Welcome to WJ O’Donnell & Sons — your trusted, family-owned, award-winning funeral directors serving Co. Antrim and South Derry. We’re committed to delivering heartfelt, professional care and leading the way in exceptional funeral services.
More Than Just Funeral Directors
At WJ O’Donnell & Sons, we are a family-run team, rooted in our parishes and local community. We know that behind every funeral is not just an arrangement to be made, but a family walking through grief — because we’ve been there too.
Our team is made up of people who, like you, have faced the loss of someone dearly loved. We understand, not only in a professional sense, but in a very human one, how heavy that journey feels. That’s why we promise to walk beside you with gentleness, patience, and respect.
Being “more than just Funeral Directors” means:
We listen with empathy — your wishes, your traditions, and your memories guide us.
We carry the details — so you can focus on what matters most: being together as a family.
We honour both tradition and individuality — creating services that feel authentic and true.
We serve as family for families — with the same care and dignity we would want for our own loved ones.
We are not here simply to provide a service. We are here to share the weight of sorrow, to create moments of meaning, and to help you find comfort in knowing your loved one has been cared for with compassion.
Because before we were Funeral Directors, we were — and still are — people who love, people who grieve, and people who understand.
Celebrating Northern Ireland's incredible bereavement sector & services to the Funeral Industry. WINNERS 2024
Award Winning
Funeral Directors
Our business is growing because we offer complete funeral services. We know arranging a funeral is hard, so our caring team will help you every step of the way. From picking flowers to planning a meaningful service, we support you in honoring your loved one’s memory.
At WJ O’Donnell & Sons, we treat every family with respect and provide personalised services that reflect your loved one’s life. We take pride in our work and aim to exceed your expectations.
Thank you for trusting us. We promise to serve you with guidance, dignity, respect, and professionalism.
Funeral Support Service of the Year - Independent Funeral Director (more than one office) of the Year - Special Recognition Award (Co Antrim) - Sponsored by Remember Me
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Funeral Support Service of the Year - Independent Funeral Director (more than one office) of the Year - Special Recognition Award (Co Antrim) - Sponsored by Remember Me 〰️
Our Funeral Homes..
Located in South Derry is conveniently located near Magherafelt, Newbridge, Maghera, Castledawson, Gulladuff, and Bellaghy. We also have a funeral home in Ballymena, Co Antrim, which serves Ahoghill, Gracehill, Randallstown, Toome, North Antrim, Glens of Antrim & Antrim Town
We’ll be here when you need us…
At W.J. O’Donnell and Sons, we’re here for you around the clock. Our dedicated team is on hand 24/7, committed to providing care that is not only compassionate but also respectful. We understand that every family is unique, and we make it our mission to cater to their individual needs. You can trust in our unwavering commitment to dignity and respect in all our interactions.
At W.J. O’Donnell and Sons Funeral Directors, our mission is to deliver the highest quality service. Should you have any inquiries or wish to converse with our team, please feel free to reach out. Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be more than glad to assist you.
What Families Say About Us
At WJ O'Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, we consider it a profound honour to serve families in their time of loss. No two farewells are ever the same — and we treat each with the same care, respect and dignity as if it were our own. We know these moments are among life’s most difficult, and we strive to offer a steady hand and a listening ear when it’s needed most.
We’re humbled to share just a few words from families who have entrusted us with their loved ones’ final journeys.
★★★★★
“Dignity without compromise.”
“Thank you to W.J. O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors for the professional and dignified manner in which they carried out the funeral arrangements for our uncle Jimmy, and for the support and guidance they provided to our family.”
— The Devlin Family, Carmagrim
★★★★★
“Ensuring a farewell that was as remarkable as the life lived.”
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude and profound appreciation to WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors and staff for their exceptional professionalism, the caring, compassionate, and dignified way in which they helped, guided and advised with our Mother’s wake and funeral. This was such a comfort at a difficult time.”
— The family of the late Isobel Graham
★★★★★
“Managing the impossible with effortless poise and profound respect.”
“On behalf of the O'Neill family, we cannot thank WJ & Sons Funeral Director enough for their exceptional care, professionalism, and compassion during an incredibly difficult time for our family. From start to finish, every detail was handled with dignity, respect and empathy, allowing us to grieve the loss of our mother Anne, rather than focusing on arrangements.
Nothing for the team was too much trouble, and we felt genuinely supported throughout this time. From the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank you enough for your phenomenal work. We will forever be grateful.
Wishing all the team & their families, nothing but health and happiness in 2026..”
— Martin O’Neill, Culbann
★★★★★
“The gentle presence that made a difficult journey bearable.”
“Our family cannot express enough gratitude to Willie John and the entire team at WJ O'Donnell Funeral Directors. From the moment we reached out after the passing of our beloved Wife and Mother Marian, Willie John guided us through every step with genuine compassion and care. He treated our mother with the utmost dignity and respect, and his support throughout the funeral planning never wavered. Every call and message was answered promptly, and every detail was thoughtfully managed from beginning to end. We truly felt included and supported throughout the entire process including the days and weeks following the funeral.
We would highly recommend Willie John and the entire team. Thank you so much for everything.”
— The Hamill Family, Toome.
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My Journey as an Undertaker
Beginning of the Journey
In 1986, I embarked on a career that would prove to be as challenging as it is rewarding. I became an undertaker, a role that has allowed me to provide comfort and support to people during their most difficult times.
