About Oakleigh
Founded in 1999, Oakleigh Funeral Home was built on a simple belief: funeral care should always remain personal. At a time when many providers were becoming increasingly corporate, co-founders Dallas and Natalie Gilbert set out to create a space where families feel supported, heard, and genuinely cared for.
From the start, their vision was to walk alongside families, not prescribe solutions. We believe every life is unique, and every farewell should be too. Rather than fixed packages, we offer guidance and flexibility, allowing families to create a service that reflects their wishes and honours the life lived.
From humble beginnings in Pietermaritzburg, Oakleigh now serves the greater Durban and Midlands communities. We operate our own private mortuaries in both Pietermaritzburg and Durban, ensuring secure, dedicated facilities that uphold the highest standards of care and dignity.
Our presence includes satellite offices in Howick and Gillitts, along with the 120-seater Fernleigh Chapel and Conference Centre in Prestbury, a warm, intimate space for meaningful farewells.
Our Team
Dallas Gilbert
Natalie Gilbert
Josh Gilbert
Adam Radnitz
Jean Bezuidenhout
Graham Anderson
Jacques Pentz
At Oakleigh, our work is not just a profession, but a calling driven by compassion and sensitivity. Our team of over 35 individuals have each experienced personal loss, giving them a deep understanding of what families go through. As a multicultural, community-connected team, we honour diverse traditions and ensure every family feels supported and understood.
We know a funeral is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to say goodbye. That’s why we approach every service with care, dignity, and attention to detail — helping you create a farewell that truly reflects the life it honours.
