Finding a specific tribute can feel like a maze when you're already dealing with a loss. It's tough. Most of the time, you're just looking for a date or a time to show your respects, but the digital trail isn't always a straight line. If you're searching for hargett funeral service obituaries, you aren't just looking for a name on a screen. You're looking for a legacy that spans over 150 years of North Carolina history.
This isn't your average corporate funeral chain. Not even close.
The Real Story Behind the Names
Hargett Funeral Service isn't just a business; it’s a pillar of the Greensboro community. Honestly, the history is kind of wild. It started way back in 1871 in Kinston. A grocer named J.C. Hargett saw a desperate need for Black families to have dignified burials during a time when that wasn't a given.
He eventually sponsored the education of John Clarence Scarborough, who became the first Black student at a top embalming school in New York. They moved the operation to Durham and then Greensboro. By the 1960s, the Hargett family was right in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. They were known for posting bail for students arrested during the Greensboro Sit-ins. When you read a modern obituary from them, you’re looking at a continuation of that specific, heavy, and proud history.
Where to Actually Find Recent Postings
Most people start with a broad Google search, but that often leads to those "obituary aggregator" sites that are basically just soul-less archives. If you want the real-time info, you’ve got two main paths.
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The first is the Greensboro-specific Hargett Funeral Service website. It's located right on East Market Street—a street that has seen its fair share of history. The current leadership, including Nathaniel E. Hargett III, keeps a digital record of those who have transitioned.
The second path is through the Hargett-Wheeler Funeral Service portal. This is a common point of confusion. There’s a partnership there that covers the Alamance County and Burlington areas too. If you can’t find a name on the Greensboro site, check the Hargett-Wheeler listings. They often host the "social obituary" pages where you can leave digital candles or upload photos of your own.
Why the Search is Sometimes Tricky
Ever notice how some obituaries seem to vanish? Or they show up on one site but not the other? It’s usually because of how different families choose to share the news. Some go for the full digital tribute with a guest book, while others prefer a simple, private notice.
- The Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel: A lot of the services mentioned in the obituaries happen right here at 905 E. Market St. If the obituary says "Service in the Chapel," that’s the spot.
- The Greensboro Four Connection: Because of the family’s deep ties to the Sit-in movement, you’ll often see references to A&T University or local historic churches like St. John AME in the life stories.
- Terminology: You’ll see the word "transitioned" used a lot in these specific obituaries. It’s a cultural nuance that reflects the firm's roots.
What’s Included in a Modern Tribute?
These aren't just lists of survivors. A typical Hargett obituary usually gives you the full roadmap:
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- Public Viewing Times: Often held a day before the ceremony, sometimes at the East Market Street location.
- The Celebration of Life: This is the big one. It’ll list the church or chapel, the officiating minister, and the time.
- The "Repast": Many families still include where the community will gather to eat after the burial.
- Memorial Donations: Instead of flowers, many recent obituaries ask for donations to specific local charities or scholarship funds.
Navigating the Legacy
When you're looking through hargett funeral service obituaries, you’re often seeing 100-year lives. It’s not rare to see a notice for someone who lived to be 101, like Rozenia Wright, or leaders who shaped the local school systems.
The Hargett name is also tied to the Scarborough family in Durham. If you're searching for someone with deep roots in the Triangle or the Triad, you might find their records split between the Durham "Scarborough & Hargett" location and the Greensboro branch. They are related but operated as distinct pillars of their respective cities.
Practical Steps for Your Search
If you are looking for someone right now, don't just rely on the first page of Google.
- Check the "Most Recent" Tab: On the Hargett-Wheeler site, they sort by the date of the "transition."
- Search by Maiden Name: In Greensboro’s tight-knit community, many folks are remembered by their family names from decades ago.
- Call Directly: Sometimes the website update lags a bit behind the actual arrangements. The Greensboro office is usually reachable during standard business hours at 336-273-8293.
Beyond the Digital Screen
Reading an obituary is just the start. If you’re planning to attend a service mentioned in one of these notices, keep in mind that the Market Street location is a historic building. Parking can be tight during large celebrations of life.
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It’s also worth noting the cost aspect, as many people look at obituaries while planning their own future. A standard burial service through this firm typically involves the "Basic Services" fee (around $1,800) plus the specifics like the ceremony and casket. Seeing these details in a public obituary can sometimes help a family understand what a "Service with Excellence" actually looks like in practice.
The most important thing to remember? You’re looking for a person, not a data point. Whether it's a graduate of the old Palmer Institute or a veteran who served in the 40s, these obituaries are the final draft of a Greensboro story.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking for a specific person, start by visiting the Hargett-Wheeler Funeral Service website for Alamance/Greensboro listings or the Scarborough & Hargett site if the individual had ties to Durham. For older records not found online, the Greensboro Public Library maintains a deep archive of local African American history and funeral programs that often go back further than the digital databases. If you need immediate service times for a recent passing, a direct call to the Market Street office is the most reliable way to get the exact schedule for viewings and ceremonies.