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What Is Needed from Next of Kin for Burial and Cremation in Columbus, Georgia

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:11 GMT

Summary

• The next of kin is typically responsible for authorizing burial or cremation.

• Funeral homes often require identification, vital information, and signed authorization forms.

• Requirements may vary by state, but usually include documentation for permits and death certificates.

• Funeral directors help families navigate these steps with compassion and clarity.

What Is Needed from Next of Kin for Burial and Cremation

Families in Columbus, Georgia often want to understand what is required from the next of kin when planning a burial or cremation . According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral professionals typically need written authorization from the next of kin before final arrangements can begin.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains that this authorization supports transparency under the Funeral Rule, helping ensure families remain informed and confident in their decisions. The next of kin—often a spouse, adult child, parent, or legal representative—typically has the legal authority to approve funeral, burial, or cremation arrangements.

Identification and Documentation Requirements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of providing accurate documentation to complete official death certificates and public records. Funeral homes commonly request the following information:

- A government-issued photo ID for the next of kin.

- Vital information about the deceased, including full legal name, date of birth, parents’ names, and Social Security number.

- A signed authorization form for burial or cremation.

- Information necessary to complete the official death certificate.

These documents help ensure that all legal requirements are met and that arrangements reflect the family's wishes accurately.

Why Authorization Matters

Authorization ensures that arrangements follow both family preferences and regulatory guidelines. For burial, the next of kin may need to complete a burial permit and confirm cemetery property or vault choices. For cremation, a Cremation Authorization Form is typically required, and some regions may require medical examiner approval or a mandatory waiting period.

Funeral directors at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory guide families through these steps with clarity, reassurance, and compassionate care.

FAQs

Who is considered the next of kin?

The next of kin is usually a spouse, adult child, parent, or legal representative with the legal authority to make funeral, burial, or cremation decisions.

What documents are needed before burial or cremation?

Most funeral homes request a government-issued ID, essential details for the death certificate, and a signed authorization form.

Do requirements vary by state?

Yes. Requirements may differ depending on the state or region, so families should contact their funeral home for guidance specific to their location.

Written for McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, proudly serving families in Columbus, Georgia with compassion and care.

About McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory

McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory is committed to supporting families throughout Columbus, Georgia. Their knowledgeable and compassionate staff provides clear guidance through every step of the funeral and cremation planning process. Located at 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907 , families may contact them at (706) 569-8015 for assistance.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

Why Do Funeral & Cremation Costs Vary in Columbus, Georgia?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:00:55 GMT

Summary

• Funeral and cremation costs vary based on location, facilities, and the level of professional care provided.

• Urban areas typically have higher operating expenses than rural communities.

• Facilities, personalization, and service options often influence total costs.

• Families in Columbus may notice price differences depending on available amenities and care levels.

Why Do Funeral and Cremation Costs Vary?

Families in Columbus often wonder why funeral and cremation costs differ so much between providers. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), price variations are common and reflect multiple factors including location, facilities, staffing, and the scope of services provided. All data and averages referenced are accurate as of 2025.

Regional and Overhead Differences

Funeral homes in larger cities such as Columbus often face higher property, maintenance, and staffing costs compared to those in smaller towns. These overhead expenses naturally affect total pricing. In more rural areas, lower costs of operation may allow funeral homes to offer simpler or more affordable options.

Facilities, Services, and Personalization

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), families have the right to select only the services they wish to include. Funeral homes with on-site crematories, modern chapels, or reception spaces often invest more in upkeep and staff, which may influence pricing. A full-service funeral with visitation and ceremony may cost more than a direct cremation, while personalization—such as music, video tributes, or catering—can also affect the final price.

Professional Care and Transparency

Behind every service is a licensed team that handles preparation, coordination, and documentation. The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) notes that this professional expertise is an important factor in determining overall cost. Families can always request an itemized General Price List (GPL), as required by the FTC’s Funeral Rule, to ensure transparency and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do funeral prices vary so much from one funeral home to another?

According to the NFDA, differences in property expenses, staffing, facilities, and available services all play a role in cost variations between funeral homes.

Are funeral homes required to provide pricing information?

Yes. The FTC’s Funeral Rule requires every funeral home to offer a General Price List that clearly outlines costs before arrangements are made.

Can families plan ahead to manage costs?

Yes. Preplanning allows families to document their wishes and protect loved ones from unexpected expenses or stress in the future.

Families in Columbus comparing funeral or cremation options may find that price differences often reflect the care, facilities, and level of service provided. For compassionate guidance, families can contact McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory at 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907 , or call (706) 569-8015 for more information.

Written for McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, proudly serving families in Columbus with compassion and care.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Columbus, GA?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:40 GMT

Summary

• According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280 as of 2025.
• A direct cremation—a simple cremation without a ceremony—typically costs between $2,800 and $3,000.
• Prices can vary based on service type, merchandise, and local factors.
• Families in Columbus can find options that honor their loved one while remaining affordable and dignified.

How Much Does Cremation Cost?

Families in Columbus, Georgia, often ask how much cremation costs and what is typically included. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 General Price List Study, the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280. This figure includes professional services, transportation, care of the deceased, and the cremation process itself, often combined with a memorial gathering.

A direct cremation, which does not include a ceremony or visitation, is the most affordable option, averaging between $2,800 and $3,000 nationally. Even with this simpler choice, funeral professionals ensure that every step of the process is handled with care, respect, and dignity.

What Affects Cremation Costs in Columbus

Cremation costs can vary depending on several factors, including the type of service chosen, the facilities available, and any personalized elements. Families may choose to hold a memorial service before or after the cremation, select an urn that reflects their loved one’s wishes, or arrange for a final resting place in a cemetery or columbarium.

Other factors—such as local regulations, staffing, and the level of professional care—also influence pricing. The key is transparency: the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires funeral homes to provide an itemized General Price List (GPL) so families can clearly understand each option and its associated cost.

Planning ahead can also help families manage expenses while ensuring that wishes are honored without added stress during a difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cremation more affordable than burial?

Typically, yes. Cremation often costs less because it does not require cemetery property or burial merchandise, though prices depend on service choices.

Can a family still have a service with cremation?

Absolutely. Many families in Columbus choose to hold a gathering or memorial service to celebrate their loved one’s life before or after the cremation takes place.

How long does the cremation process take?

Cremation itself usually takes a few hours, but completing all required paperwork and permits may take a few days depending on local regulations.

Families in Columbus, Georgia, can turn to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory for caring and professional guidance when planning ahead . Located at 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907 , their dedicated staff can be reached at (706) 569-8015 to answer questions about cremation services and preplanning options.

Written for McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, proudly serving families in Columbus with compassion and care.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Columbus, Georgia?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:00:54 GMT

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Columbus, Georgia?

McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory — Columbus, GA

Summary

• The national median cost of a funeral with burial is $8,300.

• The national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280.

• Prices vary based on services, merchandise, and regional factors.

