Andrews Funeral Home can trace its roots back before 1949 to the former Ware Funeral Home. In 1949, Richard M. Bridges and Wilbur T. Foster purchased the Ware Funeral Home from R. G. Farinholdt. The name was changed to Foster-Bridges Funeral Home in 1951. In 1955, Richard M. Bridges became the sole owner, and the name was changed to Richard M. Bridges Funeral Home. In 1969, the Bridges family purchased the Hinkle House on Main Street and a chapel, office, selection room, and operating room were added to the house and the funeral home moved from its former location beside St. Therese Catholic Church. The funeral home is still located at this location. In 1975, John H. “Jack” Andrews, Charles Bristow, and Charles Faulkner purchased the business from Mr. Bridges and the firm name was changed to Andrews-Faulkner Funeral Home. In 1980, Jack and Frances Andrews became sole owners of the business, and the name was changed to Andrews Funeral Home. In May of 2014 the addition of a on- site crematory was added to better provide the services that our families want.
About Us
Our Beginnings
Jack began his career in funeral service with the J.W. Bliley Co. in Richmond, Va. He became manager of the Royston Funeral Home in Marshall, Va. in 1956. In 1961, he became manager of Colonial Funeral Home in Smithfield Va. He moved to Gloucester in 1975. Jack was active in the Tidewater Funeral Directors Association and served as president and also was active in the Virginia Funeral Directors Association having served on numerous committees and also as president. Jack was also active in many local civic organizations. He was married to the former Martha P. “Frances” Andrews and they had two sons. Jack passed away in 2003 after 50 years of service in funeral services and Frances passed away in 2012.
Their older son, Gerald L. “Jerry” Andrews became the manager of the firm in 1993. Jerry served his training at the E. Alvin Small Funeral Home in Colonial Heights, Va. and received his Associate Degree of Applied Science from John Tyler Community College. He was with the Lawrence B. Wood Funeral Home in Hampton, Va. from 1977 until 1993 when he came to Gloucester. Jerry has also followed his father in being active in Tidewater Funeral Directors Association. He has also served as president and on numerous committees for the Virginia Funeral Directors Association and many local civic organizations. Jerry and his wife, the former Ann Edwards, became sole owners following Frances’ death. Ann joined the firm as office manager in June of 2010 after retiring from the Gloucester County Public School System as a second grade teacher, having taught for 34 years. They have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Jerry and Ann’s son-in-law, Justin Russ, joined the firm in 2009 as a part time employee which soon became full time. He has completed funeral service training and graduated from John Tyler Community College in the Mortuary Science Program. Justin is a licensed funeral director and certified crematory operator.
