S. Stibbards & Sons, Rayleigh

183 reviews

Call 24 hours

A family-owned funeral home in Rayleigh, near Benfleet, supporting families with compassionate and caring funeral services

Funeral arrangements

  • Home visit
  • 24 hour telephone support
  • On-site parking
  • Chapel of rest
  • Hearse
  • Limousine
  • Horse-drawn hearse
  • Bespoke vehicle
  • Coffin
  • Personalised coffin
  • Casket
  • Headstone / Plaque
  • Urn
  • Memorial jewellery
  • Floral tributes
  • Charitable donations
  • Newspaper announcement
  • Online obituary
  • Memorial book
  • Order of service sheets
  • Music
  • Video tribute
  • Funeral webcasting
  • Catering
  • Dove release
  • Balloon release
  • Fireworks

Types of funeral

  • Traditional burial
  • Simple funeral
  • Traditional cremation
  • Green funeral
  • Direct cremation
  • Burial at sea
  • Non-religious funeral
  • Anglican funeral
  • Roman Catholic funeral
  • Muslim funeral
  • Jewish funeral
  • Sikh funeral
  • Hindu funeral
  • Buddhist funeral
  • Children’s funeral

Financial arrangements

  • Financial advice
  • Wills & probate
  • Pre-paid funeral plan

Additional services

  • Repatriation
  • Bereavement counselling
  • List of mourners

Location

Weir View House
533 Rayleigh Road
Benfleet
Essex
SS7 3TN

Open map

Opening Hours

Day Hours
Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Professional Standards

  • NAFD Member

    Members agree to a published Code of Practice and can be held to account through the Association if something goes wrong.

    What they do

    • Inspects member premises to check standards are being met
    • Runs a complaints and resolution service for bereaved families
    • Provides funeral training and professional qualifications
  • SAIF Member

    Businesses are checked before they are admitted to SAIF and work to the Society’s Code of Practice.

    What they do

    • Inspects businesses before granting membership
    • Represents independent and family-owned funeral directors
    • Offers free, independent arbitration if something goes wrong

About Us

The caring team at S Stibbards & Sons understand that contacting a funeral director can seem daunting, but with over 150 years experience, they are there to listen, reassure and support families at this very difficult time.

As a funeral home with family values at its heart, its focus is upon providing compassionate funeral care to families in Rayleigh, Benfleet and the surrounding area at whatever time of day or night it is needed.

When it can be hard to focus on decision-making, it is the role of their caring team to listen and support families in a reassuring space where they can focus on their loved one.

S Stibbards & Sons’ Rayleigh funeral home is a completely new site with state-of-the-art care facilities. The new funeral home and care centre is the result of 5 years of planning, 18 months of building and 156 years of experience and knowledge. prior to opening in 2023. With two chapels of rest, bespoke washing facilities, large gathering rooms which allow extended family groups to come together, and industry leading modern facilities for the care of the deceased, Weir View House is a truly inclusive and fully featured funeral home.

Whether families prefer a full traditional funeral service, or a quiet farewell tailored to their needs, funeral director Martin Stibbards and his experienced staff aim to ensure that the arrangements fulfil every family’s wishes.

Stibbards offers a fleet of modern Jaguar hearses and limousines to ensure families and their loved ones will travel in comfort, driven by their professional staff. Traditional horse-drawn hearses, vintage vehicles and other bespoke options can also be arranged.

S Stibbards & Sons is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors and Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Homes Association (SAIF) and meets the high standards set by both.

It offers Golden Charter funeral plans to those who are considering the future, while as part of its support for families, it offers in-house bereavement counselling.

Call S Stibbards & Sons for a compassionate and helpful funeral service in Rayleigh.

Latest Obituaries

Linda   Evans

Linda Evans

Feb 1951 - Aug 2026

Angela Janet   Curtis

Angela Janet Curtis

Oct 1951 - Aug 2026

Bill   Ford

Bill Ford

Aug 2026 - Nov 1944

Alan   Way

Alan Way

Feb 1952 - Jul 2026

View more

What Families Say

AI Summary

Many families describe feeling supported and guided through arrangements by staff who showed genuine care alongside their professionalism. Several mention that questions were always answered, calls and emails were returned promptly, and that they felt their loved one was treated with dignity from beginning to end.

