A Death has Occurred
First, let us express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Remember, you are never alone. We've provided a step-by-step guide for you in the event of a death. You can always reach out with questions any time.
1. Notify the Right People
Is your loved one at home or work, or are they under supervised care?
At home or work:
- Call emergency personnel or their physician
- Call the police if no one was there at the time of death
- Call the funeral home, then the cemetery
If you're unsure, you can always call us to help guide you.
Under supervised care:
- Call the funeral home
- Call the cemetery
The staff will notify the rest of the necessary professionals and funeral home on your behalf.
2. Gather Support
Begin discussing arrangements with the funeral home, notify key family members and ask them to share the news, and contact any clergy or other spiritual or community advisors.
Create a support system for yourself to unburden the stress and have help through every step of the process.
3. Answer Any Key Questions About Arrangements
Was there any pre-planning in place? If so, your loved one has taken care of the details and just wishes you to celebrate their life. If not, don't worry, there's just a few key decisions to take care of:
Determine after life choices:
- Do you need embalming?
- Do you need a casket?
- Do you need to make cemetery arrangements?
Choose type of service:
- Do you need a minister or other clergy member?
- How do you want to honor your loved one?
4. Talk to the cemetery, if that is the route you wish to take.
Once you've obtained the cemetery plot, we will work with you and the cemetery to determine service times and any other choices that need to be made.
If you already have a plot at a cemetery, contact them and ensure if the outer burial container was part of the purchase or if you need to purchase one through the funeral home.
5. Honor your loved one's life with family and friends
It's easy to get caught up in the planning and details, but remember to spend time with your friends and family and remember your loved one together.
Call Us Today
If you have not done so, please call us at (804) 733-8511 at any time. One of our funeral directors will set a time to meet with you and make arrangements. If you would like to, please complete this secure form assist us in gathering the necessary information for a more focused arrangement meeting.
