services to families in the East End and surrounding areas for over forty years until they each passed away in the mid-1980s. Mr. William H. Coles assumed ownership in 1987 and provided excellent service and care to countless families until March 2011 when the establishment was transferred to Dr. Christopher C. Carter and the name was changed.

Dr. Carter is living out his lifelong dream of being both a mortician and a pastor. “My God-given purpose has always been to help people who are hurting. I was called into gospel ministry almost 32 years ago. I’ve been a pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Hampton for 30 years, and truly value the opportunity to help people in our community navigate difficult times by being there spiritually and emotionally,” Dr. Carter shares. After his father passed away, Dr. Carter was drawn to funeral home care. He worked in one for a while, before realizing ownership was the next logical, ordained step for him. Dr. Carter pursued his advanced education and certifications required to make his dream a reality, and in 2011 took over ownership of the funeral home. 

At the time, they were providing service to about 15-20 families per year. Dr. Carter, his wife, co-owner Mrs. Anita R. Burley-Carter, and their team set goals to grow the business and help as many families as they could. They have exceeded those goals, serving more than 320 families in 2024! When asked how they got there, Dr. Carter replied, “I dream, but I also take action. I take the steps needed to reach the goals. I treat people how I want to be treated and how I want my loved ones to be treated. I believe that type of care and our integrity has taken us far.” Dr. Carter credits the funeral home staff for making it happen. “Our staff are all so dedicated to the families we serve. When that care is at the center of all we do, we cannot go wrong.”

In addition to providing funeral and memorial services, cremation, and burials, Dr. Carter and his staff enjoy speaking to churches, community groups, senior groups, and students about various topics, including the benefits of making pre-arrangements, and what you need to know when someone you love dies. 

He also enjoys speaking about the business side of things to students. Representatives from the funeral home are available to speak on these topics in the community. 

Dr. Carter shared that their relationship with their banker, Donna McMahon, has been key for their success as well. “Ms. McMahon is an asset to TowneBank. She’s exceptional at what she does and has always been there when we needed help or guidance, especially on the building project we completed in 2023.”

What’s next for C.C. Carter Funeral Home? They own five acres of land adjacent to the funeral home and have a vision for an event center or pavilion that can be shared with the community. Make no mistake: If Dr. Carter dreams it, it will come to fruition! 

Visit CCCarterFuneralHome.com for more information.