Nash County ZIP code has highest number of North Carolina COVID-19 deaths

ZIP code 27804 has a total of 63 deaths and is located in Rocky Mount. The runner-up, located in Stanly County, has 60 deaths.

It is considered “orange” in the state’s pandemic tier listings, meaning the county has experienced substantial community spread of COVID-19. Red is the highest tier listing and means community spread has become critical.

"I have seen an increase since the pandemic, and I have definitely seen an increase in the COVID cases," Crystal Matthews-Marrow, funeral director at Matthews Family Mortuary, said.

She has been working in the funeral business for a decade, and said that this is a hard time for the whole industry — especially for her, as she is planning funerals for many friends and family.

"Dealing with grief right now - for anyone dealing with grief - is hard," Matthews-Marrow said. "Because they're not able to have the love and support they normally would if it wasn't for a pandemic."

Matthews-Marrow says her company has had to adjust how funerals are conducted. Once indoor capacity numbers are reached, all others have to watch the funeral virtually.

"It's heartbreaking for us because we can't give them exactly what they're wanting," says Matthews-Marrow, "But we do ensure that we're providing them with the best service possible without abbreviating their services."

Matthews-Marrow is trying to help people find different ways to express their grief. Her funeral home is sponsoring a virtual session with a specialist on Facebook, nothing her job doesn't exempt her from the pain of loss.

"We are human, too. We also have feelings," she said.

Also, an annual ceremony to honor those that have passed during the year has been changed. This year, people can drive through and pick up a gift bag the mortuary will provide.