On the day itself, families consistently note that the funeral director and team were attentive and respectful, managing every detail so that proceedings ran smoothly. Many say staff explained what would happen at each stage, which helped them feel at ease during what was understandably difficult.

Families return repeatedly to how the whole process—from first contact through to after the funeral—felt less daunting because the team took time to listen to their wishes, made no request feel too much trouble, and communicated clearly about what lay ahead.

This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.

Verified Reviews

Verified Reviews

  • 5 Richard Ould 17th Aug 2026

    As before, it was so nice to know that we were in safe hands with Stibbards. Professional in every aspect, we felt valued and each member of the team tried their utmost to ensure that the whole experience passed off as smoothly as possible.

    Stuart Fryer replied
    Dear Richard, Thank you for your kind words and for placing your trust in Stibbards once again. It means a great deal to know that you felt supported and cared for throughout the arrangements. We are pleased that our team helped make a difficult time a little easier and that you felt valued every step of the way. Your appreciation will be shared with all involved.
  • 5 Sarah Ellis 15th Aug 2026

    A fabulous service as always, nothings to much trouble and no question is to daft. Thank you.
    You made a difficult day easier x

  • 5 Jason Grieve 11th Aug 2026

    This isn’t the first time we have used Stibbards, and there is a very good reason we continue to place our trust in them. They are incredibly professional, but above all, they genuinely care for both you and your loved one at what is such a difficult time.




    They somehow manage to make an awful situation as smooth, dignified and personal as it possibly can be, allowing you to focus on remembering and celebrating your loved one in the very best way.

    On this occasion, we also chose to use one of their specialised vehicles,  a beautiful old Bedford truck and wow, what an incredible job they did.

    It was absolutely perfect and meant so much to us as a family. There really are no words to describe just how well everything was undertaken.

    From beginning to end, we felt that our dad was treated with the utmost care, dignity and respect.

    I would wholeheartedly recommend Stibbards to anyone. They are exceptional at what they do, and we will always be incredibly grateful for the care they showed our family.

  • 5 Guerino Ostacchini 10th Aug 2026

    I cannot praise enough the care and professionalism that everyone at Stibbards & Sons, it makes what is a very difficult time for families bearable. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Guerino,
    Thank you so much for your heartfelt review.

    We are deeply touched by your kind words and are honoured to have been able to support you during such a difficult time. Knowing that the care, compassion, and professionalism of the Stibbards & Sons team helped make the process more bearable for you and your family means the world to us.

    Your appreciation will be shared with everyone involved, and we are truly grateful for the trust you placed in us. Thank you from all of us at Stibbards & Sons for allowing us to be there for you when it mattered most.
  • 5 Sarah Watkins 10th Aug 2026

    Martin and his team guided me through the process and supported decisions with ideas and suggestions where needed. They were kind, compassionate and considerate at all times and couldn't have been more helpful as we moved through the planning and preparation. They provided a professional funeral service on the day that was of an exceptionally high standard, supporting and guiding us through every step. Thank you to your wonderful team, it was truly appreciated.

    Martin Stibbards replied
    Dear Sarah, we were honoured to be involved in such a special funeral for someone who we all knew so well. I think the show of support on the day from all his friends and colleagues gives you some indication of the high regard Kevin was held in. Thank you
  • 5 Anna Suckling 8th Aug 2026

    The entire team at Stibbards were fantastic. Their attention to detail and care throughout every part of the process meant more than we can say. 

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Anna,
    Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience.

    We are truly grateful to hear that the care, attention to detail, and support provided by the entire Stibbards team meant so much to you. Supporting families through such an important time is a responsibility we take great pride in, and it is comforting to know that our efforts helped make the process a little easier.

    Your feedback will be shared with the team, who will greatly appreciate your recognition.
  • 5 Adrian Lansdowne 4th Aug 2026

    Following the sad loss of my father we asked Stibbards to undertake all the funeral arrangements. We are so glad we did as they provided a wonderful first class service from start to finish. All of their team were extremely professional, warm and helpful with every detail. We could not recommend them more highly.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Adrian,
    Thank you for your kind words and recommendation.

    It was a privilege for us to support you and your family following the loss of your father. I'm pleased to hear that you felt well cared for throughout the arrangements and that our team was able to provide the professionalism, warmth and attention to detail that you deserved during such a difficult time.

