Finding a specific tribute or service detail shouldn't feel like a chore, especially when you're already dealing with a loss. If you’re looking for Costner Funeral Home Gastonia NC obituaries, you’ve likely realized that while the name is legendary in Gaston County, the way we find information about our neighbors and loved ones has changed a bit.
Honestly, the "old way" of waiting for the morning paper is mostly gone.
Costner Funeral Home has been a cornerstone of the Gastonia community for generations. They’ve seen the city change from a textile hub to the growing suburban sprawl it is today. But because they are a smaller, family-oriented firm, their online presence works a little differently than the massive corporate-owned funeral conglomerates.
Where the Recent Listings Actually Are
If you need a name right now, the first place to check isn't actually a giant search engine. It's their official portal.
Most people get stuck because they search for a name and Google gives them a result from three years ago. To see the folks who passed this week or month, you have to go to the source. The funeral home uses a dedicated obituary hosting platform that keeps everything updated in real-time.
Current local listings often include:
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- Jimmie Lee Taylor (passed January 11, 2026)
- Jerome Davis (passed December 31, 2025)
- Lucy Mae Johnson Gamble (passed December 29, 2025)
These aren't just names on a screen. Each entry usually has the full service schedule, which is critical if you're trying to figure out if the viewing is at the West Franklin Boulevard chapel or a local church like Mt. Pisgah Baptist.
The History Most People Forget
You can't talk about Costner without mentioning the Highland community. Charles W. Costner, Sr. started this whole thing back in 1939. That’s nearly a century of history.
For a long time, the "hangout" was at 405 N. Marietta Street. If you grew up in Gastonia, you remember that spot. It was more than a funeral home; it was a place where people stopped by just to say hello while walking downtown.
Then the county decided they needed a new courthouse and jail.
The building was taken, and the firm had to move to its current spot at 2425 W. Franklin Blvd. It was a big shift for the family. Charles Jr. has talked openly about how much he missed that community connection on Marietta Street. But they didn’t just disappear. They bought land on Highland Street with the goal of "coming home" to the neighborhood that built them.
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Understanding the "Service of Distinction"
When you’re looking at these obituaries, you’ll notice a phrase they use often: "Service of Distinction."
It’s not just a marketing slogan. In the African American funeral tradition in the South, the "homegoing" service is a major event. It’s about dignity. Whether it’s a traditional casket service or a more modern cremation, there’s an emphasis on the professional "director" aspect that you don’t always see in high-volume, corporate funeral homes.
What you’ll typically find in a Costner obituary:
- Detailed family lineages (they go deep on the survivors).
- Specific instructions for masks or health protocols (a carryover from the pandemic years).
- Direct links to send flowers or plant memorial trees.
Why Some Obituaries Are Hard to Find
Sometimes you know someone passed, but the obituary isn't showing up. This happens more than you'd think.
Usually, it’s because the family has requested a "private" service or the arrangements are still being finalized. If you see "Arrangements Are Incomplete" next to a name like Earl Ward Sr. or Mildred Elizabeth Carson, it means the staff is still working with the family to set dates.
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Don't panic and call the front desk immediately. Usually, if you check back after 4:00 PM, the details have been uploaded.
Quick Facts for Your Search
If you are trying to reach them for a specific record or to verify an obituary from the past, here is the "boots on the ground" info you need:
- Address: 2425 W. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052
- Phone: 704-864-6787
- Ownership: Still family-operated, which is rare these days.
- Legacy: Four generations of the Costner family have worked here.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are looking for a specific obituary from the last few days, skip the general search results and go directly to the Costner Funeral Home website. Once there, click the "Obituaries" tab.
For older records—say, something from the 1990s—you won't find those on the website. You’ll need to visit the Gaston County Public Library on Garrison Boulevard. They have the microfilm for the Gastonia Gazette, which is the only reliable way to find those older "Service of Distinction" archives.
If you are planning a service yourself, the most important thing is to get your "Family History" notes together before you call. The directors will need those specific details to write the kind of thorough obituary the Costner name is known for.