About Us
Celebrating life since 1991
As a proud member of the Castlewood community since 1991, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.
Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.
Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.
Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our story
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Early 1991
In January of 1991, a large tract of land overlooking Highway 58 in Castlewood was purchased from Mr. Trinkle Phillips, a local businessman, and an 8400 square foot building was designed. C&R builders of Castlewood served as the contractor for the building, and construction began in the spring of 1991.
Late 1991
On October 1, 1991, Castlewood Funeral Home opened, and the firm received its first call on that day. The original associates of the firm were Jess Johnson, Eddie Gullett, Bert McCoy, C.B. Parrott, and Twilia Gullett. In early 1994, because of the increasing number of families served by Castlewood Funeral Home, Randy Bryant joined the staff.
Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.
Eddie E. Gullett
Location Manager and Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Dan Counts
Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Amanda Salyer Harris
Funeral Service Intern
Elijah Dixon
Funeral Service Intern
Elizabeth Powers
Administrative Assistant
Edward Kiser
Funeral Assistant
Rita Jo Banner
Funeral Assistant
Jess Johnson
Founder (In Memoriam)
Our Castlewood Funeral Home family, and our Castlewood community, experienced a great loss when Jess passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, October 8, 2020, at his home.
Jess began working part-time at Huff-Cook Funeral Home in St. Paul, Virginia in May of 1964. On June 1, 1965, he began working full-time at Huff-Cook, where he remained until the end of 1990. On October 1, 1991, Castlewood Funeral Home opened, and the firm received its first call on that day. Throughout the years, Jess served the Castlewood Community faithfully with professionalism and care. He faithfully would answer calls at all hours of the day and night, and always sought to comfort those grieving.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Slemp Mullins Johnson, the light of Poppa’s life, Aaron Burton; one son, Jessie “Jay” Johnson, III and wife, Penny of Castlewood, Virginia; one daughter, Rebecca Woodruff and husband, Timothy of St. Paul, Virginia; four grandchildren, Jessie Johnson IV and wife, Jannike of Castlewood, Virginia, Nathan Johnson and wife, Megan of Castlewood, Virginia, Josh Castle and wife, Rebecca of Castlewood, Virginia, and Olivia Castle; six great-grandchildren, Cayden and Conner Castle, Nolan Johnson, Henry Johnson, Kaitlyn Castle, and Aliaynna Woodruff; and several nieces and nephews.
Jess’ example and passion to serve and care for families will always inspire us at Castlewood Funeral Home. He honored the lives of everyone that came into his care, and leaves a great legacy for us to follow. The Castlewood Funeral Home family and our whole Castlewood community will greatly miss this humble servant…
A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Castlewood Funeral Home facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.
A time to honor, comfort and heal
We help create unique and meaningful memorial services to celebrate your loved one and begin the healing process for families and friends left behind.
We’ll take care of every detail
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and advanced planning.
Unique Funerals and Tributes
Compassionate customer care
“When my Father died, Jess made it so easy on our family. He was the best”
Author:— Connie Banner rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I would like to thank you all especially Jess for making something bad as good as it could be,deal with bussinesses everyday at work and never had any place to treat me and my family so good,great people,thank you all very much”
Author:— Timothy Martin rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“A sad day but everything was very nicely done.”
Author:— Crystal Hall rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Castlewood Funeral Home offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.