Peoples Funeral Home is the realization of the dream of John W. Bennett. Founded October 1, 1963 in Whiteville, North Carolina to serve the citizens of Columbus, Bladen, and Brunswick counties, it has grown to serve families in various outlying communities and cities across the United States.

John chose the name Peoples because he wanted the funeral home to be available for all “peoples" of this region, regardless of race, culture, or creed. In 1969 the company became incorporated as Peoples Funeral Home, Inc.

To show appreciation to its many patrons, Peoples Funeral Home, under the leadership of Arthalia Bennett Spaulding, acquired its present location at 707 Vinson Boulevard in Whiteville, North Carolina on September 12, 1994.

In 1999, Arthalia quietly passed her interest in Peoples Funeral Home, Inc. to her niece, Leacy Shipman Pierce, and her nephews, William Ernest Shipman and Raymond Eugene Shipman. The name then changed to Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville, Inc. On February 22, 2000, Peoples Funeral Home lost its leader, Arthalia Bennett Spaulding, after a brief illness. Rising to the challenge, under the capable management of Wyoming Wicker, the staff pulled together and continued the great tradition begun by the Bennetts.

The unexpected death of Wyoming Wicker on April 13, 2003, put the company at an even greater challenge. LaDeen Powell was named Chief Operating Officer and is continuing to "keep the dream alive".  On August 11, 2023, Ms. Powell was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of the organization. 

Owners are:

William Ernest Shipman, President
Nikki Shipman Hayes,, Vice-President
Raymond Eugene Shipman, Secretary-Treasurer

LaDeen Powell
Chief Executive Officer

John Bennett

Arthalia Bennett Spaulding