• Cemetery fees are not included in NFDA’s averages.

• Families in Columbus can benefit from preplanning to make thoughtful, informed decisions.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

Families in Columbus often wonder how much a funeral costs and what factors influence those costs. While prices vary from one funeral home to another, national data provides valuable insight into what most families can expect to spend.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial in the United States is around $8,300, while the median cost of a funeral with cremation is approximately $6,280. These national averages, based on the NFDA’s 2024 General Price List Study, are accurate as of 2025.

Funeral expenses typically include professional services, care of the deceased, use of facilities, transportation, and coordination of the ceremony. However, cemetery property, monuments, and grave opening or closing fees are usually not included in these averages.

Why Do Funeral Costs Vary?

The total cost of a funeral often depends on the type of service chosen, the quality of facilities, and the level of personalization desired by the family.

Some families prefer a traditional funeral with burial, while others may select cremation followed by a memorial service or celebration of life. Each choice involves different considerations, such as selecting a casket or urn, deciding where the service will be held, and determining how personal touches will be included.

Because every family’s needs are unique, planning ahead can help ensure that wishes are followed and that loved ones are protected from unexpected costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a funeral with burial?

The NFDA reports that the national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is about $8,300 as of 2025. This typically includes professional services, transportation, and a ceremony.

How much does a funeral with cremation cost?

According to the NFDA, the median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280, which often includes professional services, the cremation process, and an urn.

Are cemetery fees included in NFDA averages?

No. Cemetery property, opening and closing fees, and memorial markers are generally separate from funeral home costs.

Families in Columbus, Georgia, can turn to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory for caring and professional guidance when planning ahead. Located at 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907 , their dedicated staff can be reached at (706) 569‑8015 to answer questions about funeral preplanning and options.

Written for McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, proudly serving families in Columbus with compassion and care.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

Does Everyone Go Through the Five Stages of Grief?

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:59:29 GMT

What does grief look like? It’s a question that’s been asked for centuries, and it’s difficult to answer because grief looks different to different people. But we’ve often been told that the grieving process follows a certain path, which is commonly called the five stages of grief. Does everyone go through the five stages? And if they don’t, how do they know if they’re grieving properly?

Does everyone follow the five stages of grief?

Many people know the five stages of grief, even if they’re not sure where they first heard them. You don’t have to have studied psychology to know that the five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This cycle is so entwined with the way we think about mourning the loss of a loved one that many people simply believe that they will naturally follow this order when dealing with their own loss. However, that’s not always the case.

The five stages of grief have been a part of the public consciousness since 1969, when they were introduced to the world by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross in her book On Death and Dying . Thanks to her work, the five stages of grief were adopted as the Kübler-Ross model, or sometimes the DABDA model, in honor of the steps themselves. But the Kübler-Ross model was never meant to be about coming to terms with losing a loved one. It was about the emotions one faces when being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Although Kübler-Ross noted in her book that family members undergo their own process of dealing with the diagnosis, she had never intended to use her model to explain how they navigate their way through grief.

Even still, the model has been shown not even to be a great representation of what terminally ill patients go through or what other grief-stricken individuals face. The Kübler-Ross model was created by studying over two hundred patients who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. A collection of case studies are typically not considered the best way to find and analyze data. Perhaps that’s why several studies have managed to debunk the model altogether, especially when applied to the grief of losing a loved one. A 1981 study , for instance, took a look at 193 widows who had been widowed for different lengths of time. The study concluded that the stresses of being a widow continued for years after their loss, with no evidence to suggest that they followed set stages of grief.

How do I know if I’m grieving wrong?

Time and again, we look toward the Kübler-Ross model as our guide for determining if we’re grieving “right.” But clearly, it’s not the best resource to figure out if something is wrong with how we’re mourning. Even Kübler-Ross said toward the end of her career that she regretted how her model had been misapplied . We often wish that we had a guide toward how we’re supposed to feel after we lose a loved one. Losing someone we love triggers the start of a tumultuous time filled with many questions. For some people, it becomes hard to wake up in the morning. Those people often wonder if they’re grieving too much. Other people just want to throw themselves into their work. They often question if they’re grieving too little.

It’s hard to determine if someone is grieving wrong because there isn’t a set guide to grief. People grieve in many different ways. Some people may follow a trajectory closer to what’s described in the Kübler-Ross model. Others skip some steps or jump around to various stages. Many people repeat steps. They may think they have reached acceptance, but one trigger, like their loved one’s favorite song, may have them returning to a stage of anger or depression. Kübler-Ross herself shared that grief is most often not linear.

So, is there any way to figure out if your grieving process is troubling? It’s normal to experience grief that interferes with how you function, but it depends on the severity and length of time you face these feelings. You may experience complicated grief, which could result in a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder (PGD). PGD is marked by an intense longing for a person who died within at least six months or 12 months for children or teenagers. Symptoms of PGD include:

● Feeling that a part of you died

● An unwillingness to believe that the person has passed

● Avoidance of reminders of their death

● Anger, bitterness, or sorrow about their death

● Difficulty continuing on with your own life

● Emotional numbness

● A belief that life is meaningless

● Extreme loneliness

The time period here is critical to note because many people experience acute grief during the first few months after a loss, in which they may experience some of the above symptoms. However, for most people, acute grief turns to integrated grief after those months come to an end. Complicated grief occurs when that transition doesn’t happen. Unlike complicated grief, integrated grief is less severe and more bittersweet. It’s what remains after the most challenging symptoms come to an end. At the point of integrated grief, people are mostly able to return to their everyday lives. The grief still exists, but it no longer dominates the sufferer’s life.

Although there is treatment for complicated grief and PGD , there’s some debate over the best ways to handle them. If your grief is debilitating and has lasted several months, you may want to reach out to a mental health professional for help. But it’s worth noting that it’s often easier to prevent complicated grief than it is to treat it. It may be a good idea to reach out to a professional either before an expected passing or shortly after a loved one’s death to address your emotions and potentially stop complicated grief from arising.

Thanks to the five stages of grief, we often imagine mourning a loved one to be like climbing a mountain. We start at the bottom in a place of denial and end at the top feeling acceptance. But the reality is that the path is far more winding than that. Some days you may be climbing up. Others you may be going down. But ideally, you’ll reach a point where the trek is more level, with smaller climbs and drops than before. Be patient with yourself. You’ll grieve in your own way, and that’s okay.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

Attention to Detail Matters in a Funeral Director

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:57:43 GMT

When you work with a funeral director, you’ll quickly find that they don’t just look at the big picture. They want to know details, from how you want your loved one to look to how you want some of their most precious items to be featured. Here are just a few of the details that a funeral director needs to know to ensure that they plan a funeral that’s perfect for your loved one.

Details Your Funeral Director Needs to Know

1. How your loved one styled their hair and makeup

Your funeral director is in charge of ensuring that your loved one looks like themselves on the day of their funeral. Though they might not be the one doing the hair and makeup for your loved one’s services, they do have to oversee the process. A funeral director will often ask for a photo of your loved one to get an idea of how they liked to look. But it’s also helpful for you to give the funeral director your loved one’s favorite makeup to ensure that the right colors are chosen.

