Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory and Moore’s Funeral Chapel have been serving Northwest Arkansas for over a century. Owners Scott and Paula Berna are committed to walking step by step alongside families during their toughest times of need. The Berna family has become one of the most trusted providers of end-of-life services in the region, serving hundreds of families across Northwest Arkansas.
Scott and Paula’s lives have been shaped by funerals. As a teenager, Scott worked at a funeral home in Van Buren, Arkansas, managed by his uncle. This experience influenced his decision to enter the funeral business full-time. After obtaining his Arkansas funeral director’s license, he continued his career in Fort Smith. It was there that he met his wife, Paula. She spent her early years singing in churches across the United States. The two crossed paths at her grandfather’s funeral, where Scott served as the funeral director. After hearing Paula sing during the service, Scott said, “The rest is history.”
After managing funeral homes and cemeteries in Texas and Oklahoma, the Bernas eventually settled in Northwest Arkansas to manage Nelson’s Funeral Home and Crematory and Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. They purchased the business in 2002.
Scott and Paula have deep roots in the community. Their son, Colby, and daughter, Calli, both graduated from Fayetteville Public Schools. Each child was part of a state championship team in their respective sports before going on to play football and basketball for the University of Arkansas. Scott and Paula are blessed with four grandchildren. Scott’s parents worked alongside the Bernas before his father passed away, and Paula’s parents continue to serve on staff.
Over the years, the Bernas have grown their business into one of the most trusted funeral home providers in the region. In 2010, they purchased Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville, a funeral home that has served the city since 1889. They have also expanded their services throughout Northwest Arkansas. The Bernas continue to be active in all aspects of the business. Their son, Colby, joined the business in 2011 as a funeral director and embalmer and currently manages their Rogers location. Scott has served as president of the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association and was the 2025 recipient of the Arkansas Funeral Director of the Year award. Colby currently serves as the association’s vice president.
“We view this line of work as a ministry. What’s kept us in the business for all these years is that we enjoy helping people. There’s nothing more satisfying to us than having a family come up after a funeral service and say, ‘You made the most difficult time in my life a little easier.’ That’s what we’ve worked so hard to accomplish here at Nelson-Berna,” Scott said.
When families approach Nelson-Berna Funeral Homes for funeral planning, Scott and Paula are prepared to welcome them with patience and empathy throughout the entire process.
Whether a family is purchasing a prepaid funeral plan or planning a loved one’s funeral, the Bernas are devoted to making the process as seamless and comfortable as possible.
The Bernas often have their comfort dogs, Gracie and Allie, present at the funeral home.
“There can be times during the process when people don’t know what to say, things can be tense, or children might be present. Gracie and Allie can bring unexpected comfort to families,” Paula said.
Scott and Paula are committed to providing the best funeral services in the region. Nelson-Berna Funeral Homes can accommodate families wherever they are and, whenever possible, fulfill any requests they might have. The business has a sizable staff, ensuring someone is always available to answer questions or handle emergencies, regardless of the time or place.
“We strive to do everything within our power not to say no to a family. We try to accommodate each family,” Scott said.
The family-owned business also carefully maintains each of its facilities, keeping them pristine, presentable and up to date with the latest technology and offerings to best serve each family. The team provides an extensive list of personalization options to help honor each loved one. These options range from a motorcycle hearse and the release of butterflies and doves to a bagpiper and, for University of Arkansas fans, the opportunity to “Call the Hogs.”
Nelson-Berna also offers enhanced cremation services. Families can purchase cremation jewelry, have their loved one’s cremated remains pressed into a stone or choose from multiple burial options at Fairview Memorial Gardens.
“We really want to help tailor services toward remembering the deceased for who they were and what they liked, not just the traditional methods,” Colby said.
The family-owned funeral home also offers a collection of resources designed to help those experiencing loss understand and acknowledge their grief. Nelson-Berna’s staff regularly checks in with families to ensure they know they can always reach out with questions or simply when they need a listening ear.
We strive to do everything within our power to not say no. We try to accommodate each family.
We view this line of work as a ministry. What’s kept us in the business for all these years is that we enjoy helping people.