When you drive down Halifax Street in Emporia, you aren't just looking at a stretch of road. You’re looking at the heartbeat of a community that has seen its fair share of transitions. Right there at 568 Halifax Street stands Knox Mortuary in Emporia Virginia—or as it is officially known today, Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. It’s one of those places that everyone in Greensville County knows, but nobody really wants to visit until they absolutely have to.
Death is uncomfortable. Planning a funeral? Even worse. Most people assume all funeral homes are these stiff, corporate entities that just want to upsell you on a mahogany casket. Honestly, that's not the vibe here. This is a family-run operation that has survived decades of change by being, well, human.
The Long Road from 1941 to Now
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning John A. Knox. Back in 1941, he started the "House of Knox" just down the street on the 300 block of Halifax. He’d just bought out E.D. Mason Funeral Home, which was a huge deal at the time. Eventually, he built a new spot at 564 Halifax, and that’s where the legacy really took root.
Knox ran the show until 1982. That’s a long time to be the guy everyone calls on their worst day.
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When he retired, he sold the business to Donati R. High, Sr. That was a turning point. The name shifted to Knox Funeral Service for a while, and by 1996, the High family moved everything into the current facility at 568 Halifax Street. They rebranded to Knox-High Mortuary, Inc., and they’ve been there ever since. Today, Tamir Faison is a name you’ll hear a lot if you’re dealing with them. He’s known for being incredibly professional but also, you know, a real person who actually cares.
What Knox Mortuary in Emporia Virginia Actually Does
Most people think it’s just burials and flowers. It’s way more complex. When someone passes away, the logistics are a nightmare. You’ve got Social Security benefits to worry about, death certificates to order, and veteran claims if they served.
They handle the heavy lifting. This includes:
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- Traditional Burials: We’re talking the full visitation, the wake, and the graveside service.
- Cremation Options: This has become huge lately. They do direct cremation (which is the most affordable route) or full-service cremation where you still have a ceremony.
- The "Paperwork" Nightmare: They help you gather vital statistics—birth dates, parents' names, military discharge papers. Things you definitely don't want to be hunting for while you're grieving.
- Memorial Markers: They coordinate with cemeteries for the headstones and markers that actually stay behind after the flowers wilt.
One thing that surprises people is the cost transparency. In a town like Emporia, people talk. You can't hide high prices for long. Currently, a traditional full-service burial at Knox Mortuary in Emporia Virginia runs around $7,135. If you’re looking at direct cremation, it’s closer to $1,695. It’s not "cheap," because nothing in this industry is, but it’s competitive for the Southside Virginia area.
Why Location and Facilities Matter
The building itself is fully handicap accessible, which is a big deal when you realize half the people attending funerals are often elderly relatives. They’ve got a large, well-lit parking lot off the street. That sounds like a boring detail, right? Wrong. If you’ve ever tried to park for a 200-person funeral on a narrow city street, you know a dedicated lot is a godsend.
The atmosphere isn't clinical. They’ve gone out of their way to make the viewing rooms and chapels feel "homey." It’s designed to be a space for "The Talk of a Lifetime," as they put it. Basically, they want you to focus on the person who died, not the fact that you're in a mortuary.
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Dealing with the Modern Funeral
Things have changed since 1941. People want unique services now. Sometimes it’s a standard Baptist service at Claresville Baptist Church; other times, it’s a memorial service held weeks later with just an urn present. Knox Mortuary in Emporia Virginia has had to adapt to this "new normal" where not everyone wants the horse-drawn carriage vibe.
They offer something called "Pre-Planning." Kinda morbid to think about your own funeral? Sure. But honestly, it’s a gift to your kids. You pick the casket, you pay the 2026 prices (which will definitely be higher in 2040), and you lock it in. It saves your family from having to guess if you wanted "Amazing Grace" or "Highway to Hell" while they're standing in a lobby crying.
Actionable Steps for Families in Emporia
If you find yourself needing to contact them, don't wait for business hours. They are a 24/7 operation because death doesn't keep a 9-to-5 schedule.
- Gather the Vital Stats: Before you call, try to find the Social Security number and any military discharge papers (DD-214). It speeds everything up.
- Decide on the "Big Two": Burial or Cremation? This is the first question they’ll ask.
- Check Entitlements: If your loved one was a veteran or had specific insurance policies, let the director know immediately. There are often funds available to help cover costs that people completely overlook.
- Visit in Person: If you're local, just go to 568 Halifax St. It's often easier to get a feel for the people you’ll be working with face-to-face.
The reality is that Knox Mortuary in Emporia Virginia is more than a business; it’s a repository of local history. From the Williams family to the Pearsons, the obituaries passing through their doors tell the story of Emporia itself. Whether it’s Tamir Faison helping a family through a sudden loss or the staff setting up for a Saturday morning service, they remain a constant in a town that has seen plenty of change.