Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park, located at 111 East Circle Street, is a pillar of compassion and service in Highlands County, Florida. With a history that traces back to 1924, this family-owned and operated funeral home has been serving families for over a century, earning a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and heartfelt care. The business began when J. Ross Blythe, an experienced embalmer, came to Sebring from Indiana and later partnered with Jack Stephenson, who had a background in hardware and funeral services in Georgia. Together, they established a funeral home that weathered the Great Depression and even responded to the devastating 1926 Moore Haven hurricane, providing embalming services in challenging conditions. In 1929, Stephenson & Blythe expanded to Avon Park, initially using a two-story house with apartments upstairs and a funeral home downstairs. A completely new building was constructed in 1957, and a total renovation was completed in 1994. Today, the Avon Park location continues the tradition of excellence under the leadership of Chris Nelson, Mr. Stephenson's grandson, and his family. The funeral home also pioneered the area's first crematory, located on the Avon Park premises, which opened shortly before Mr. Stephenson's passing in 1980.

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home offers a comprehensive range of services designed to honor each unique life and legacy. These include traditional funeral services, cremation services, veterans' services, and even pet funeral services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with on-site parking and financial assistance available to help families during difficult times. The staff is available 24/7 to provide immediate support, and they pride themselves on clear communication and personalized care. Reviews consistently praise the team for their compassion, professionalism, and attentiveness, with many families noting how the staff treated them like family. The funeral home has served over 16,000 families and has received numerous awards for its service. Whether planning ahead or facing an unexpected loss, the dedicated team at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park guides families through every step with dignity and respect, ensuring that each service reflects the wishes and values of the deceased and their loved ones.