Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 4001 Sebring Parkway in Sebring, Florida, is a family-owned and operated funeral home with a rich history of compassionate service spanning over a century. Established in 1924, the business has been serving families in Highlands County and the surrounding areas for four generations, earning a reputation for honesty, integrity, and exceptional care. With more than 100 years of service and over 16,000 families served, Stephenson-Nelson has become a trusted pillar of the community.

The funeral home’s origins trace back to the early 1920s, when local hardware stores often doubled as casket suppliers. J. Ross Blythe, an experienced embalmer, arrived in Sebring and began working with Mr. Brown’s hardware store. In 1925, Jack Stephenson came from Monroe, Georgia, purchasing Brown’s hearse and coffins to open Highlands Hardware Co. on South Commerce Street. Blythe soon joined him, and together they formed Stephenson & Blythe. During the Great Depression, they never refused a family in need, often accepting payment in farm goods or trade. In 1926, they aided Moore Haven after a devastating hurricane, embalming bodies in knee-deep water. The business expanded to Avon Park in 1929, and in 1982, the current Sebring facility opened on what was then a cow pasture. Chris Nelson, Jack Stephenson’s grandson, joined the business in 1973 and oversaw the opening of the area’s first crematory in 1980.

Today, Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory offers a comprehensive range of services, including traditional funeral services, cremation services, veterans services, and pet funeral services. The facility is wheelchair accessible with on-site parking, and financial assistance is available to help families during difficult times. The Sebring location is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with staff available 24/7 for immediate needs. The funeral home also maintains a second location in Avon Park, ensuring convenient access for families across the region.

Stephenson-Nelson is dedicated to honoring each life with personalized, dignified services. From pre-planning to immediate assistance, their professional team guides families through every step with compassion and respect. The funeral home’s website features current obituaries, service details, and an opportunity to leave reviews or send flowers. With a perfect 5-star rating on Google Maps and a legacy of award-winning service, Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory continues to uphold its founding values of quality, integrity, and heartfelt support for the communities it serves.