    Your feedback means a great deal to all of us, and we are grateful that you chose Stibbards to help you honour your father's life.
  • 5 June Bradshaw 3rd Aug 2026

    I can’t praise Stibbards enough, they went above and beyond. It was the first time me and my family have arranged a funeral, Martin was very understanding and put us at ease and helped us to make the arrangements. We had a West Ham theme, Scott got a bubble machine and that really made a lovely send off for my husband. I would highly recommend Stibbards, and have left instructions for my funeral to be with Stibbards. The new building was so lovely that it didn’t seem like a funeral parlour which made it easier. I would just like to say that all the staff are very helpful and understanding.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear June,
    Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience.

    It was an honour to help you and your family arrange such a personal tribute for your husband. I'm so pleased that the West Ham theme and the bubble machine helped create the send off you wanted for him.

    Your comments about Martin, our team, and our new premises mean a great deal to us. We always strive to provide caring and supportive guidance, especially for families arranging a funeral for the first time.

    Thank you again for your recommendation and trust in Stibbards.
  • 5 Alison Halpin 26th Jul 2026

    The service provided was outstanding from start to finish. Their professionalism, compassion and attention to detail were evident throughout every aspect of the arrangements.
    The recommendation of our celebrant was particularly appreciated. He took the time to understand my father and delivered a thoughtful and heartfelt service that captured his life beautifully, creating a truly meaningful tribute.
    Everything was handled with great care, dignity and respect, giving our family complete confidence at every stage. I will always be grateful for the support we received and would not hesitate to recommend their services to others.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Alison,
    It was a privilege to support you and your family throughout the arrangements for your father’s funeral. I am delighted to hear that you felt well cared for and that our professionalism, compassion and attention to detail helped provide reassurance during such an important time.

    I am particularly pleased that the celebrant we recommended made such a positive impression. Creating a service that truly reflects a person's life and character is so important, and it is wonderful to know that he was able to capture your father's story in such a meaningful and heartfelt way.
    On behalf of the entire team, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your recommendation.
  • 5 Amanda Rhodes 21st Jul 2026

    I cannot thank Wendy, Lauren, Scott and the rest of the staff at Stibbards for the care and support they showed to me and my family when arranging and attending my lovely mum’s funeral. It gave us such comfort to know mum was in such safe hands. 

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Amanda,
    Thank you for your heartfelt comments and for taking the time to share your experience.

    It was a privilege for Wendy, Lauren, myself, and the rest of the team to support you and your family in arranging your mum’s funeral. We understand how important it is to know that a loved one is being cared for with dignity and respect, and I am pleased that we were able to provide you with comfort and reassurance during such a difficult time.

    Your kind words mean a great deal to us all, and I will ensure they are shared with the team. Thank you again for entrusting us with your mum’s care and for allowing us to be part of such an important farewell.
  • 5 Sally Symons 17th Jul 2026

    The whole team at Stibbards have been incredible from the first phone call to organise repatriation, down to every last detail. Lauren’s patience with organising the order of service. Wendy talking us through each stage and pulling all the venues together for dates and times. 
    Scott on the funeral day itself deserves a special mention. 
    He was outstanding. Respectful, kind, observant, he gave such beautiful attention to detail, and that made such a difference to the day.  
    Thank you to the entire team.
    🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Sally,
    Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt review. It means a great deal to all of us. From the first call about repatriation through to the final details, the team worked with great care, and it’s wonderful to hear that Lauren and Wendy’s support made a difference during such a difficult time.

    I’m truly touched by your kind words about the funeral day itself. It was an honour to be there with you, and I’m grateful that the attention to detail and the way the day was guided brought comfort.

    On behalf of everyone at Stibbards, thank you for trusting us and for taking the time to express your appreciation. ??
  • 5 Michelle Reeve 12th Jul 2026

    Thank you to Wendy, Stuart and your team. Everyone involved was friendly and professional. Our mother’s funeral went well. Everything was planned beautifully. 

    Stuart Fryer replied
    Dear Michelle, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review and for your kind words about Wendy, myself, and the team. We are deeply grateful for your feedback.
    It was a privilege to support you and your family in arranging your mother's funeral, and we are pleased to hear that everything was planned beautifully and that the service went well. Knowing that our team helped make this difficult time a little easier through friendly and professional care means a great deal to us.
  • 5 Matthew Ebbs 11th Jul 2026

    The whole team are very professional and caring. The day was planned with calmness and care to accommodate any requests.

