Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

The House of Wright Mortuary is a family that strives to provide families and decedents with compassionate and professional service. We are here to be a blessing to everyone we serve by offering dignified service in all aspects of the funeral experience. Our business exists to provide personalized service with excellence and integrity. We desire to continue our tradition of creating memorable services that honor every life.
Learn the legacy.
We know that every family we serve is unique, and we strive to make each service a personal tribute to the life that has been lived. We provide a wide variety of choices that will help fulfill a family's wishes,
from a traditional funeral to a personalized service that celebrates a loved one's hobbies and interests.

The House of Wright Mortuary & Cremation Services, Inc., established August 9, 1987 by Robert O. Wright, I & his wife Deborah. The building purchased was formerly known as the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses built in 1955. The physical address of 208 East 35th Street, Wilmington, Delaware was now home to The House of Wright Mortuary. It's doors opened to the public with a dedication ceremony.
The House of Wright Mortuary was birthed as a family owned and operated funeral service establishment.
The family also consisted of two sons Robert II and Justen. Two weeks after the dedication ceremony they received their initial first call. God truly answers prayer. That service was the beginning of a profound legacy of personalized service rendered with compassion and dignity.

The House of Wright's reputation has grown with increased personalized service and trained professionals. The business currently provides service to over 200 families annually.
The House of Wright Mortuary remains a family owned and operated funeral service provider. Now the company is embracing their Second Generation of leadership through Justen A. Wright. The Wright family has expanded the business as well. The company now has three locations in Wilmington, Smyrna, DE and Penns Grove, NJ also serving surrounding areas. The family has birthed their third generation who are continuing the legacy.
The House of Wright maintains a spirit of excellence and first class service. They continuously express their commitment to others and pour back into their community by being active members in a variety of organizations while making donations to various organizations.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.

Robert O. Wright I, C.F.S.P.
Founder
Robert O. Wright I, is the Founder of The House of Wright Mortuary & Cremation Services, Inc.. He started his love for the funeral industry at the age of 14. He was born and raised in Wilmington De, to the late Jacqueline L. Wright-Evans and Harry S. Wright. Robert is a graduate of P.S. DuPont High School, class of 1974.He pursued his dream of becoming a funeral director and graduated in 1981 from the American Academy of McAllister Institute of Funeral Service. Robert later established The House of Wright Mortuary in 1987. Mr. Wright was a Licensed Funeral Director in Delaware and Maryland.
His career was principally devoted to service and continuing education. In 2000, Mr. Wright became a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He served as an appointed member of the Delaware State Board of Funeral Service.
Robert was a faithful member of Bethel AME Church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Silvester Scott Beaman. He has always been involved in the church as an usher. Robert was the Immediate Past State President of the Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Delaware and is still a current member.
Robert was a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He ws also a Past Master Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons. He was a noble of the Mystic Shrine Suakim Temple #60 A. E.A.O.N.M.S.
He is the father of two sons, Robert O. Wright, II and Honorable Justen A. Wright. Mr. Wright is the proud grandfather of Robert, III, Latrell, Stephon, Justen II, Raegan, Skylar, Kobe, Karter and Alex.

Deborah A. Wright
Founder
Deborah Ann Brinkley Wright is a native of Wilmington, DE.
She is the eldest of seven children to Betty A. Mitchell and the late Warren E. Brinkley, Sr.
Deborah has been married to Robert O. Wright, I CFSP, owner and founder. She is the mother of Robert O. Wright, II and Justen A. Wright, CFSP; 2 daughters-in-law,Trista Wright and Blair Wright. She is the proud grandmother of, Robert O. Wright, III, Latrell, Stephon, Justen A. Wright, II, Raegan, Skylar, Kobe, Karter and Alex..
She graduated from Delcastle Technical High School with a Diploma in Medical Assistance. She graduated from Wesley College with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.
Deborah is a member of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the Pastorate of Rev. Dr. Silvester S. Beaman and is the Past President of the Senior Usher Board. Her civic duties include being the First Vice President of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Wilmington, DE Club; member of St. Matthews Grand Chapter, OES,PHA and Past Matron of Star of Bethlehem Chapter #8 OES,PHA.

