H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments

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At the end of the Civil War, Norfolk began to rebuild a devastated community. One family that was there then, is still here now, serving the community.
H. D. Oliver Funeral Apartments was established in 1865 by our founder, Sterling T. Oliver, and is presently the oldest family owned and operated funeral establishment in the Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake areas.
Originally, we were located on the corner of Church and Cove Streets in the historic downtown area of Norfolk. In 1898, the firm moved to 610 Freemason Street, Norfolk, Va., where it remained until 1938. Harry Diggs Oliver, nephew of the founder, was the president of the company when it moved into the first building exclusively constructed as a funeral home in this area, 1501 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, Va.
Harry Diggs Oliver passed away in 1941. Mary Patton Oliver, his widow, and his two sons, Harry Diggs II and James Brounley "Boots" Oliver (left), continued the traditions of excellence that the Oliver name meant in Tidewater. Mrs. Oliver died in 1956 and the funeral home was then under the care of Harry and "Boots".
Virginia Beach, a summer residence community, had grown into a large city and in 1964, the Oliver's decided to build a second facility at 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, Va.
Harry Diggs Oliver, II and his oldest son, Harry Diggs "Bubba" Oliver III both died in 1986. John Patton Oliver and Martin V. Oliver (right) inherited their father's share of the business and continued to operate it with the help of their father's brother James "Boots" Oliver. James "Boots" Oliver died in 1989. John died in 2007. Martin is now the sole owner of H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts.
In August of 1999, the Olivers opened their Chesapeake chapel at 1416 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, Virginia, now serving the Great Bridge, Deep Creek, and Greenbriar communities.
There is a very simple reason why the H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments has and still does serve the Tidewater area. A standard of excellence, based on ethics, trust, experience and traditional dignity.

Email: hdofh@aol.com