    Stuart Fryer replied
    Dear Matthew, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind review. We greatly appreciate your comments about our team and the care provided throughout the arrangements.
    It is reassuring to know that you found everyone to be professional and caring, and that the day was planned and conducted with the calmness and attention needed to accommodate your family's wishes. We understand how important it is that every detail is handled with sensitivity and respect, and we are pleased that this was reflected in your experience
  • 5 Rosemary Cable 4th Jul 2026

    Thank you for arranging Arthur’s funeral and all your support on the day and beforehand.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Rosemary.
    Thank you for your kind words. It was a privilege to help arrange Arthur's funeral and support you and your family during such an important time. We are grateful that we could be there for you both in the lead-up to the service and on the day itself. Your appreciation means a great deal to us, and we thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
  • 5 John Warman 30th Jun 2026

    They were all very professional in every aspect pf their duties.
    Right from Martin at the inaugral meeting, Wendy and team of coordinators, designer's etc, to Dave and Ross etc as drivers and pall bearers.
    Every aspect of the funeral was checked right up to the day!
    To quote from wifes ceremony "Simply the best".
    Thank you all so much.
    John husband.

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear John,
    Thank you for your kind and heartfelt words.
    We are deeply grateful that you took the time to share your experience and are pleased that Martin, Wendy, Dave, Ross, and the wider team were able to provide the support, care, and professionalism you and your family deserved during such a difficult time.
    It means a great deal to know that every aspect of the arrangements was handled to your satisfaction and that you felt supported throughout the process. Your reference to your wife's ceremony and the words "Simply the Best" is especially touching and will be shared with everyone involved.
    On behalf of the entire team, thank you for placing your trust in us. It was our privilege to care for your wife and support your family.
  • 5 Victor Moore 27th Jun 2026

    Very good service from all the staff we have dealt with

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Victor.
    Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted to hear that you received very good service from all the staff you've dealt with. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we’ll be sure to share your comments with the team.
  • 5 Dennis Hart 22nd Jun 2026

    We thought the conductor Scott and his team of men were excellent
    Their demeanour was superb and gave us comfort and guidance at our daughters funeral

    The office staff who we met Wendy and Karen were very
    Professional but when needed were comforting and reassuring

    Overall we thought Stibbards provided a great service

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Dennis.
    Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review.
    We are truly honoured that you chose Stibbards to support you and your family during such a difficult time. It means a great deal to hear that Scott and his team provided comfort, guidance, and professionalism throughout your daughter's funeral arrangements. We understand how important compassionate care is during these moments, and we are pleased that their support helped bring reassurance when it was needed most.
    We are also grateful for your kind comments about Wendy and Karen. Our office team strives to balance professionalism with empathy, and they will be delighted to know that their care and understanding made a positive difference.
    On behalf of everyone at Stibbards, thank you for your trust and for your generous feedback.
  • 5 Debbie Maycock 19th Jun 2026

    Everyone we met was kind, helpful and  professional. Leo, who was the gentlemen who helped on the day of the funeral was lovely. Very gentle and kind. 
    Thank you Stibbards

    Leo Reeve replied
    Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re delighted to hear that everyone you met was able to support you with kindness and professionalism.It was our privilege to look after you and your family, and we truly appreciate your thanks to Stibbards.
  • 5 The Bowman Family 16th Jun 2026

    We have used Stibbards & Son for all of our family funeral services in the past and my Dads was no exception.
    As always they delivered a high quality service and level of professionalism throughout. We couldn’t have asked for a more respectful and organised company to have for filled our wishes. 

    Many thanks 
    Rachel 

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Rachael.
    Thank you for your kind review and for placing your trust in Stibbards & Son over the years.
    We are honoured to have supported your family once again and are grateful for your continued confidence in our services. It means a great deal to hear that we were able to provide the high standard of care, professionalism, and respect that you have come to expect from us.
    Ensuring that every family's wishes are carried out with dignity and attention to detail is at the heart of what we do, and we are pleased that we could help make this difficult time a little easier for you and your family.
  • 5 Rebecca Heagren 13th Jun 2026

    Extremely helpful and supportive throughout. Very respectful of ours and our dad wishes. 

