This directory is designed to help individuals and families (primarily North Carolina residents) navigate end-of-life planning and options with a focus on natural, holistic, and environmentally conscious choices. This directory is a living resource that may be updated frequently.
Please note that this directory is provided for informational purposes only. The inclusion of any resource or contact does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of services by Our Sacred Sojourn, nor does it imply an affiliation with any listed entity unless explicitly stated otherwise. Users are encouraged to independently research, verify, and vet all providers to ensure they meet their individual needs and standards.
NC Secretary of State - Advance Directives: This is the official source for information and forms regarding living wills, health care powers of attorney, and other advance directives in North Carolina.
Five Wishes: While not specific to NC, Five Wishes is an alternative advance care planning document that meets legal requirements in North Carolina and covers personal, spiritual, medical, and emotional wishes.
Website: https://www.fivewishes.org/
Natural burial allows the body to return to the earth as naturally as possible, without embalming, concrete vaults, or non-biodegradable caskets.
Carolina Memorial Sanctuary (Mills River, NC)
Bluestem Conservation Cemetery (Cedar Grove, NC)
Website: https://www.bluestemcemetery.org/
Sanctuary at the Burrow (Chatham County, NC)
All Souls Natural Burial Association (Greensboro, NC)
Dedicated Natural Burial Areas:
Historic Oakwood Cemetery (Raleigh, NC)
Website: https://historicoakwoodcemetery.org/
Pine Forest Memorial Gardens (Wake Forest, NC)
Website: https://www.pineforestmemorial.com/
The Green Burial Council: This organization certifies green burial providers and can be a good resource for finding others, although directly certified sites in NC are limited. Look for funeral homes that offer "green burial services" even if they don't operate a dedicated green cemetery.
Website: https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/
Aquamation is an eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation, using water and alkaline chemicals to reduce the body to bone fragments.
Endswell Funeral Home (Hillsborough, NC)
Also facilitates transport for terramation (composting).
Website: https://endswellfuneralhome.com/
Tranquility Aquamation (Wilmington, NC)
Website: https://www.waternotfire.com/
Green GoodBye (Multiple Locations)
Website: https://www.greengoodbye.com/
Our Sacred Sojourn! We welcome the opportunity to support you.
*Note: Many of the following directories require payment in exchange for a listing. Please support local doulas when possible.
The Death Doula Collective
Website: https://deathdoulas.com/
Death Doulas of NC
Website: https://www.deathdoulasofnc.com/
Doulagivers Institute
National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA)
International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA)
Website: https://inelda.org/find-a-doula/
Omega Home Network: Promotes the development and expansion of community homes for dying people.
Website: https://www.omegahomenetwork.org/
Non-profit Hospice Centers: There are several non-profit hospice organizations across NC. Search for resources in your local area.
My personal interactions as a volunteer have included the following (again, this is not necessarily an endorsement):
Transitions LifeCare (Raleigh, NC): https://www.transitionslifecare.org/
Four Seasons Hospice (Flat Rock, NC): https://fourseasonscare.org/
Emberlight (Center for Conscious Living and Dying) (Swannanoa, NC): https://www.ccld.community/
National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA): Provides information and resources for families who wish to care for their dead at home, often in conjunction with a funeral director or independently where legal. North Carolina is a family-friendly state for home funerals.
Website: https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/
Local Hospices: Many hospice organizations offer grief support groups and counseling that can have a holistic approach, focusing on emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Some offer services regardless of whether your loved one was a patient. Look up hospices in your local area.
Integrative Therapists/Counselors: Search for local therapists in NC who specialize in grief and loss and utilize holistic modalities (e.g., mindfulness, art therapy, nature-based therapy).
Grief Share: Directory of grief support groups.
Website: https://www.griefshare.org/
National Alliance for Children's Grief: Resources to help children navigate grief.
Website: https://nacg.org/
Carson's Village: Offering free navigation of practical details following a sudden loss.
Website: https://carsonsvillage.org/
North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association: Search tool for facility care.
Senior Guidance: Search tool for senior living options.
Website: https://www.seniorguidance.org/