S. Stibbards & Sons, Hockley

273 reviews

Call 24 hours

A family-owned funeral home in Hockley village 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

7 Spa Road, Hockley,
Hockley
Essex
SS5 4AZ

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 Hockley and the surrounding villages, including Foulness Island, 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’ Hockley funeral home provides a calm and tranquil atmosphere in which to make funeral arrangements. It has a private chapel of rest where you can spend precious time with your loved one, reassured that their funeral wishes are being taken care of. Should you prefer support in more familiar surroundings, a home visit can be arranged.

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 one 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 Hockley Village.

Latest Obituaries

John   Crew

John Crew

May 1933 - Jun 2026

Shirley Lilian   Beadle

Shirley Lilian Beadle

Jun 1933 - Jun 2026

View more

What Families Say

AI Summary

Many families mention the care and support they received during the planning stages, particularly praising staff for their patience, kindness, and willingness to answer questions without making families feel rushed or pressured. Several describe how the team guided them through each step with genuine compassion, making a bewildering process feel manageable during an already difficult time.

On the day of the funeral itself, families consistently note how smoothly everything ran and how the staff's professionalism allowed them to focus on remembering their loved ones rather than worrying about logistics. Many recall specific gestures of attentiveness from the teams present, who made sure families felt supported and at ease throughout the service.

Families return repeatedly to the quality of communication throughout the entire process, from initial arrangements through to the funeral day, describing how this kept them informed and reassured. The combination of professional expertise with genuine warmth appears across many accounts, with families appreciating that they felt heard and that their specific wishes were honoured with careful attention to detail.

This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.

Verified Reviews

Verified Reviews

  • 5 Ben Dudmish 1st Mar 2025

    Care , consideration and kindness throughout. The service was constructed and carried out beautifully. 

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Ben, Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. It truly means a lot to hear that the care, consideration, and kindness we strive for came through in the service, And brought some comfort during this difficult time.
  • 5 Karen Hood 17th Feb 2025

    I can’t thank you enough for making a very hard day easier.
    Your kindness and support throughout the whole funeral process was professional but very personal. 

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Karen, Thank you for taking the time to share such kind words. from Diane guiding you through the arrangements, to myself looking after you on the day. We are so pleased you have felt supported during this very difficult time. I hope all went well on your return to the gun, and I must say that the collage of photos of Mum on display was beautiful.
  • 5 Lorna Wotoon 16th Feb 2025

    Can not thank them enough for everything 

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Lorna, We are truly honored to have been able to support you during this time. Knowing that our efforts made a positive difference is incredibly rewarding. Thank you for your heartfelt appreciation and I hope all went well on your return to the Royal British Legion.
  • 5 Debbie Blakeley 15th Feb 2025

    We were very impressed with the not just professional service Stibbards gave but also the personal and supportive care we were offered throughout the whole proceedings.  Diane in the office, plus Scott and his team conducted themselves efficiently and with dedication.

    We thank them all so much for helping us deal with my Mother’s passing and as we laid her to rest.

    Debbie Blakeley 

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Debbie, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're deeply moved by your kind words and are so glad to hear that our team's professionalism and personal care have comforted you and your family during this difficult time.

    Diane and myself are dedicated to providing supportive and compassionate service, and it means a lot to us that you felt well taken care of. We will certainly pass on your heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.

  • 5 Daphne Green 11th Feb 2025

    Many thanks to all at Stibbards & Sons for the wonderful funeral for my husband David on the 31st of January 2025. Special thanks to Diane and Scott who made a special contribution in such a sensitive and upsetting time for all the family.
    Diane you were so kind and caring throughout the process that initially had been so traumatic for all the family. Your intervention had made a difference to us all coping throughout such a very sad and difficult time thank you so very much.
    As David’s wife I cannot thank Scott enough for his wonderful care on the day as he looked after me so very very well. All my family were impressed with Scott’s caring and professionalism from the start until the end of the whole process on the actual day of David’s funeral. Moreover, we were all comforted by his lovely kind and caring way he dealt with our family both individually and as a group. We could not have asked for a better person than Scott to be with us looking after us on what had been the saddest day of our lives. We all now can look back on the sad day feeling comforted by the professionals involved throughout the whole process of saying goodbye to a lovely caring husband Father and Grandfather. Thank you all.