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Rebecca,
    Thank you so much for your kind words – it really means a lot. We’re glad we could support you and respect your wishes for your dad.
  • 5 Jay Dixon 26th May 2026

    The service we received from Stibbards was exceptional from start to finish. Nothing was too much trouble, and they had great communications with us through the whole process.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Jay,
    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind words. We’re truly pleased to hear that you felt supported throughout and that our communication helped make the process a little easier. Providing a seamless, caring service is incredibly important to us, and your feedback means a great deal to the whole team.
  • 5 Sharne Child 25th May 2026

    The support and compassion shown to me was outstanding. A very daunting prospect organising my mums funeral became much easier with the help from the team. Highly recommend stibbards. Thank you so much 

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Sharne
    Thank you so much for your kind words. We are truly grateful that you took the time to share your experience.
    It means a great deal to us to know that our team was able to provide support and compassion during such a difficult time, and to help make the arrangements for your mum a little easier.
    Your recommendation is sincerely appreciated, and we’ll be sure to pass your thanks on to the team.
  • 5 Stacey Webb 22nd May 2026

    Thank you for helping to make a stressful and sad time so much easier. You were very professional all the way through but had the personal touch too which was appreciated. The funeral director on the day of mums funeral was very kind and the officiant was lovely, helping to make a tough day bearable. Highly recommend.

    Leo Reeve replied
    Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation. It was a privilege to support you and your family during such a difficult time. We are pleased to hear that our team, myself on the day, and the officiant were able to provide some comfort and help make the day a little more bearable for you.

    Your appreciation means a great deal to us
  • 5 Wendy Baily 17th May 2026

    This is third time that I have needed Stibbards services and they have been amazing each time. Would thoroughly recommend. Nothing is too much trouble.

    Stuart Fryer replied
    Dear Wendy, Thank you so much for your kind words.
    It truly means a great deal to us that you have entrusted Stibbards on multiple occasions. We are honoured to have been able to support you each time, and your feedback about our team being helpful and attentive is especially appreciated.
  • 5 Nancy Cannell 12th May 2026

    .

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Nancy,
    Thank you for your 5-star rating. We truly appreciate your support and are grateful that you chose Stibbards to care for your loved one.

    It was an honour to assist you and your family, and we thank you for taking the time to leave your review.

Address
Weir View House
533 Rayleigh Road
Benfleet
Essex
SS7 3TN

Open map

Opening Hours

Day Hours
Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Professional Standards

  • NAFD Member

    Members agree to a published Code of Practice and can be held to account through the Association if something goes wrong.

    What they do

    • Inspects member premises to check standards are being met
    • Runs a complaints and resolution service for bereaved families
    • Provides funeral training and professional qualifications
  • SAIF Member

    Businesses are checked before they are admitted to SAIF and work to the Society’s Code of Practice.

    What they do

    • Inspects businesses before granting membership
    • Represents independent and family-owned funeral directors
    • Offers free, independent arbitration if something goes wrong

Latest Verified Reviews

Richard Ould 17th Aug 2026

As before, it was so nice to know that we were in safe hands with Stibbards. Professional in every aspect, we felt valued and each member of the team tried their utmost to ensure that the whole experience passed off as smoothly as possible.

Sarah Ellis 15th Aug 2026

A fabulous service as always, nothings to much trouble and no question is to daft. Thank you. You made a difficult day easier x

Jason Grieve 11th Aug 2026

This isn’t the first time we have used Stibbards, and there is a very good reason we continue to place our trust in them. They are incredibly professional, but above all, they genuinely care for both you and your loved one at what is such a difficult time. They somehow manage to make an awful situation as smooth, dignified and personal as it possibly can be, allowing you to focus on remembering and celebrating your loved one in the very best way. On this occasion, we also chose to use one of their specialised vehicles,  a beautiful old Bedford truck and wow, what an incredible job they did. It was absolutely perfect and meant so much to us as a family. There really are no words to describe just how well everything was undertaken. From beginning to end, we felt that our dad was treated with the utmost care, dignity and respect. I would wholeheartedly recommend Stibbards to anyone. They are exceptional at what they do, and we will always be incredibly grateful for the care they showed our family.

Reviews
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Prices vary by time and day of week