Hair and makeup may not seem like the most significant details for a funeral, but it means a lot for a loved one to look the way that their friends and family remember them looking for their services. And although makeup can be wiped off and reapplied, cut hair or a shaved beard will not grow back. Your funeral director will check with you to make sure they are or are not supposed to give your loved one a haircut or a shave.

2. What should go in the casket with them

When you work with a funeral director to prepare for your loved one’s services, you’ll need to provide them with items that may be for the day of the funeral or may be buried with your loved one. It’s essential that your funeral director know the difference between these items. If a funeral director is not informed that a precious necklace is just for a viewing, that piece of jewelry may end up being buried.

When you give the funeral director any items, be sure to be clear about how you’d like the items used. You may want to bury some beloved trinkets with your loved one, including rosaries, letters, books, or pictures. But you may have additional items that are just supposed to be in the casket for the day of the funeral, such as jewelry. Inform your funeral director of your intentions with every item, especially those precious to you and your family. Your funeral director will treat every object with respect, but they still need to be told where the item should end up: back in your hands or in the casket with your loved one.

3. What items were important to your loved one

Outside of objects to go in the casket, your funeral director will want to know about additional items that may be able to play a role in the funeral. Think about what objects meant the most to them in life. Even if you think something is too big to be incorporated, you should still tell your funeral director about them. You never know what the funeral director may be able to do.

Maybe your loved one loved nothing more than the wind in their hair as they rode their motorcycle. The funeral home may be able to bring that motorcycle in as a way to pay homage to those many days on the open road. Or perhaps your loved one was happiest with a fishing rod in their hand. Those fishing poles may be able to be used for a display during the service.

4. What did your loved one love to do

Beyond incorporating beloved items into a funeral, a funeral director may have other ideas about how to honor what your loved one enjoyed doing. Was your loved one a painter? Their work could be displayed throughout their services. Or maybe your loved one was known as the best baker around. The funeral director may ask for their favorite cookie recipe to think of creative ways to share with family and friends.

Your funeral director wants to know what made your loved one so special in order to customize the funeral to suit who they truly were. Funerals and other services are not one-size-fits-all. Funeral directors and their staff work hard to ensure that every service is unique to the person it's planned for.

5. What causes did your loved one champion

When a funeral director asks what mattered to your loved one, they also want to know about what causes were close to their heart. Did they volunteer at the local animal shelter? Were they a frequent attendee of the firefighters' gala? Your funeral director may have ideas on how to incorporate those causes in the celebration of their life.

One of the most common ways to do this is to ask for donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary, which a funeral director may be able to help you write, but there are other ways to make a cause a part of a loved one’s services. Your funeral director could help you set up a memorial fund, solidifying a legacy of your loved one’s love of that particular cause. Or you could organize a day to assist the charity for any funeral-goers who wish to join.

6. What kind of clothing did your loved one enjoy wearing

Dressing a loved one for their funeral traditionally meant placing them in semi-formal attire, but it’s become more acceptable to dress your loved one in whatever way made them happiest in life. You’ll be asked to provide clothing that you’d like your loved one to wear for their services, but you may not be sure where to start.

Talk to your funeral director about the clothes that your loved one could most often be spotted in. If you remember your loved one best in paint-speckled overalls, diligently working on their latest masterpiece, your funeral director may suggest that to be the outfit that your loved one is buried in. Or you can pick something more traditional, like the dress your loved one wore to every family event. The choice is up to you, but your funeral director will be there to help guide you through your decisions.

7. Who wants to be involved in the funeral

Another detail you must inform your funeral director about is who wants to be a part of the funeral. Positions can include giving the eulogy or additional readings, driving in the funeral procession, or being a pallbearer or honorary pallbearer, or you may have another unique idea about how to include members of your loved one’s family and friends. But your funeral director needs to know the names of everyone who will be a part of the services and how they will be involved before the funeral. The funeral director will ensure that everyone is in the right place at the right time and knows what’s expected of them.

For a funeral director, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Their goal is always to ensure that the funeral you envision for your loved one is the one you receive. Always make sure that the line of communication is open between you and your funeral director.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

Dealing with Grief on the Anniversary of a Loved One’s Passing

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:55:45 GMT

There are many days throughout the year that remind us of our loved ones who are no longer with us physically. We find ourselves thinking of them on their birthdays, special holidays, or anniversaries. The anniversary of their passing can be an especially difficult day. Experiencing grief on this day is natural, but it can be overwhelming and painful. Here are a few tips to help you get through this challenging day.

5 Tips for Facing Grief on the Anniversary of a Loved One’s Passing

1. Accept your grief.

The anniversary of a loved one’s passing can trigger feelings of grief, which can be difficult to accept. Although the five stages of grief have been debunked time and again, many people believe that grief has a formula and a timeline. While it’s true that the most intense symptoms of grief are often resolved within the first two years after a loss, grief is sneaky. It can manifest itself when certain triggers are reintroduced. Those triggers may include your loved one’s favorite song playing on the radio or visiting a place where you hold cherished memories with them. Another common trigger is a special day, such as the anniversary of their passing.

Some people become frustrated when grief resurfaces. They may believe that it’s a sign that they’re not grieving properly, but the truth is that grief returning can be a natural occurrence. You may feel symptoms of grief whenever this anniversary arises. Although the old adage claims that time heals all wounds, it’s natural to miss the people that you love. No matter how many years go by, that love that you have for them never fades. And you may feel that love even more intensely on occasions that make you think of them and how much they meant to you.

2. Express your grief.

Because some people believe that they’re not supposed to grieve beyond a certain time frame, they may feel shame for their emotions. That shame may prevent them from opening up about their feelings. Or they may simply feel like talking about their grief is a bother to others. But the people who love you want to help you. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to ask to be held. It’s okay to grieve. Holding grief inside may end up hurting you more than you realize.

Expressing grief has been shown to help not only you but the people around you. When you talk about how you’re feeling, you open the door to a healing conversation. When people hold their grief in, they often believe that they’re “being strong” and even protecting the others around them who they love. But stoicism isn’t the answer to grief that some believe it is. It’s a natural human need to share emotions. Studies indicate that you and your loved ones will only experience more grief by denying that need.

However, not all loved ones are receptive to hearing about grief. Unfortunately, some individuals go through disenfranchised grief . This type of grief manifests when friends and family do not validate your feelings and believe you’re grieving when you don’t have to. Although you may have internalized beliefs about not feeling like you should grieve on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing, you may also be experiencing external forces that reinforce this idea. If you’re experiencing disenfranchised grief, you may want to consider talking to a mental health professional so that you have a place to express your grief that’s receptive.

