History & Staff

Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.

Holder-Wells Funeral Home

Holder-Wells Funeral Home was founded in 1972. Our current location at 4007 Main Street celebrated it's grand opening November 11, 1973. A contemporary facility, it was designed by founder, George W. Holder and his friend and business partner, Preston Wells.

The building underwent major remodeling in the summer of 1995 and we continually work to maintain a clean, safe facility to serve our friends and neighbors in the Jackson County and surrounding areas. As always, our professionally landscaped grounds are breathtaking and change with each season. We are so very proud of the legacy left to us by our founders George and Mary Holder. Mr. and Mrs. Holder served our local area for many years in funeral service and upon retirement, George Holder alone had over fifty years of funeral service to the state of Mississippi. He served as president of the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service and was very active in the Mississippi Funeral Directors Associaton for many years. Mr. Holder was a United States Army veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery and meritorious service in World War II.

Today we continue to serve Moss Point, Pascagoula, the East Central community, Vancleave, Gautier, Ocean Springs and other surrounding communities with friendship, dependability and excellence in funeral service. Our staff would like to thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in our funeral home throughout the years. We are very proud to have served this area for forty years and we place great value in the relationships that we have created. We look forward to being here to serve you and your family for many years to come.

Coastal Chapel

Holder Wells Funeral Home on Main Street in downtown Moss Point announces its expansion to northern Jackson County with the acquisition of Coastal Funeral Home, Coastal Cremations, and Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

“One Trusted Name, One Caring Team, Two Convenient Locations” is the new Holder Wells motto. Coastal Funeral Home will be known as Holder Wells Coastal Chapel and Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery, while the original downtown location of Holder Wells will be known as Holder Wells Main Street Chapel.

Holder-Wells Funeral Home was founded in 1972 by George W. Holder and his friend and business partner, Preston Wells. In its 45 year history, Holder Wells has served over 15,000 families in Jackson County and surrounding areas.

Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery had its beginnings as a small community cemetery in the 1960’s. In the early 2000’s, Mr. Bill Daniel, a long time cemetery professional, acquired the cemetery and added a crematorium. In late 2007, Mr. Daniel opened Coastal Funeral Home on the grounds of Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Following his death in 2009, the funeral home and cemetery continued to be operated by his family until recently acquired by Holder Wells.

Today, the combined Holder Wells and Serene Memorial Gardens staff includes ; Martha Thompson, LFD; Mike Graham, LFD; Dale Shows, LFD; Lynn Born; Bubba Cunningham, LFD.

With deep roots in Moss Point and Jackson County, our highly trained professional staff continually strives to maintain the trust and confidence placed in our funeral home throughout the years, and plan to be here to serve you and your family for many years to come.