Justen A. Wright C.F.S.P.
Manager/Owner
Justen A. Wright was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He matriculated through the Delaware School System, with the great achievement of graduating from Alexis I. DuPont High School at the tender age of 16. Justen exuded a passion for the funeral industry, he persevered through a daily commute to New York City, from Wilmington for two years, to obtain his Associate’s Degree from the American Academy of McAllister Institute of Funeral Service. Justen continued his education at Wilmington University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.
After completing a one-year apprenticeship under his father, Robert O. Wright I, C.F.S.P. founder of The House of Wright Mortuary & Cremation Services, Inc.; He was granted his license and became the youngest licensed funeral director in the State of Delaware at the age of 20. In June of that same year, he served as the keynote speaker for Delaware State University’s Young Entrepreneur Conference. His commitment to this program was unfathomable to the point, that he reinvested his honorarium received from Delaware State University, back into Entrepreneurial programs to uplift the 19801 and 19802 zip codes in Wilmington. In addition to the Entrepreneurial programs, He has intimately involved himself in S.A.F.E. (Student and Family Enrichment Program), which is a project that focuses on introducing crime prevention workshops and activities for intercity families. Justen earned his certification as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) and Certified Crematory Operator(CCO) to augment his professional career. Justen was featured in the February 2010 edition of Delaware Today Magazine, in an article titled,” Our Black Leaders”. He was also featured in City Life Magazine, in an article titled, ” 19 Energizers”. Justen was featured in the March 30, 2020 edition of The Newsjournal in an article titled, "Delaware funerals now an exercise in exclusion for families, confusion for directors."
In 2008, at the age of 24, Justen was elected as the youngest City Councilman in the history of Wilmington City Council. He served on the 105th Council, as an “At Large” Councilmember, who served the entire City of Wilmington. In addition to his past elected position, Councilman Wright is the President of The House of Wright Mortuary & Cremation Services, Inc.; has expanded to three locations in Wilmington, Smyrna, DE and Penns Grove, NJ; licensed to practice funeral service in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; a licensed pre-need insurance agent; an active member of Ezion Fair Baptist Church under the pastorate of Pastor C. T. Curry, Ph.D., D.Min.; an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; District II Governor for the National Funeral Director’s & Morticians Association; Past President of Delaware State Funeral Directors Association; Past Chairperson of the membership committee for the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association; former Board Member for Connections C.S.P., and the Amputee Coalition of Delaware.
Justen Wright is married to the former Trista Laster and is the proud father of Justen A. Wright II and Alex R. Wright. In addition, Justen’s family history includes being the son of Deborah A. Wright & the late Robert O. Wright, I; brother of Robert II; and the proud uncle of Robert III, Latrell, Stephon, Raegan, Skylar, Kobe, Karter and Kash.
Justen Wright’s commitment to the entire Wilmington community is unwavering. He has received various awards and acknowledgments from community organizations that include the Markevic A. Johnson Scholarship Foundation, the Newark Chapter NAACP; and a Daring to Make a Difference Award from the Mid-Atlantic District of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc.
Justen Wright is committed to giving back to the community and remains a positive role model for young people from all backgrounds. Justen is a firm believer in helping others, which is supported in part by one of his favorite quotes from Booker T. Washington, “If we are one, our cause is one, if we are to succeed we must help each other”.
Explore Our Locations
See where we are and find the place that best meet your needs.
House of Wright Mortuary - Wilmington
208 East 35th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
House of Wright Mortuary - Penns Grove
56 Willis St.
Penns Grove, NJ 08069
House of Wright Mortuary - Smyrna
48 East Commerce Street
Smyrna, DE 19977