GREENFIELD — Following the recent death of its owner, a High Street funeral home that’s been family-owned and operated since 1976 has closed its doors, effective April 1.

Walker Funeral Home was most recently owned by Faye Walker, who died in September 2022 at the age of 72. She had continued running the funeral home after the death of her husband, David Walker Sr., in 2006. However, the funeral home’s history dates back to 1927, when it was opened by Alexander Hodgen.

“Because it was a family business and ran for a long time, I’m sure it was very special to the family,” said Darlene King, Faye Walker’s niece as well as the funeral home’s trustee and president.

King said Walker Funeral Home has been highly successful since it opened. However, due to the rising popularity of direct cremation and the number of funeral homes in Franklin County, King noted income hasn’t been as steady as it used to be.

Debra Johnson-Bolaski, funeral director at Walker Funeral Home, said the community is very saddened by the closure. Johnson-Bolaski, who also owns Johnson Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls, said all clients have been given alternative options for funeral services.

“Everybody there really enjoyed serving the community,” Johnson-Bolaski said, mentioning that the employees all cared deeply about their clients.

The Walker family plans to sell the 14 High St. building and all of its contents, in accordance with the requests of Faye Walker’s trust.

An earlier version of this article provided an incorrect title for Debra Johnson-Bolaski, who was funeral director.

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