Bynum & Susie Weaver
Bynum and Susie Weaver were pillars of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro African American community, owning three “social enterprises” before the term existed. From a grocery store to funeral services, the Weavers’ businesses provided much needed goods and services to the community, regardless of people’s ability to pay. The couple owned the Chapel Hill Funeral Home and Ambulance Service, Weaver’s Grocery, and a beauty parlor. They began operating the grocery store and salon located on Brooks Street in the Northside Community in the early 1950s. Both were popular gathering places. Children piled into the store after school each day and women congregated
at the beauty parlor regularly to enjoy fellowship. In the ’50s, Bynum became the owner and operator of the Chapel Hill Funeral Home and Ambulance Service, located on North Graham Street. At that time, it was the only business of its kind serving Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s African-American citizens. The original building still stands, known currently as Knotts Funeral Home. The Bynum Weaver Memorial Chapel is a part of the renovated addition - it had been Mr. Weaver’s wish to one day have a funeral home with a chapel.
Bynum, a native of Chapel Hill, was a licensed funeral director and was known to often spend 24 hours at the funeral home to not miss any emergencies. Susie was a native of Chatham County and was the assistant director, an ordained minister, and a beautician. She was the main hairstylist for the funeral business and was asked to be the soloist for the majority of the funerals. She also was the director of the Weaver Gospel Singers, which toured widely and had a weekly program on Durham radio station WSRC. The gospel group would sing at prisons, sanatoriums, nursing homes and more as a traveling ministry to all. Each Thanksgiving, Susie would load up her singing group’s tour bus and take local families to Six Flags Over Georgia and Walt Disney World, making the trip affordable for the community.
The Weavers believed strongly in helping those who were less fortunate. They covered burial expenses for families who couldn’t
pay; brought fruits, vegetables and clothing to people who were hungry and in need; provided free book covers to the local school
children. They even opened their home to those needing shelter. Susie volunteered as a “Gray Lady,” offering non-medical care to
patients at North Carolina Memorial Hospital. Bynum knew everyone and was deeply trusted. It was widely known that when you were having difficulty, you could call Bynum Weaver. Together, the Weavers set the standard for for-benefit businesses before that term was
widely used - creating jobs, meeting critical needs, and leading by example. People still talk about their generosity, compassion and
dedication to the well-being of others.
For their unflagging faith, their strong commitment to the community, and their leadership in service and business, we proudly induct Bynum and Susie Weaver into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.
at the beauty parlor regularly to enjoy fellowship. In the ’50s, Bynum became the owner and operator of the Chapel Hill Funeral Home and Ambulance Service, located on North Graham Street. At that time, it was the only business of its kind serving Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s African-American citizens. The original building still stands, known currently as Knotts Funeral Home. The Bynum Weaver Memorial Chapel is a part of the renovated addition - it had been Mr. Weaver’s wish to one day have a funeral home with a chapel.
Bynum, a native of Chapel Hill, was a licensed funeral director and was known to often spend 24 hours at the funeral home to not miss any emergencies. Susie was a native of Chatham County and was the assistant director, an ordained minister, and a beautician. She was the main hairstylist for the funeral business and was asked to be the soloist for the majority of the funerals. She also was the director of the Weaver Gospel Singers, which toured widely and had a weekly program on Durham radio station WSRC. The gospel group would sing at prisons, sanatoriums, nursing homes and more as a traveling ministry to all. Each Thanksgiving, Susie would load up her singing group’s tour bus and take local families to Six Flags Over Georgia and Walt Disney World, making the trip affordable for the community.
The Weavers believed strongly in helping those who were less fortunate. They covered burial expenses for families who couldn’t
pay; brought fruits, vegetables and clothing to people who were hungry and in need; provided free book covers to the local school
children. They even opened their home to those needing shelter. Susie volunteered as a “Gray Lady,” offering non-medical care to
patients at North Carolina Memorial Hospital. Bynum knew everyone and was deeply trusted. It was widely known that when you were having difficulty, you could call Bynum Weaver. Together, the Weavers set the standard for for-benefit businesses before that term was
widely used - creating jobs, meeting critical needs, and leading by example. People still talk about their generosity, compassion and
dedication to the well-being of others.
For their unflagging faith, their strong commitment to the community, and their leadership in service and business, we proudly induct Bynum and Susie Weaver into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.