3. Don’t face the day alone.

When you know that the anniversary of a loved one’s passing is coming up, you should try to surround yourself with people who are understanding of the situation. Being alone with your thoughts may not be the best course of action. How you handle being around others is up to you. You may simply want a distraction, or you may want to talk to someone about your loved one. It may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional in advance to meet on this particular day. By making this appointment, you’ll have someone experienced in grief to guide you through understanding and facing your emotions.

4. Plan events that aren’t too draining.

Some people want to talk about their loved one on the anniversary of their passing. Other people would prefer to take their mind off of what day it is. One way to distract yourself is to plan something for you to look forward to. Maybe plan a day of back-to-back movies in your favorite theater. Or go shopping with a friend and grab lunch at a place you love.

It’s best not to plan something too demanding. Ideally, if you have to plan in advance, look for things that you wouldn’t mind missing or that are refundable. Your emotions may overwhelm you more than you expect. If you’re not up to doing something after all, make sure that you plan something that wouldn’t be a big deal to miss. For instance, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of money on a concert several towns over because you may not be up to traveling or large crowds while you’re grieving. And you might be upset to have spent so much money and time on the plans just to miss the show.

5. Practice self-care.

When many people hear the term self-care, they picture bubble baths, face masks, and other little luxuries. And while those might be lovely ways to relax, it’s essential to remember that self-care literally means taking care of oneself, both mentally and physically. When you’re grieving, it can be hard to do the things that you would usually do to take care of yourself.

Remember to celebrate the little wins. It may feel silly at first, but be proud of yourself for brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Celebrate eating a healthy meal, but don’t beat yourself up if you treat yourself to a slice of pizza. The biggest part of self-care on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing is to be kind to yourself.

Every year, you may experience grief on the day that a loved one passed. It’s not you regressing. It’s just you coming across a trigger for your emotions. Be patient with yourself, and remember that what you’re feeling is natural. Take time on this day to lift yourself up and let others do the same. Grieving with others is often better than grieving alone.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

Why Have a Funeral Service

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:53:57 GMT

When a loved one passes, one of the first questions that often gets asked is when the funeral will be held. It’s assumed that a funeral will be the way in which family and friends say a final farewell, but do you have to have a funeral? While no law makes it so that you have to hold a funeral in a loved one’s honor, you may want to consider what you could miss out on when you decide against a funeral.

4 Reasons You Should Have a Funeral Service for a Loved One

1. Funeral services give people a chance to say goodbye.

Many people loved your loved one. And funerals create a space where those people from all different walks of life can come together and say goodbye to someone who mattered to them. Saying a farewell to a beloved someone should not be overlooked. We often make the mistake of thinking that a funeral will offer closure, but it’s not closure that a funeral brings. Searching for closure in regards to someone’s passing is futile because the memory of our loved one will never leave us. What’s more fruitful is seeing a funeral as a door opening toward a world without your loved one physically by your side. We may be afraid to step through that door, but having the chance to say goodbye can give us a little push through the threshold.

Funerals are a place of collective mourning. There’s strength in knowing that you’re not saying goodbye alone. You’ll walk through the door of the new world hand-in-hand with your fellow funeral-goers. If you choose to organize a funeral for a loved one, you’re helping not only your own grieving process but the grieving of everyone else who your loved one loved.

2. They create an opportunity for people to support one another.

Funerals also create a place for those funeral-goers to find support in one another. Although you may think that you’re comfortable with the idea of mourning alone, you may find that being around others lifts you up while grief is holding you down. Funerals are a time and place of reconnection, where you’ll meet people who truly want to help you, even if they’re not people you know very well. Funerals aren’t an end to the support you’ll receive. Instead, they are a starting place. Funerals offer a place for help to be planned. While you’re grieving the loss of your loved one, many aspects of day-to-day life may fall through the cracks. The people who come out to say goodbye to your loved one have also come out to support those your loved one left behind, like yourself.

And support doesn’t have to be physical. It may be kind that a family member you haven’t seen in a decade or more is offering to help you with childcare, but the emotional support may be what helps the most. At a loved one’s funeral, you’ll likely see family and friends you may not have seen in a long time. You’ll hear stories about your loved one’s prankster nature as a teenager, about the way that they wooed their future spouse, and about all the things that made your loved one who they were. Those stories will create an even stronger image of your loved one, a full portrait complete with the sides of them you didn’t get to see.

What’s more, you’ll also be able to take comfort in knowing that your loved one was so loved. Seeing family, friends, colleagues, and even simply acquaintances, some you know but likely many you don’t, will show you just how full of a life your loved one lived. Your loved one’s memory will live on through you, but it’ll also live on through all the other lives your loved one touched.

3. They honor your loved one’s memory.

One of the best things about planning a funeral is that it’s customizable. No two funerals are the same because no two lives lived are the same. When you work with a funeral home, you can discuss all the ways you’d like your loved one’s personality and interests to be included in their funeral. From incorporating beloved items into displays to organizing military honors for veterans, there’s no limit to the way in which you can honor your loved one’s memory. Funeral directors will always do their best to accommodate your wishes. Even if you think your idea is a little outlandish, you never know what a funeral director may be able to do.

4. They can begin the healing process.

For many people, funerals are a ritual for a reason. It’s challenging to begin to grieve without this ritual taking place. Funerals confirm that someone has passed. That acknowledgment is crucial to starting the grieving process. We often think of mourning as being a negative word. No one wants to mourn. But the reality is that mourning and grieving are healthy. They allow people to process their loss and come to terms with a new world without the person they love. Funerals give people a point at which they can come to comprehend how this new world is developing.

Although the five stages of grief aren’t an exact science and have been debunked many times over, denial and acceptance are still two common actions that happen during the grieving process. When we hear that a loved one has passed, we often don’t want to believe it. Consciously or unconsciously, we may reject the idea that the person we loved would no longer be in our lives. But it becomes harder to hold onto that false reality when funerals happen. Being given the chance to say goodbye, perhaps even to see our loved one a final time, helps us to pave the way toward acceptance. Funerals don’t end the grieving process, but they can be an important milestone on the path to accepting a loved one’s passing.

A funeral is a bonding experience, a chance to say goodbye, a place to start healing, and an occasion to honor your loved one’s memory, all wrapped into one event. Although you may not have to hold a funeral, you should carefully consider what you could miss if you don’t. Not only is holding a funeral beneficial to you, but it’s also good for those others who will miss your loved one, giving them a ceremony that helps in their own grieving process. Funerals symbolize the start of a time without your loved one in your life. Enter that time with the support of family and friends by your side while you celebrate your loved one’s life together.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

The 20 Best Songs to Play at a Funeral

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:52:08 GMT

Music affects us. Whether it makes us laugh from silly lyrics or cry from a meaningful melody, music has the power to make us feel something. Choosing music for a funeral can help set the tone of the service and mirror the spirit of our loved one. Take a look at some of the best and most popular songs played at funerals to inspire your own choices.

The Best Songs to Play for a Loved One’s Funeral

1. “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley

Originally by Leonard Cohen, the Jeff Buckley cover of this classic song is a frequent fixture at funerals for a reason. Perhaps one of the most beautiful songs ever written, it symbolizes something different for everyone who hears it. But for many people, it’s a way to add some peace to a difficult day.

