Selecting a funeral home is honestly one of those things you never want to do. It’s heavy. It’s confusing. And in a place like Elizabeth City, where everyone sorta knows everyone, the pressure to "get it right" for your family feels even more intense. Most people searching for Mitchell Funeral Home Elizabeth City NC aren't just looking for an address; they’re trying to figure out if this is a place that will actually treat their mom or dad with real dignity instead of just another file on a desk.
Aubrey H.J. Mitchell didn’t just wake up one day and decide to open a business. He was essentially born for this. Believe it or not, when he was just twelve years old, he was already lining up toy cars for funeral processions. Most kids that age are obsessed with video games or sports, but he was fascinated by the poise and comfort funeral directors provided to grieving families. He saw it as a calling—a ministry, really—rather than just a job. That’s a vibe you don't get from the big corporate-owned chains.
The Story Behind Mitchell Funeral Care and Cremations
Established officially on August 24, 2016, Mitchell Funeral Home Elizabeth City NC (officially known as Mitchell Funeral Care and Cremations) was built on the site of the old Lannon’s Animal Hospital. The building had been sitting empty for about a decade before Aubrey Mitchell and his partner, Chris M. Wilson, took it over. They didn't just slap a coat of paint on it; they completely reimagined the space.
The facility today includes:
- A dedicated family greeting area.
- Private and public viewing rooms.
- A full-service on-site print shop for programs.
- An embalming and preparation room.
- A chapel for those who prefer not to use a church.
Basically, they turned a vacant shell into a sanctuary. It’s located at 609 Hull Drive, tucked away in a spot that offers some privacy during those moments when you really don't want to be seen.
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What Makes Them Different?
If you’ve ever had to plan a service, you know the "Basic Services of Funeral Director and Staff" fee is usually the biggest chunk of the bill. At Mitchell’s, that fee covers the heavy lifting—things like the arrangement conference, filing death certificates, and coordinating with the cemetery.
But what people actually talk about in reviews is the "look." Aubrey is a licensed embalmer who takes a lot of pride in his craft. It sounds a bit clinical, but in the world of funeral service, "the memory picture" is everything. Families often mention how their loved ones looked "at peace" or "just like themselves," which is a huge deal when you're trying to find closure.
The Cost Factor: No One Likes to Talk About It
Let's be real—funerals are expensive. In Elizabeth City, the prices can swing wildly. A traditional full-service burial at Mitchell's usually starts around $7,665, while a direct cremation is closer to $1,595.
To put that in perspective, here’s how things roughly shake out in the local area:
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- Direct Cremation: $995 – $1,980 (depending on the provider).
- Full Service Cremation: Around $5,390.
- Affordable Burial Options: Starting near $4,700.
It’s not the cheapest in town, but it’s definitely not the most expensive either. They tend to land in that middle ground where you’re paying for the personalized attention and the updated facility without the "big city" markup you might see in Raleigh or Norfolk.
Beyond the Casket: Community and Education
One of the more interesting things about Aubrey Mitchell is that he didn't stop learning once the business was successful. In May 2025, he actually graduated from Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) with a degree in business administration. He was balancing being a husband, a father of five, and a full-time mortician while finishing his degree.
That matters because it shows a commitment to the community. He’s a "Viking" through and through. He even served as the chaplain for the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and played the organ for the gospel choir. When you choose Mitchell Funeral Home Elizabeth City NC, you’re dealing with someone who is deeply woven into the fabric of the town.
Navigating the Process
If you're currently in the middle of a loss, the steps feel like a blur. Usually, it starts with a phone call—they’re available 24/7 at (252) 562-6936. From there, you'll meet for an arrangement conference. You don't have to have everything figured out before you walk in.
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They also offer "Pre-Plan" services. Most people ignore this because, well, it’s uncomfortable. But honestly? It’s probably the kindest thing you can do for your kids. It locks in today's prices and keeps them from having to guess what kind of music you liked or whether you wanted to be buried or cremated while they're still in the middle of fresh grief.
What Most People Get Wrong About Funerals
People often think you must have a viewing or you must use a certain cemetery. That’s not how it works. You have rights under the "Funeral Rule" (a real thing enforced by the FTC). You can buy a casket online if you want, and the funeral home has to use it without charging you an extra fee. Mitchell’s is pretty transparent about this stuff. They’re members of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, so they follow a pretty strict code of ethics.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re looking into Mitchell Funeral Home Elizabeth City NC right now, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Obituaries: Visit their official website to see how they handle current services. It’ll give you a sense of their style and the "feel" of the programs they produce.
- Request a General Price List (GPL): By law, they have to give you this. Don't be afraid to ask for it upfront so you can see the itemized costs.
- Visit the Facility: If you’re not in an emergency situation, drive by 609 Hull Drive. Walk inside. See if the atmosphere feels right for your family.
- Consider Pre-Arrangement: Even if you don't pay a dime today, getting your wishes on paper in their system saves your family from making 50+ decisions in a single day later on.
The reality of Elizabeth City is that there are several options—Twiford, Stallings, Walson—each with its own history. Mitchell’s represents the "new guard"—a mix of traditional respect with a more modern, entrepreneurial spirit. Whether it’s the right fit depends on if you value that personal, owner-operated touch over the legacy of the older establishments.