The Sharing of Experience

Read testimonials from people who have planned and experienced services here.

Oftentimes the best way to get a sense of how you’ll feel is to hear directly from families that have held services for loved ones at West Gate Funeral Home. We invite you to read and explore a range of testimonials and get the best sense possible of what your experience can be. Please ask us any questions, any time. We want nothing more than to help you through a difficult time with ease, peace and healing.

A funeral can be an incredibly vulnerable time for a grieving family. While attending a recent funeral coordinated by Westgate, I was impressed by the professionalism and care shown to the grieving family. The special touches - including the rose ceremony and balloon release - were thoughtful and well-received. The beautiful voices of Kayla and Avery were so beautiful and soothing, and James’ words were truly comforting. It brings me joy to see this level of service available in my hometown.

Brittany Bates February 26, 2024
5 stars

I'm writing this while everything is still fresh/raw because we just funeralized my dearest mother (Getta Mae Green Singleton), so there will be some emotions in my post. From the time I contacted the funeral home, our experience was fantastic! Mr. James West called me and gave me his personal cell number so I could contact him at anytime. When he called, we talked a little business, but he NEVER asked me about any form of payment. I brought up the idea and he told me that he was calling to ensure that our mother was taken care of and we would cross that bridge later. Not only was Mr. West great, but Miss Cathy and the staff were amazing!!! Many, many people remarked about how well West Gate had done with my mother. Not only did they take care of business, Mr. West coached us throughout the ceremony and we have talked with him since the service. The balloon ceremony that Miss Cathy does is simply calming and satisfying to the soul!!!. Believe me, I know it's hard to lose a loved one, but West Gate made our experience so much bearable. I know that when I'm feeling down, I can pick up the phone and call Mr. West. I will see Mr. West again as we prepare to add the slab and headstone to my mother's grave and I know that he will be with us 100%. I never thought I would say this, but I love this funeral home!!!

Josephine Singleton-Dennis May 25, 2021
5 stars

Thanks from the bottom of OUR hearts! I want to send a lot of hugs and kisses 😘🥰😘🥰 to West Gate!!! They are truly heaven sent!! Love you guys!!!😘😘😘

Tanyanika Kenyatta Bouldin July 03, 2019
5 stars

Great job everyone, thank you for your services to our family. Love you all!!!

David Robinson Sr. April 09, 2019
5 stars

We sincerely thank you for the professional homecoming services provided for our dear sister Margie. We felt at peace knowing that your purpose was to help us to feel comfort during this difficult time. Special thanks to Ms. Cathy Smith. Ms. Smith is truly an angel of comfort for families of their loved ones with a spirit of memories. Thank you again. Regards, McNealy Faimly

The Family of Margie McNealy January 02, 2019
5 stars

They treat you like family caring, patience, professional, understanding, warm, their care and services far exceeded our expectations. I can't say this enough they went beyond the call of duty!

Glesela Winfrey July 23, 2015
5 stars

Thank you, Thank you; for the wonderful service render on behalf of our brother Carl Edward Hargrave beginning April 21, 2015 ---April 26, 2015. You were very attentive to our needs. A Job well done !!!! You gave such excellent guidance with care and efficiency which made the process much easier. At times like this, things sometime can get out of hand but you (James & Sharon) had a calm listening, sympathetic ear. You even took the time as owners of the business to attend the services. All the displays were well done and well received. We have had people to call and express what a remarkable service it was. You have a gift for this type of service. The entire staff are very special people and we truly appreciate all your care. Also, we are grateful for your friendship as well as support. Our profound thanks to you and your amazing staff for the support and guidance given to our family (the stand and casket piece were simply gorgeous). Not to mention that wonderful video that was orchestrated by Brittney it was simply beautiful and enjoyable in conjunction to the Celebration of Life participates and the Grave Ceremony singing that was conducted at Mercy Seat M.B. Church Cemetery. You guys went above and beyond our expectations and the call of duty. Even though we still have a road of healing to go we can include this portion as part of our memories. This was a honorable farewell service for our beloved brother Carl E. Hargrave (T-Berry). Again thank you and may God reward you for your kindness and AWESOME SERVICE !!!! From the Sisters & Brothers of Mr. Carl Edward Hargrave (T-Berry) God Bless Each of You !!!!