2. “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion

Although the song is performed as a prayer to the heavens, “ The Prayer ” works for non-religious funerals and religious affairs alike. There’s a comfort to the words, as if you’re asking for your loved one to watch over you. It’s a reminder that they’re still there, even if they’re physically no longer walking alongside us.

3. “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran

Since “ Supermarket Flowers ” came out, it’s been a popular pick for funerals, especially when a mother passes. Sung from the perspective of his mother after her mother died, the song is a message to the one we’ve lost, thanking them for their time with us.

4. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill

Vince Gill dedicated “ Go Rest High on That Mountain ” to his brother, and the singer perfectly captures the grief that comes after losing someone who means so much to us. But at the same time, it’s hopeful in that the singer hopes that his loved one’s spirit is at peace.

5. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

Many people request that “ I Hope You Dance ” is played at their funeral as a message to those who remain. It’s a reminder to enjoy the time that we have, to dance, be amazed by the wonders of the world, and live.

6. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls

As another popular pick that people choose for their own funerals, “ Iris ” is about choosing love over all else. Through these lyrics, they’re saying that love lives on, even when they’re gone.

7. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Eric Idle

You might not expect this song to be a popular pick for funerals, but “ Always Look on the Bright Side of Life ” from Monty Python’s Life of Brian remains a feel-good tune that many want to play for their own services. Funerals can be very somber, but this silly song can make funeral-goers feel a little lighter.

8. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

Initially performed for Princess Diana’s funeral, “ Candle in the Wind ” has been playing at services since 1997. This elegant and powerful song is a beautiful homage to someone who the world will always miss.

9. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Though the song was originally made famous by Judy Garland, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “ Somewhere Over the Rainbow ” gives the song a softer, somber take, making it a good pick for funeral services. It’s a song of peace and harmony with the world.

10. “Long As I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“ Long As I Can See the Light ” is about a beacon guiding you back home, and for many, it takes on the meaning of going home after the weary journey that is life. It’s a meaningful song to play over a memorial slideshow of the beauty of the life a loved one lived.

11. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra

As a story of looking back on a life of self-determination, Frank Sinatra’s “ My Way ” is a meaningful tribute for your loved one. Though we all have regrets, there’s something beautiful about coming to the end of a life and looking back with pride at the choices that you made.

12. “I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” by Jesse L. Martin

In the musical Rent, “I’ll Cover You” is a love song between two people, Angel and Collins, who found each other in difficult circumstances. “ I’ll Cover You (Reprise) ” is the message that is sung at Angel’s funeral, a story of an eternal love that could never end.

13. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Andrea Bocelli

Originally written for the musical Carousel, Andrea Bocelli’s soothing voice is perfect for a cover of the beautiful “ You’ll Never Walk Alone .” In the face of grief, it’s a comfort to feel a loved one still with you, a reminder that you’ll never truly be alone.

14. “From Now On” by Ramin Karimloo

“ From Now On ” has become a frequently-played song at funerals since The Greatest Showman came out, but Ramin Karimloo’s cover makes it a softer, bluegrass song. With the dulcet tones of Karimloo’s voice, it’s easy to feel a certain comfort listening to him sing.

15. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

Perhaps one of the most powerful songs about loss ever written, “ I Will Always Love You ” could be considered from either the perspective of the deceased or those who remain. Love will always exist, no matter what happens. No loss could take that away.

16. “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith

Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, as captured by “ Lay Me Down .” We all wish we had the chance to be by our loved one’s side once more.

17. “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn

Both a song of hope and loss, “ We’ll Meet Again ” reminds us that our loved ones are never fully gone. To play this at your funeral is to tell your loved one that goodbye is never the end.

18. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

Perhaps the best part about “ A Thousand Years ” is that it’s a story of love at all points of life. Playing it at your funeral reminds your loved ones that your love for them will never end, not for a thousand years.

19. “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga

“ Always Remember Us This Way ” from A Star Is Born is about a love captured for eternity. You’ll never forget the love your loved one gave you and the special moments you spent together.

20. “Fix You” by Coldplay

Written about the passing of a family member, “ Fix You ” captures the feeling we all have of wishing our loved ones could stay with us forever. We cannot fix loss, but we can take comfort in the lights guiding them home.

Like any aspect of funeral planning, what matters is what mattered to your loved one. If your loved one had a favorite song, something that was meaningful to them, that might be the best choice to play at their funeral. Whether it’s silly, like “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” or more serious, like “The Prayer,” you can’t go wrong if you play something that honors who your loved one was.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

5 Things Not to Do When Someone Is Grieving and What to Do Instead

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:48:59 GMT

When a friend loses a loved one, you want to do what you can to help them through this difficult time. But what does that support look like? Sometimes, when we attempt to help friends who are grieving, we end up saying and doing things that may not be all that beneficial. Some common attempts to be of service may actually be better off avoided. What should you not do when a friend is grieving?

What Not to Do When Someone Is Grieving

Don’t: Try to “fix” their emotions.

Do: Acknowledge their grief.

It’s hard to see someone you love in pain. A natural response is to try to relieve them of their overwhelming emotions. But that inkling can do more harm than good. There’s no way to fix the pain of loss, and your friend needs to be able to grieve at their own pace. Nothing you say or do will push them through the grieving process faster. Plus, you don’t want them to rush through grief. It’s healthier for them to come to terms with their loss at the speed that works best for them.

Instead of telling them things that you think will make them feel better, acknowledge how they feel. Rather than tell them that they’ll feel better over time, let them know that how they’re feeling right now is valid. Remind them that it’s okay to feel all these different emotions and that you’re here to listen to and support those feelings however you can.

Don’t: Hesitate to reach out.

Do: Offer ways to help as soon as possible.

When someone close to us loses a loved one, we often wonder what the right time is to reach out. If we just heard the news, should we wait a day or two? Surely, they’re overwhelmed, and us calling them may make us come across as overbearing. But the reality is that losing a loved one can make you feel lonely. It’s hard to imagine being in a world without that person. Rather than wait to reach out, it’s better to contact them as soon as you hear the news and let them know that they’re not alone. Give them a call when you can. If they answer, offer your condolences and support, and listen to what they need most. If they don’t answer, leave a message, but don’t tell them to call you back. Just give them the option to call you if they need you or want to talk.

If you do get through to your friend or if they call you back, do your best to offer specific support. Many people are hesitant to say yes to help. They may think that you saying that you’ll do anything that they need is just you trying to be nice rather than you offering support. They may also struggle to come up with ways that they need help, which will result in them saying that they don’t need help even if they do. Try to offer specific ways you can be of service. Ask if they want you to babysit their kids while they have to plan the funeral or suggest making some easy-to-reheat dinners to get them through the week. It’s also helpful just to ask if they want some company. Because this period of time can be lonely, they may just appreciate having someone by their side, even if all they’re doing is running errands.

