We realize you may have never made funeral or cremation arrangements before. It is our goal to ease your anxiousness of this process by informing you of what to expect. We’re here at every step to guide you.
Here are some ways we plan to make your experience with us as easy as possible:
- Our staff is professional yet compassionate and personable. We hope that when you leave, you’ll consider us more than just your funeral directors; we’ll be well-on-our-way to being friends.
- Our facilities are welcoming and inviting. The word ‘home’ is truly embodied here and is such a fitting part of our name. This circa 1895 Victorian home is rich with Lithonia history and charming character. Even more notable than the warm atmosphere, however, is the way you’re treated when you enter- as one of our own family.
- We’ve put a lot of work into making this process efficient. Stay on track with us, and we’ll get it all covered- we promise! It likely won’t be as painful or take as long as you expect.
- We’re trained to handle ALL the details. From veterans’ benefits and filing insurance to arranging dove releases at the cemetery and everything in between, you’ve chosen very capable hands.
- We are accessible. Although someone is not in the office 24 hours/day, we can be reached by phone or email at any time day or night. We will address your questions or concerns in a timely manner.
Here are some items to consider bringing to your appointment. All may not apply to your situation.
- Vital information (list provided below)
- Biographical Details (list provided below)
- Recent Photograph (used for appearance & online memorial page)
- Photographs for Digital Tribute (up to 50)
- Clothing (complete with undergarments)
- Life Insurance Policies and/or Company Correspondence
- If veteran, a copy of VA Form DD-214
Upon entering,
You will be welcomed by a staff member who will introduce themselves and ask you to do the same. They will then guide you to the arrangement room to begin that process that consists of the following:
1. Gathering vital statistics for the death certificate and other pertinent paperwork.
Here are things you will be asked:
- Deceased’s Full Name
- Social Security Number
- Date, City & State of Birth
- Parent’s Names (including maiden name of mother)
- History of Education & Employment
- History of Military Service
- Current Address
- Marital Status
- Spouse’s Name (if widowed or married)
- Name, Address, Phone Number & Email Address of Primary Family Contact
2. Providing biographical details for creation of an obituary. This is where you share your memories and insights into your loved one’s character and lifestyle. No one knew them better than you, after all. You tell us their story, and we’ll take it from there! Here are some things commonly included in an obituary:
- Hobbies & Interests
- Church Affiliation
- Community Involvement
- Clubs/Organizational Memberships
- Character Traits
- School & Work History
- Family preceding your loved one in death
- Surviving family members
- A recent photograph
3. Deciding about the plans for the funeral or memorial service. There are countless ways to honor, remember & celebrate your loved one, and again, no one knows what that should look like better than you. This is when you decide things like:
- If not already determined, would my loved one desire traditional burial or cremation?
- Do we want to have a viewing/visitation to receive guests?
- Will there be a service for family & friends? If so, when & where?
- Who will participate in the service- speakers, musicians, etc.?
- Are there special readings or musical selections we desire?
- Are we interested in a digital picture tribute?
- If applicable, who will serve as pallbearers?
- If applicable, do we own cemetery property?
- Are we interested in having memorial contributions made to a preferred charity or church?
- Are there special/accessory services we desire- dove release, bagpipes, etc.
The Federal Trade Commission requires that we have this listing of our services, corresponding prices and necessary disclosures available to all families. To ensure compliance, if it hasn’t already been, this is often the time in the arrangement conference it will be presented and explained so you are well informed. Our online version can be explored by clicking the View Our GPL Tab.
4. Making selections of products pertinent to the services you’ve planned. We will guide, inform and educate you on what is needed and what is optional. Our showroom is furnished with samples of all types of merchandise in a range of price points and various style preferences. Do the arrangements we desire lend themselves to the purchase of the following?:
- Casket
- Vault (outer burial container)
- Register Book Package (book, memorials, thank you notes)
- Printed Programs
- Urn
- Urn Vault
- Keepsake Urns
- Flag Case
- Memorial Jewelry
5. Confirming selections, presenting relevant documents for review and signature & re-capping information. In this closing of our meeting, we will list out for you any additional information or items we need you to provide and the timelines in which we need them. Rest assured that we’ll take it from here. If questions or concerns do arise, don’t ever hesitate to reach out to us by phone, (770) 482-4411, or by email, henryfuneralhm@gmail.com. We’re here for you when you need us most.