    Scott Bartlett replied

    Dear Daphne,

    Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to express your appreciation. We are deeply moved by your gratitude during such a sensitive and upsetting time for your family.

    Diane was honoured to be able to support you and your family throughout the funeral arrangements for your beloved husband, David. It was my privilege to help you and your family navigate through such a difficult day. We strive to provide the utmost care and respect to each family we serve, and it means a lot to us to know that we were able to make a difference during this sad time.

    I hope all went well on your return to the Holiday Inn and a toast was raised to a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather.
  • 5 Mike Wenden 11th Feb 2025

    The whole Stibbards team from my first, very emotional, contact through all the planning and preparation phase, visiting Dad in the chapel to say goodbye to the day of the funeral itself was handled with complete respect, consideration, calmness and professionalism. Thank you to the entire Stibbards team from the whole family for helping give 'Dad' the best of send off's.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Mike,

    Thank you for taking the time to share such heartfelt words. From our initial contact to the funeral arrangements with Diane and myself looking after you and your family on the day, I am so pleased that you felt cared for and our services helped you through such a difficult time. Although the elements tried their best to intervene on the day, we definitely honored Dad with the best of send-offs. I hope all went well on your return to the legion with friends and family.
  • 5 Gemma Copestick 14th Jan 2025

    Stibbards provided a first class service, responded promptly to my questions and were sympathetic, discreet and comforting throughout.

    Stuart Fryer replied
    Dear Gemma ,Thank you for you kind words ,We are so pleased to have been able to help you and your family through such a difficult time.
  • 5 Robert Pickup 24th Dec 2024

    The whole family are grateful for the care and compassion from our Funeral Arranger, Diane Ellis and the most respectful attendance to detail by the Funeral Gentlemen led by Martin. The celebration of Brenda's life by the Officiant, Jon Stannard, was first class and many attendees have commented on how much they appreciated and enjoyed the manner in which he conducted the proceedings.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Robert, Your kind words will be passed on to Diane, Martin and the rest of the team at Stibbards. We are so pleased that yourself and the family have felt cared for throughout, and the day of the funeral went so smoothly.
  • 5 Steven Down 22nd Dec 2024

    A great help to us during such a difficult time and a very professional and respectful service throughout. Diane and Scott ensured that eveything went very smoothly. Highly recommend Stibbards & Sons.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Steven, Thank you for putting your trust into us once again. Diane and myself appreciate the time taken to share these kind sentiments, and that a professional service was given throughout a very difficult time.
  • 5 Alison Miller 21st Dec 2024

    Compassionate and caring. Diane is amazing.....again!
    Very professional, would highly recommend.

    Scott Bartlett replied
    Dear Alison, On behalf of Diane and the rest of the team at Stibbards, We thank you for your kind words and are pleased that everything went well for you.
  • 5 Lance Cooper 2nd Dec 2024

    Diane at stibbards in Hockley in Essex was very caring and helpful. The drivers were the same in fact all of them were great. 
    We had heard of their reviews and were advised to go to them. 
    Best advice we ever had 
    Thankyou so much.

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Lance, I am so pleased that Diane and the team took such diligent care of you and the family and you felt that the service was a reflection of your wishes
  • 5 Denise Thurgood 26th Nov 2024

    At such a obviously sad time for our family, every single person at Stibbards, from the lovely gentleman that came to the house, the wonderful Diane who helped us prepare dad's funeral to Martin and the team who respectfully guided and looked after us on the day of dad's funeral. Thank you from the Quinton family x

    Dave Ponton replied

    Dear Denise, thank you for your very generous comments which mean so much to all of us at Stibbards. As a family company we cherish the relationships that we build with our families and your kind comments will be shared with the team.
  • 5 Valerie Ewers 4th Nov 2024

    We were able to give my dear Dad the most perfect send-off, because of the help, support, guidance and patience of the wonderful people at Stibbards.
    Diane, Scott and Jon were amazing in helping me sort out everything at such a difficult time. Thank you

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Valerie, Diane and Scott will be so pleased that you felt supported and cared for during the arrangements for your dear Dad. We are so pleased that he had the send-off he deserved, and this will hopefully bring you comfort in the future
  • 5 Sioux Stalker 2nd Nov 2024