Don’t: Compare your loss to theirs.

Do: Offer your experience if asked.

When a friend loses a loved one, you may want to say, “I know how you feel.” And you may mean the sentiment well, but the reality is that you don’t know how they feel at all. Even if you and your friend both lost someone, such as both losing a parent, you don’t know what their relationship was like. You don’t know how much they will miss them in their life. You don’t know how they mourn. How you felt when you lost someone close to you may be entirely different from how they feel right now.

That said, some people may want to talk about shared experiences. Don’t bring it up on your own, but if your friend asks what things were like when you lost someone close to you, be honest with them. They may be experiencing something different, but they might appreciate hearing what you went through to guide them through the decisions they’ll have to make. They may ask about your experience with funeral planning or how certain things changed after the loss of your loved one. They’re looking for your guidance, which is another way you can offer them support.

Don’t: Say empty platitudes.

Do: Listen.

One of the most common mistakes people make when talking to someone who lost a person close to them is to offer the same old empty platitudes. The biggest problem with these platitudes? They try to romanticize their loved one’s death. “They’re in a better place.” “At least they’re not suffering anymore.” These statements are said from a place of kindness, and they’re meant to put someone’s mind at ease, thinking that their loved one is at peace. But instead, they may just remind that person about the difficulties that have been faced over the course of a loved one’s illness. Or they may make the person think that you’re saying that their loved one is better off not being here with them. When you talk to someone who lost a loved one, it’s better to focus on that loved one’s life, not their death.

While people often wonder what the best thing to say to someone who lost a loved one is, the real answer is that the best thing to do is listen. Everyone processes loss differently. What comforts one person may not comfort another. Don’t try to lead the conversation. Just listen to what your friend wants to talk about. They may not want to speak at all but still find comfort in your company. In which case, just sitting in silence is one way to support them.

Don’t: Disappear after the funeral.

Do: Continue to check in often.

In the time leading up to the funeral and the funeral itself, your friend will receive many calls and visits, all from people who want to help. On the day of the funeral, they will likely be reintroduced to many people who knew their loved one. They may even become overwhelmed by all the people that they see. However, once the funeral ends and people begin returning home from their travels, those calls and visits will become less frequent. And that’s when the loneliness may really start to set in. Do your best not to disappear when the funeral ends.

Try to check in often. You don’t need to call all the time, but even a text that says, “Thinking of you,” will remind them that they’re not alone. You could also schedule a weekly call or visit to make sure that a week doesn’t go by with your friend being alone.

Grief is complicated. Although we like to imagine that there’s a pattern to it, the reality is that everyone experiences it differently. While this guide may help you to be there for your friend, the key to helping a friend who is grieving is listening to their needs. Be a sympathetic ear and a supportive shoulder, and you’ll know you’re on the right track to helping your friend.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

What’s the Best Thing to Say to Someone at a Funeral?

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:43:23 GMT

When someone passes, what should you say to the people they leave behind? It’s a tricky question. You want to be respectful and acknowledge their loss. You don’t want to diminish their grief, but you also don’t want to say something that may upset them when they’re already experiencing many emotions. When you greet a family member at their loved one’s funeral, what's the best thing to say?

What to Say to Someone at a Funeral

1. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

This phrase is one that’s frequently said to the family of the deceased, and if you’re not sure of anything in particular to say, it’s a good idea to say it. You may only have a few moments to speak to family members, and you don’t want to overwhelm them by talking too much. To simply say, “I’m so sorry for your loss” is fine. It’s to the point while still conveying how you feel.

2. Offer specific help.

When a loved one passes, day-to-day life can go by the wayside. It’s easy to let the little things fall through the cracks when you’re dealing with the weight of grief. But for many people, forgetting the small things can create big problems. Those family members may have their own kids to take care of and their own households to maintain. Offering help of any kind is a nice sentiment, but it can be overwhelming for someone in mourning to be able to verbalize what they need. Try to come up with ways to help before you speak with them. Maybe you could organize picking their kids up from school and taking them to soccer practice. Or you could offer to make a few easy-to-reheat dinners for the week.

However, it’s essential not to be pushy. Your heart is in the right place, but some people may be hesitant to accept help right away. If they say that they don’t need help, don’t try to tell them that they do. Instead, make sure that they have your phone number and tell them that your offer stands for whenever or if ever they want your assistance.

3. Tell them what you’ll miss about the decedent.

It’s enough to say, “They were a good person.” But when you talk to a family member of the decedent, try to be more specific. What is it that made them a good person? What did you love about them? It can help a family member to know just how loved their loved one was. So, tell them what made them special to you. It could be something silly, especially if they were known for their sense of humor, or it could be something more serious. What matters is that it comes from the heart.

4. Tell a short story that may make them smile.

You may not have much time to talk to the deceased's family at a funeral service, but you may have more time at a visitation or reception. When you have the opportunity to speak more, try sharing a story. These family members are experiencing many emotions, so try to keep the story light. Do your best to keep it brief as well, as the family will likely have many more people to talk to. But ultimately, pick a story that will make them smile and remember how unique their loved one was.

What Not to Say at a Funeral

1. “They’re in a better place.”

While the intention behind the words is undoubtedly kind, this particular platitude can be perceived as somewhat of an insult or cause distress in other ways. For someone going through the pain of loss, there is no “better place” for their loved one to be than here on Earth with them. In time, they may be comforted by the idea of their loved one living on in an idyllic place, but while the pain is still fresh, it’s best not to make this assertion. Additionally, a person experiencing grief is likely thinking, feeling, and acting differently than they normally do; even if you think this person would usually take such a comment as a comfort, be cautious about using it at the funeral unless they indicated that they already hold this belief.

When you talk about the decedent at their funeral, you should generally keep the focus on that person’s life, not their death. The person you’re speaking to knows that they’re at their loved one’s funeral. They don’t need to be reminded by being told that their loved one is no longer with them physically.

2. “If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”

It comes from a good place to offer help of any kind, but it can be a lot to ask someone to come up with a list of ways for you to help them when they’re put on the spot. They’re likely overwhelmed by their emotions. There may be many things that they need help with, but they may struggle to think of them in the moment. They also may assume that what you’re saying is a platitude and think you don’t actually mean what you’re saying. It’s better to offer specific ways to help. Alternatively, you can reach out after the funeral when they’re a little less overwhelmed to ask how to help.

3. “I know how you feel.”

The reality is that you don’t know how they feel. You may think that you do. Maybe you lost a parent, and they just lost a parent, so you think you know what it feels like to lose a parent. But every person is different, which makes every loss different. Just because you felt one way after losing someone important to you doesn’t mean that they will experience the same emotions.

It’s also better not to focus on you when you’re talking to someone who just lost a loved one. Trying to relate to someone who lost someone important to them may seem like a good way to commiserate together. But it may just make the person feel like you’re trying to keep the focus on you rather than them. Keep the focus on the person who passed and the person you’re speaking to.

4. “Time heals all wounds.”