The Hargrave Family May 19, 2015
5 stars

Over the last 35 years, I`ve worked with funeral homes from metro New York to several in Natchez; as both the bereaved and as a minister, y experience is that (from led by Bubba to now James West) and their Westgate staff offer the most compassionate, considerate, ministerial` caring, cost-excellent funeral services I've experienced. It is evident that their business is just as much a ministry service to the people as unto the LORD as it is a business. Whether, it's 1 (my great Aunt burying her husband working with Bubba) or many (11 children & 5 siblings plus), James and his team went the extra-mile to ensure that young or old, Westgatefh cared for all the principals and that everyone was happy with all their services, from pre-planning/planning to burial. I guarantee you once you experience the Westgatefh difference` their most-excellent, exceptional, flexible, comprehensive service offerings, their 'cut-above' facilities', and the business professional, yet ministerial way, the entire staff (Cathy S. & all) GOD deliver for you and bless you with both 'intangibles` peace & comfort and tangibles` memories & mementos' in the process, you will only choose Westgatefh for your deceased loved ones, even after your family generations (like mine) had utilized another local funeral service for many years.

S`a. Sandi Favor H. February 20, 2024
5 stars

James West and staff, thank you so much for all you have done to make my husband's (Marison Thornburg) celebration services wonderful. It was everything he would have wanted and more. Thank you for the encouraging words and prayers. Thank you for the phone calls and for just being there if I had a question or concern. The family of Mr. Thornburg and I are forever grateful.

Manika Thornburg May 25, 2021
5 stars

"James West and the staff of West Gate Funeral Home, thank you for the support during the loss of our mom! Your professionalism, kindness, and patience was very much appreciated and the advice given was warmly welcomed. Your staff was AWESOME to work with and we thank you for everything. The Family of Mrs. Lepora Green- Ellis

Patricia Green June 07, 2019
5 stars

Words cannot express our appreciation for your kind and comforting words during the interment of our beloved brother, Minister Darryl Wayne Neal. James, you and your staff provided exemplary service and professionalism in every sense of the way. When you said, leave the rest to us, you truly went above and beyond in the transport of our dearly beloved brother from Georgia to Mississippi a very pleasant transition. Thank you from all of us. WESTGATE, truly a class act!!

Jacqueline Arbuthnot February 11, 2019
5 stars

JAMES, Sharon and Staff, It has taken a while to get to this point. However my Family and I would like to APPLAUD you on the OUTSTANDING services for the Love of My Life Charles Thomas Bates..... Thank You from the Bottom of our HEARTS. NO BODY DOES IT BETTER.... WEST GATE FUNERAL HOME... LOVE, PATRICE WASHINGTON BATES....

Patrice Bates August 14, 2017
5 stars

I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICES FOR THE HARGRAVE FAMILY , AND THANK YOU MR. JAMES WEST, FOR THE OUTSTANDING LOVE YOU SHOWN MY DAUGHTER TONYA, AND THE COMFORTING WORDS YOU GAVE ME ON THE SITUATION WITH MY SON. YOUR PROFESSIONALISM WILL OUT SHINE GOD'S LOVE WITHIN YOUR SPIRIT, AND AS THE ANOITING OF GOD LEAD YOU TO YOUR HIGHEST REGUEST TO HIM, I PRAY THAT GOD GRANT YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. YOU ARE A COMFORTING SOUL FOR THOSE IN NATCHEZ MISSISSIPPI. PASTOR; PATRICIA BOWIE HARGRVE MITCHELL . THE HOUSE OF GRACE AND MERCY, BATON ROUGE LA.

Carl Hargrave August 17, 2015
5 stars

Hi James (Super Star) and Sharon, On behalf of the Hooker and Hall family, I'd like to personally thank you again for perhaps the best "Home Going" I've ever witnessed. I'm sure if my father (Eddie Hooker, Sr.) could speak, he would say the same thing. I do hope that you know how special this celebration was to my family and me, and believe me, it made the difference between happiness and sadness. Although, we will miss our beloved father, husband and grandfather, it was the well prepared services, kindness and hospitality that allowed us to get through this very difficult situation. So, I'm saying from the bottom of my heart, thanks and continue to keep families and their love one's first during their time of loss and grief. Sincerely, Dunk Hall

Dunk Hall January 16, 2015
5 stars