About Us
Our History
Sossoman Funeral Home, begun 61 years ago as a small enterprise to provide helpful services for families in grief, remains today a family operation still committed to a high standard of professional, compassionate care.Established February 28, 1949, Sossoman's was originally located on College Street in downtown Morganton, near the old Grace Hospital (now CoMMA).
J.C. and Smaro Sossoman (originally from Cabarrus County) moved to Morganton from Winston-Salem, founding Sossoman Funeral Home. Their son, Calvin, was born March 1949 just after the Funeral Home was established. Today, the firm is owned and operated by Calvin Sossoman, Mary Lou Sossoman, Rick Hood, and Jimmy Kirksey.
In 1966, Sossoman's moved from the large two-story home on College Street (where the Morganton Department of Public Safety is now located) to its present location on South Sterling Street, near the entrance to Broughton Hospital. Over the years the funeral home facility has been remodeled and upgraded, including a complete exterior facelift in 1986. Recently the interior was completely refurbished, and an additional 5,000 square feet of space added.
Sossoman's has long drawn attention for its collection of paintings and small antiques in its lobby areas. Outside, Sossoman's commands a sweeping view of Blue Ridge foothills and is noted for the elegantly manicured grounds, reflecting the firm's attention to the familes they serve.
The staff at Sossoman's Funeral Home values the loyalty that area familes have, in turn, shown to the firm, and is continually striving to find additional ways to better meet the needs and wishes of the familes they serve.
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Why Choose Us?
Why should you choose Sossoman Funeral Home to help your family during your time of need? Simply put, “We care.” Since 1949 we have been serving local families with the highest degree of integrity possible and we will continue to do so in the future.
Below is a poem written by Betty Ward Cain in August of 2002.
Ode to Sossoman’s Funeral Home
Thank you for sharing in our celebration of the wonderful life of our mother.
Right from the start
You opened your heart
To me, my sister and brothers.
You lightened our task and helped us to laugh, which wasn’t cold or calloused.
We loved her so
But she was ready to go
Now she’s taken possession of her palace.
Your gentleness and diligence to do your job and perfect every minute detail,
Your experienced touch
We appreciate very much
You did everything so well.
You blended right in with the family and became as one of our own.
You felt our pain
And with us you sang
As if she were bone of your bone.
She was a pretty lady and you helped that to show. She looked like a baby doll.
In all honest truth
You brought back her youth
She was beautiful to us all.
We have no regrets and will never forget all that you did for us.
Everyone who came
You remembered their name
We give you a great big A plus.
You professional service to all of us was perfection and first rate.
We were impressed
You gave us your best
Our compliment for you- YOU WERE GREAT!
Right from the start
You opened your heart
To me, my sister and brothers.
You lightened our task and helped us to laugh, which wasn’t cold or calloused.
We loved her so
But she was ready to go
Now she’s taken possession of her palace.
Your gentleness and diligence to do your job and perfect every minute detail,
Your experienced touch
We appreciate very much
You did everything so well.
You blended right in with the family and became as one of our own.
You felt our pain
And with us you sang
As if she were bone of your bone.
She was a pretty lady and you helped that to show. She looked like a baby doll.
In all honest truth
You brought back her youth
She was beautiful to us all.
We have no regrets and will never forget all that you did for us.
Everyone who came
You remembered their name
We give you a great big A plus.
You professional service to all of us was perfection and first rate.
We were impressed
You gave us your best
Our compliment for you- YOU WERE GREAT!
Below is a poem written by Clyde Hughlnd Baird on May 30, 2001.
My Tribute to the Sossomans
A family named Sossoman came to our town,
With little fanfare and of no renown.
Their desire was sincere and of noble intent.
And constant in purpose they would not relent.
It was near springtime when Calvin arrived,
But a close and loving family, they were destined to survive.
Young Charles was a mere toddler when they first began,
A few years later, precious Madelyn completed the clain.
Hard work in those early years as their reputation took hold,
A much needed and loving business they began to mold.
At the house on the corner where it all began,
They sought out a place for a permanet stand.
It soon became evident they were here to stay,
And deep roots and fond memories they began to lay.
As a "lion" in the community, he began to roar,
And the work that he started was beginning to soar.
When sad grieving families were needing a friend,
A sweet smile, a sweet jesture, their kindness would tend
to make the "going" easier, right up to the end.
So often their presence would comfort the soul,
But to love and comfort was their primary goal.
With JC, Smaro, Charles, Calvin and of course, Mary Lou,
God's love is so evident in everything they do.
Now many years later as I think back in time,
To a wonderful year it was nineteen forty nine.
A most special young family God surely did send.
We are privileged beyond words to call them friend.
As God sends His call, His angels take flight,
The Sossoman's are there to make everything right.
A tribute to this family I have tried to share,
Can be summed up in these words; "They truly do care".
With little fanfare and of no renown.
Their desire was sincere and of noble intent.
And constant in purpose they would not relent.
It was near springtime when Calvin arrived,
But a close and loving family, they were destined to survive.
Young Charles was a mere toddler when they first began,
A few years later, precious Madelyn completed the clain.
Hard work in those early years as their reputation took hold,
A much needed and loving business they began to mold.
At the house on the corner where it all began,
They sought out a place for a permanet stand.
It soon became evident they were here to stay,
And deep roots and fond memories they began to lay.
As a "lion" in the community, he began to roar,
And the work that he started was beginning to soar.
When sad grieving families were needing a friend,
A sweet smile, a sweet jesture, their kindness would tend
to make the "going" easier, right up to the end.
So often their presence would comfort the soul,
But to love and comfort was their primary goal.
With JC, Smaro, Charles, Calvin and of course, Mary Lou,
God's love is so evident in everything they do.
Now many years later as I think back in time,
To a wonderful year it was nineteen forty nine.
A most special young family God surely did send.
We are privileged beyond words to call them friend.
As God sends His call, His angels take flight,
The Sossoman's are there to make everything right.
A tribute to this family I have tried to share,
Can be summed up in these words; "They truly do care".
Your friend,
Clyde Hughland Baird
©2010 Sossoman Funeral Home, All Rights Reserved