This platitude is another one that seems kind, but it may not come across that way. Although you’re trying to say that how they’re feeling will get better in time, they don’t really need to be reminded about a future without their loved one right now. Saying that time heals all wounds can diminish the grief that someone is feeling. They also may take it to mean that you’re saying that they will forget their loved one in time, which is a fear that many people have after the death of a loved one. It’s better to help them remember all the things that made their loved one special rather than convince them it’s better to forget.

Talking to someone at a funeral can feel like you’re navigating uncharted waters. What’s the right move? What’s the wrong one? The most important thing to remember is to speak from the heart. Remember that it’s not about you. It’s about being there for the people who just lost someone important to them. Offer help and condolences, and remember that the people you’re speaking to will appreciate your continued support during this difficult time, even after the funeral ends. Ultimately, the person you’re speaking with will talk to many people throughout the day, and they’ll likely forget exactly what you said when the funeral comes to an end. But what they won’t forget is how you made them feel. So, don’t worry about saying the exact right thing. Instead, just focus on being supportive, kind, and sympathetic.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

Guide to Writing a Eulogy

Thu, 01 May 2025 15:41:14 GMT

When most people have a funeral, someone will give an important, emotional speech called a eulogy. A eulogy provides the funeral-goers with a meaningful portrait of the person who has passed and gives them a chance to collectively say goodbye. The eulogist gives a speech that’s as unique as the person being honored. They often feel a lot of pressure to get the eulogy right, though there is no one right way of writing it. But this guide can help you get started if you’re struggling to find the words for your loved one’s eulogy.

6 Tips for Writing a Eulogy

1. Introduce yourself and your connection to your loved one.

During the funeral, you may be introduced by the funeral celebrant, but if not, it’s a good idea to start your eulogy by sharing who you are and how you knew the person who passed. You likely don’t know everyone at the funeral, which means that they likely don’t know you either. Even if you feel a little silly introducing yourself in front of family and friends, it’s always a good idea to tell your audience who you are.

2. Start by thinking of your favorite stories of your loved one.

When writing an obituary, it’s essential to have a lot of biographical information, such as their work, school, and military history. And while you can talk about these subjects in a eulogy as well, you generally want to use a eulogy more as a way to tell stories. Anecdotes are useful for painting a picture of your loved one’s personality beyond their personal history. Think about stories that fit who your loved one was. Were they a jokester? Include stories about their renowned pranks. Were they loving caretakers? Incorporate anecdotes about them being there for their loved ones.

The stories you choose should remind the audience of their own experiences with the decedent, even if the anecdotes are focused on your own personal adventures with them. You can choose to incorporate a few short stories or just focus on one very meaningful tale. Your goal here is to show instead of tell, meaning that instead of saying, “My father was always there to put a smile on my face,” you relay a story about when he did exactly that. Telling stories has the power to make everyone feel like they were right there with you. By recounting that story, they’ll see just how much your father brought joy to the lives of the people he loved.

3. Fit your loved one’s personality.

Many people mistakenly believe that eulogies are meant to be somber. But many of the best eulogies rely on humor. The point is to make sure that the eulogy fits the person you’re writing it for. If your loved one had a witty personality, always quick with the jokes, it just makes sense that their eulogy has some of that personality sprinkled in. You can even roast the decedent a bit if you feel it fits who they were in life. As long as those jokes work for the way you would have spoken to or about your loved one before they passed, no one will take it as an insult. In fact, they may take it more as your way of honoring your loved one’s memory.

Just be sure that the jokes you include are fitting of your loved one’s sense of humor. If your loved one wasn’t much of a joke teller and was known for something else, like being the most sympathetic ear, you probably want to keep the humor to a minimum and maintain the focus on their most important personality traits.

4. Conclude with something meaningful.

By the time you end your eulogy, you may have trouble speaking. Being overcome by emotion during something as emotional as a eulogy is natural. But the conclusion is one of the most significant parts. So, take your time when you’re speaking and take deep breaths. You want to end your eulogy with something meaningful about your loved one. Many people choose to complete their eulogy by speaking directly to their loved one. In this way, you get to lead your audience through a poignant goodbye.

After spending much time in the speech talking about who your loved one was, conclude by saying how who they were affected you. Maybe you want to tell your father that you learned to be a good dad through watching him. Or perhaps you want to tell your grandmother that you learned the meaning of enjoying every day because of the way that she embraced every moment. It can be hard to put into words just how much your loved one changed who you are, so pick one way that means a great deal to you.

5. Practice your eulogy.

When we give speeches, especially emotional ones, we have a habit of rushing. When we’re overcome by what we’re feeling, words can become garbled while we speed through them. Be sure to practice your speech in front of someone so that you can make sure you’re speaking slow enough and clear enough. Even if you feel that you’ve memorized your speech, remember to bring note cards when you have to speak at the funeral. Your emotions may make it harder to remember what you want to say.

6. Decide how long you want it to be.

Once you’ve practiced your speech and spoken clearly and slowly, time yourself. How long is it? In general, eulogies are anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes, which provides you with quite a range. Many people believe that 10 minutes is a bit too long, while others believe that anything shorter than 5 minutes isn’t long enough. Ideally, then, you should try to aim for somewhere close to 5 minutes. But ultimately, it’s up to you. If you find that it’s too challenging to be speaking for too long, it’s okay to make the eulogy as short as you need it to be.

Eulogies are given by people who were especially close to the decedent, and they provide a very personal way of honoring their loved one’s memory. The stories you tell remind the audience of the unique person that the decedent was, and they show the many different sides of who they were. Remember that eulogies are always emotional, both for the audience and for the speaker. So be patient with yourself and know that it’s okay to stop if you need a moment during your speech.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

Who Should Speak at a Funeral?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:39:01 GMT

There are hundreds of decisions to make when planning a loved one’s funeral. One such decision is who will speak throughout the service. Who should you choose? First, you’ll need to know what roles you have to fill.

Who Speaks at a Funeral?

1. Funeral officiant

The main person who will be speaking throughout the funeral is the funeral officiant. The funeral officiant leads the service. It’s a common misconception that the person who leads a funeral is simply the funeral director. Although some funeral directors can also be available as the funeral officiant, the officiant and director are often not the same person. The funeral director has many other duties on the day of the funeral, and it’s often quite difficult for them to fill both roles.

For many religious celebrations, the funeral officiant is a member of the decedent’s church’s clergy. If the decedent was not a member of a church, but they still wanted a religious funeral, a clergy member of another church may be asked to perform the duties. However, in the case of a secular funeral, a certified celebrant may be hired to fulfill the role of funeral officiant. A certified celebrant will have undergone training on how to lead a funeral and how to tailor it to the life of the decedent.

There are no laws about who may be the funeral officiant, and on some occasions, a friend or family member may be asked to fill the role. However, it’s worth noting that this request should only occur if the person being asked has knowledge of their duties. Someone unfamiliar with leading funerals may find the task difficult, especially if they were close to the decedent. Ideally, the person filling the role of funeral officiant wouldn’t be someone in the decedent’s immediate family, as they will likely be too emotional to fulfill their duties. The person chosen for the role must also be comfortable with public speaking for long stretches of time.

