Celebrant Steve works with many different funeral directors, one of those, and the focus of this article is Joseph Edwards & Sons, of Alsager and Kidsgrove, Stoke-On-Trent. Joseph Edwards & Sons Funeral Directors is well known in the area and has arranged some very high-profile services. If you need to arrange a funeral for a loved one, you are guaranteed to be in safe hands.
History of Joseph Edwards & Sons
Founded in 1882, Joseph Edwards & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to serving families in the Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire areas. Now run by the fourth generation of the Edwards family, this funeral director has a wealth of experience arranging funerals from small and simple to large and complex.

Joseph Edwards and Sons is immensely proud of their local roots and the community they serve. Andrew Edwards comments on the Joseph Edwards & Son website, “We have a long commitment to our community, this is where we live and work, and it is where we plan to stay. When you need us, we’ll be here.”
With over 130 years of experience and guided by modern ideas and practice, they are members of The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). The personable staff work tirelessly to ensure that funerals are organised and executed to perfection and offer support to the grieving family.
High-Profile Funerals
Such is the impeccable reputation of Joseph Edwards & Sons that they have been called upon to arrange some extremely high-profile funerals. Including funerals for the following local sporting legends:
- Gordon Banks OBE
- Sir Stanley Matthews
- Sir Jack Hayward
- Baroness Rachel Heyhoe Flint
Every funeral is equally important, with a high degree of dedication to ensure that each funeral is perfect for the respective families. High-profile funerals attract media attention from around the globe; this is where the funeral director’s skill in attention to detail shines through. Sir Stanley Matthews funeral was televised, included a raft of famous sports personalities, and the cortege consisted of nine police-escorted vehicles with over 100,000 people lining the streets of Stoke-On-Trent to pay their respects. Executing a funeral of this magnitude would need to be entrusted to the best in the business. In August of this year, Celebrant Steve, arranged his 1000th ceremony in North Staffs. He comments that, “Joseph Edwards and Sons are, without a doubt, one of the best in the area.”
Arranging a Funeral in Stoke-On-Trent
Steve is also widely regarded as one of the best funeral celebrants in the country. He works very closely with Joseph Edwards & Sons, officiating at many funerals organised by them.
Services Available
Arranging a funeral can be a daunting task, and thankfully most people don’t have to do it too often. Joseph Edwards & Sons, Independent Funeral Director, have the experience and the logistical know-how to guide you through every step of the process. Giving you as much help and support as required and taking over all of the legal formalities, enabling you to concentrate on grieving your loved one and contributing to the planning of the service.
Whether you arrange a simple unattended funeral, or a large, unique gathering, Joseph Edwards & Sons can help. Their standard service includes:
- Taking care of all legal and administrative arrangements
- Transporting the person that has died
- Preparation, care, and storage of the body
- Viewing of the deceased for family and friends as required
- Providing a standard coffin
However, to enable each ceremony to be as unique as the person that has died, you can add additional services to create a bespoke package that meets your requirements. Additional services available include:
- Limousines to transport the family
- Embalming of the body
- Organising floral tributes
- Design and printing of the order of service
- Appointing a quality Funeral Officiant on your behalf
- Bespoke coffin
- Full masonry service for memorials
- Catering for the wake
- Assistance in claiming DSS funeral grants
- Pre-paid funeral plans
Celebrant Steve Works With Joseph Edwards & Sons
As an independent funeral director, Joseph Edwards and Sons are well placed to help families organise every funeral detail, including the officiant. Some families will already know who will officiate the funeral service; for example, where the deceased has been a regular churchgoer, the minister at their church will likely be performing a religious ceremony. However, for many families, there is no such obvious choice.
Every funeral director will work with a variety of Officiants such as Celebrant Steve, and they will be able to recommend an Officiant based upon your requirements. Steve has worked alongside Joseph Edwards & Sons for some time; they have mutual respect for each role in organising a funeral and a shared ethos in supporting each family individually to meet their needs.
You can find out more about Steve here or contact him directly or via the funeral director to discuss his role. Steve is always happy to meet with families, offering support and guidance and information.
There is a high degree of certainty that you will receive the best service and the best care during a challenging time by choosing Joseph Edwards & Sons Independent Funeral Directors and Celebrant Steve working together.