Important Things to consider before the funeral arrangement conference:
When will the funeral be held? Who will attend? Will the person be buried or cremated? Will the ceremony be Traditional or Non Traditional?
Has a burial or memorial site been reserved or paid for? If not, then at which cemetery will the person be memorialized?
How do you plan to pay for the funeral expense? Which authorized next of kin will be in charge of concluding the arrangements and expenses?
Where will the service beheld? (Church/Funeral home/Graveside/out of state or other)
You may or may not know but most funeral homes are operated independently of cemeteries and crematories. All expenses will be itemized on the Statement of Goods and Services. Additionally, if you want to add a headstone there is an extra cost this is an option not a requirement. Our Funeral Directors will provide you the information needed to assist you in making these decisions.
When you have considered these questions and are ready to meet with the Russell Funeral Home, please call us at 336-722-3459. Listed below are some tips to help you make the best decisions.
Important things to remember:
1) When meeting with the funeral director it is helpful to have someone accompany you into the meeting. Because the loss of a loved one is so distressing, you might not hear everything the funeral director explains to you. Remember two minds and two sets of ears are always better than one.
2) Did the deceased leave instructions? You might not be able to perform them as specified, but it is helpful to have them in hand before arranging services.
3) What were his or her accomplishments, hobbies and interests? Keep those things in mind when choosing goods and services that will be associated with the funeral, such as casket color, casket materials, flowers, pictures and music. Create a memorial table. Funerals can be customized and unique. Ask your funeral director and they will assist you.
4) Remember there are funeral options to fit everyone's financial circumstances. No funeral is too small and no funeral is too large, as long as it is dignified. Some items are required, some are not. There are numerous ways to handle the financial aspects of the funeral. Discuss your particular situation openly with our funeral directors and they will do their best to meet your needs.
5) Do not be afraid to ask questions. Your funeral director is your best sources of information. Our qualified and caring funeral directors know that part of their job is not only conducting the service, but helping to guide the family through the process.
6) Ask for help. You don’t have to take care of everything yourself. Enlist family and friends to help with phone calls, transportation, keeping track of flowers and donations, arranging food and beverages, etc.
Important Things you will need when making funeral arrangements:
PERSONAL INFORMATION OF THE DECEASED:
1) Full name of your loved one
2) Date of birth
3) Social Security #
4) Mother’s maiden name
5) Fathers full name
6) Place of birth (for the deceased)
7) Nickname (if applicable)
8) Occupation or Profession retired from
9) Resume or professional/career information (Obituary)
10) Siblings and children names (for newspaper/obituary)
11) Address of the deceased
12) Proof of military service DD-214 (if applicable)
CEMETERY INFORMATION:
1) The deed (if applicable)
BURIAL CLOTHING:
1) Socks or stockings
2) Undergarments
3) Shoes (Optional)
4) Suit or dress (Long sleeve shirt or jacket)
5) Wig (If applicable)
6) Dentures (if Applicable)
7) Eye Glasses (if applicable)
(Do not worry if you do not have clothes for your loved one. We will need them at least two days before the services).
PICTURES:
Try to bring the most recent picture possible. This way the funeral home director can get an idea of how your loved one looked in life.