    Stibbards were supportive and showed kindness all through our difficult time from the moment we met Diane to the support on the day. I will always be so grateful for this, it took much stress off a heartbreaking time. Thank you

    Dave Ponton replied

    Dear Sioux, thank you for your kind sentiments and praise for Diane. I am so pleased that she was able to support you during the arrangements and ease your burden
  • 4 Rob Eveleigh 5th Oct 2024

    Stibbards looked after us very well. On the day everything was done very calmly and respectfully. Thank you

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Rob,
    thank you for your kind words and taking the time to comment on our service to you.
  • 5 Carol Pavely 4th Oct 2024

    Nothing was too much trouble and my husband had a wonderful send off.  Words cannot thank Stibbards and particularly Lauren enough for the hard work.  An awful dreadful time made that little bit easier by Stibbards.  Thank you. 

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Carol, thank you for your kind sentiments and praise for Lauren. I am so pleased that she was able to support you during the arrangements and ease your burden
  • 5 Karen Gill 1st Oct 2024

    All very efficient 

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Karen,
    Thank you for your kind words, I will ensure they are shared with all concerned
  • 4 Jayne Pullman 13th Sep 2024

    The whole team that dealt with my fathers funeral, were polite, professional and friendly. They showed the right amount of empathy and were very helpful. Scott, (Mr Top Hat Man) was exceptional. I would use Stibbards again.

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Jayne, We are so pleased, that Scott and the rest of the team were able to provide a fitting farewell for Nicholas and you as a family were well looked after.
  • 5 Paul Neighbour 18th Aug 2024

    Excellent organisation and support from the entire Stibbards team. They make a difficult and emotional time easier to navigate. 

    Paul

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Paul, we are always here to help in any way we can, we are so pleased to have been able to look after and support you at this difficult time.
  • 5 Steve Wilson 12th Aug 2024

    Really grateful for all the support and help from the staff at Stibbards
    Diane the arranger and Scott and Dave on the day
    Helped me through a very difficult day 
    Thank you 

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Steve, thank you for allowing us to come into your lives at such a difficult time. I am so pleased that all went well on the day and that Scott and Diane looked after you with such great care.
  • 4 Kay Chantry 3rd Aug 2024

    Excellent care and help given by both Diane and Scott.I thought great care was given to even the smallest detail. Along with the expertise of David Wilson Margaret couldn’t have had a better celebration of her life. So many thanks once again to Diane and her colleagues.

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Kay,
    We are so pleased, that Diane, Scott and the rest of the team were able to provide a fitting farewell for Margaret and you were well looked after.
  • 5 Dennis Murphy 24th Jun 2024

    Excellent service, very professional and caring.

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Dennis, thank you for your kind words and taking the time to comment on our service to you.
  • 5 Jane Liddle 14th Jun 2024

    I couldn't wish for anything better they couldn't do anything better, it was first class service from start to finish, they made Ron's day very very special I would recommend anyone to go to Stibbards, they are so caring supportive and nothing is to much trouble always happy to help I just wish I could do something special for them because they are very special people 😊 xxxx

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Jane, thank you for your very generous comments which mean so much to all of us at Stibbards. As a family company we cherish the relationships that we build with our families and your kind comments will be shared with the team.
  • 5 Heather Sirdifield 4th Jun 2024

    DIANE, STUART AND GENTLEMEN WERE KIND, SUPPORTIVE AND COMPASSIONATE.

    THANK YOU SO MUCH.

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Heather, we are always here to help in any way we can, we are so pleased have been able to look after and support you at this difficult time.
  • 5 Kim Swestun 17th May 2024

    Diane and her team made mums send off a perfect day. Everything ran smoothly and their attention to detail was faultless. Thank you so much. 

    Dave Ponton replied
    Dear Kim, thank you for your kind sentiments and praise for Diane. I am so pleased that she was able to support you during the arrangements and ease your burden

Address
7 Spa Road, Hockley,
Hockley
Essex
SS5 4AZ

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

Ben Dudmish 1st Mar 2025

Care , consideration and kindness throughout. The service was constructed and carried out beautifully. 

Karen Hood 17th Feb 2025

I can’t thank you enough for making a very hard day easier. Your kindness and support throughout the whole funeral process was professional but very personal. 

Lorna Wotoon 16th Feb 2025

Can not thank them enough for everything 

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