Jo Parsons | Funeral Celebrant

Funeral Celebrant in Exeter

Hello, I’m Jo Parsons, your Funeral Celebrant based in Exeter and the Southwest.

My role is to listen, support, and help you create a ceremony that truly reflects your loved one; their story, their personality, and the love they leave behind.

I live in Exeter with my husband. We have two wonderful grown-up children who, after their university adventures, have both returned to the Southwest. Having family close by means the world to me.

I deeply value the time I spend with family and friends, even though many of them live across the UK and around the world. Their distance has given me the perfect reason to travel to many beautiful places, as well as to share the beauty of the Southwest, a place I am proud to call home.

I also love being outdoors, walking on Dartmoor with my dog, exploring our beautiful local beaches, and finding peace in nature. Singing with a local choir that supports charities in our community is another joy in my life.

Before becoming a Funeral Celebrant, I spent over 20 years as a Primary School Teacher, specialising in Early Years and Special Educational Needs. My teaching career took me across the UK and internationally, giving me a deep appreciation of different cultures and a real empathy for others.

Over time, I realised that the skills I valued most in teaching, listening, understanding, and caring, were the same qualities needed to support families through loss. That understanding led me to my calling as a celebrant.

When someone dies, there is so much to process: sadness, love, memories, and questions about what to do next. My role is to gently guide you through creating a ceremony that feels right for you and honours your loved one with warmth, respect, and compassion.

When we meet, I will support you in sharing stories, remembering special moments, and choosing words and music that bring their life to light. The ceremony we create will be unique, inspired by the person you have lost, and shaped entirely by your wishes.

If distance prevents us from meeting in person, I will arrange a virtual meeting or telephone call, during which I will provide the same level of care, understanding, and professionalism as I would in a face-to-face conversation.

While I will craft a unique and personal eulogy for your loved one, there will also be time and space for you to select any music, readings, poems, or prayers that hold special significance. If you prefer, you may read them yourself, or I would be honoured to present them on your behalf.