moved from Martinsville, VA to Goldsboro and established the Palace Funeral Home. The funeral home was first located in the Lindy Hotel on Carolina Street. It was at this location where Mr. Shumate purchased a black, horse-drawn hearse. The Palace Funeral Home later moved to the upstairs of Edwards and Jernigan Furniture Store, located on the 100 block of E. As larger facilities were needed, the funeral home moved to the old Silas Webb home at 211 E. Mulberry Street in the late 1930's. Shumate's son, Harry J. Shumate, Jr. joined the business in 1945 following graduation from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, Tenneessee. In 1961, Shumate Funeral Home moved to a larger facility at 601 E. Ash Street, capable of better serving the needs of the community. At this time, Mr. Shumate sold the business in equal shares to his three sons, Harry, Jr., who served as the company's President, Edwin Shumate, and Charles Shumate. In 1971, James V. "Jimmy" Faulk, son-in-law of Harry, Jr. and Mae Shumate joined the staff of Shumate Funeral Home. Following the death of Harry Shumate, Jr. on February 3, 1982, Jimmy Faulk became President of the company. Four years later, on January 6, 1986, the funeral home moved to its current location at 2873 U.S. in Dudley. At this time, the name of the business was changed to Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home. The new facility was built to accommodate the emerging needs and total concept of funeral service: both at-need and pre-need care, a full service florist, pre-planning and insurance offices, a large chapel capable of seating 250 and two spacious visitation rooms. In an effort to expand our services, the Shumate-Faulk Crematory was built across the street from the funeral home in the fall of 2000. The crematory has a private chapel for families who choose to be present for the cremation. Following the death of Jimmy Faulk on October 13, 2001, his son, James V. "Ven" Faulk, Jr. became the current President of the company and his daughter, Suzanne Faulk became the Corporate Secretary. Ven, Suzanne, and their mother, Pat Shumate Faulk Batten, a licensed funeral director & grand-daughter of Harry Shumate, Sr. continue to serve the residents of our community with love and care. Our seven licensed funeral directors and support staff of sixteen, stand ready to serve you at any hour, day or night. The Shumate-Faulk family has served the citizens of Wayne and surrounding counties for over 80 years, making it one of the oldest family owned and operated funeral homes in North Carolina. "A Commitment to Service" continues to be our motto and constant goal.