2. Eulogists

Although it was once more common for there to just be one person delivering a eulogy at a funeral, it’s now more often that you’ll find several eulogists. A eulogy is a speech meant to honor and memorialize a decedent's life, often through stories. This speech paints a picture of who the decedent was beyond the information you may find in their obituary. A eulogist is most often someone who was very close to the decedent, such as a close friend, a significant other, or a child.

During religious celebrations, the eulogist may be a member of the clergy. However, because there can be more than one eulogy, a close friend or family member may still give an additional speech. If no close friend, family member, or clergy member gives the eulogy, it may be given by the officiant.

In the case of someone who was close to the decedent giving the speech, it’s important to consider their emotional ability to perform the task. It should not be assumed that anyone will deliver the eulogy. If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one, you should speak to those you are considering for the eulogy and ask if they feel up to the task. Remind them that it’s perfectly acceptable to say no. Eulogies are very emotional speeches and require the speaker to be comfortable standing in front of a crowd for up to 10 minutes. If anyone feels that they will be too emotional to speak or are uncomfortable speaking for that long, they should not be a eulogist. However, it’s also a good idea to have someone on hand on the day of the funeral who feels comfortable going up and completing a eulogy should someone who was chosen to be a eulogist become too overcome with emotion while trying to give their speech.

3. Readers

If someone wants to speak but does not feel comfortable performing a eulogy, they may be able to be a guest reader instead. A reader, as their title suggests, does not perform a speech but instead reads to the audience. In the case of a religious funeral, they may read a passage from a sacred text. But any funeral may include the reading of a poem or book passage. Make sure that the readers have their text before the day of the funeral so that they can practice.

When you pick the speakers at your loved one’s funeral, make sure that your funeral director has a list of their names. The funeral director will work closely with whoever is chosen as the officiant to ensure that the funeral runs smoothly. But they’ll also need the names of the eulogists and readers to make sure that everyone is where they need to be during the service and has all the materials they need for their speeches or readings.

www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

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Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

What Helps When You Are Grieving?

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

What Happens at a Visitation?

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Funny Obituaries

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

What’s the Benefit of Paying for My Funeral in Advance?

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Eating Alone Is Hard

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Feeling Guilty for Feeling Good

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Preparing for a Funeral: When Your Loved One Made Funeral Plans in Advance

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

What to do When Someone Dies – Choosing a Funeral Home or Other Deathcare Provider

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

How to Arrange a Funeral From Afar

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Preparing for a Funeral: Clear and Open Communication with a Funeral Home

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Grief - Feeling Indecisive

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The First Thanksgiving Alone

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

What Are Death Certificates for and How Many Do I Need?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Honoring Military Heroes on Veterans Day

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

What to Do When Someone Dies: What Types of Service Can We Have?

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What to Do When Someone Dies: Should We Have a Service?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:00:00 GMT

How to Choose a Casket?

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Do I Need a Permanent Place for my Loved One's Urn?

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What to Do When Someone Dies: Choosing Disposition

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:00:00 GMT

The Many Details a Funeral Director is Responsible For

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What Can You Do Before Someone Passes?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What to Do First When Someone Dies

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What Are Funeral Directors Like?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Who Pays for Funerals that Aren’t Pre-Planned?

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

When Does Cremation Take Place? Before the Service?

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

How To Drive in a Funeral Procession

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Why Do People Pull Over for Funeral Processions?

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Preparing for a Funeral: Clothing and Accessories

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Can My Spouse Change My Funeral Plan When I Die?

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What Will Happen to My Funeral Plan if There is No Body to Bury or Cremate?

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What if I Change My Mind About Cremation After I Pre-plan My Funeral?

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMT

How Long Does Cremation Take?

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Preparing for a Funeral: Videos

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

I Have Several Loved Ones’ Urns – What Should I Do?

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

When Will I Feel Normal Again?

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What’s Included in a Funeral Plan?

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Feeling Like You’re Losing it (you’re not losing it, you’re grieving)

Fri, 31 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day

Sat, 25 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

How Has Technology Changed Funeral Service

Fri, 17 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Mother’s Day

Sat, 11 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Details Matter in Funeral Service – You Only Get One Chance to Get it Right

Fri, 03 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Driving by a Funeral Home

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Funeral Humor – Creating Levity in a Stressful Profession

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Cremation After the Funeral Service

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

10 Ways to Customize a Funeral

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Communication Tips When a Loved One Passes

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Making Decisions When Families Don’t Get Along

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT

History of Hearses: What Makes a Hearse Different From a Normal Car?

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What is a Visitation? Is it Different From a Wake or Viewing?

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Choosing the Pallbearers

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Funeral Remembrance Jewelry … The Old is New Again

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

What to Do When You are Attending a Service Outside of Your Faith

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Emotions of Grief… Feeling Lonely

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Does Everyone Have An Autopsy?

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

A Friend Lost a Loved One – When Can I Call?

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT

How to Have the Talk (About Death) with a Loved One

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Preparing for a Funeral: What Should be Buried with a Loved One?

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Why do people have a viewing or open casket?

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Organ Donation: Who Can Donate?

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

What is a Desairologist?

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

The value of a cemetery

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Choosing Cemetery Property

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Elements of a Great Obituary

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Veterans Day - Thank You for Your Service

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

The Changing Face of American Veterans

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 04:00:00 GMT

So You Want to Donate Your Body to Science

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Do I Have to Have a Burial Vault?

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

How to prepare for a funeral? Contacting loved ones

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

What is a Burial Vault?

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Where Can I Scatter the Remains of a Loved One?

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

What is Prolonged Grief?

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Is It Okay to Laugh and Smile at a Funeral?

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

What Do I Do With The Flowers?

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Funeral Jewelry: What is it?

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Grief … Feeling Relief

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Grief … Feeling Angry

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

What happens to my funeral plan if I move?

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Should you use the deceased person’s name when talking to mourners?

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Making the initial contact to a friend who has recently experiencing loss

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT

What happens if I die before I complete the payments on my funeral plan?

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT

What can I expect when the casket is open at a funeral?

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT

The Pace of Grief

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Where Should I Buy Flowers for a Funeral

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Grief … Feeling Lost

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Should we take the kids to grand pop’s funeral

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Grief - No Right or Wrong in Grief

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT

How much will it cost to pre-arrange my funeral?

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day

Fri, 26 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Feeling Scared – The Emotions of Grieving

Fri, 19 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT

What to do with funeral flowers

Fri, 12 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT

What to do when someone dies

Fri, 05 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT

When will you need to pay for a funeral?

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT

How do you help someone who is grieving when you are grieving yourself?

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Plan It…All the Way Out

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT

How Quickly Do We Need to Have the Service After the Death of a Loved One?

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Preparing for a Funeral: Gathering Pictures

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT

I Have Several Loved Ones’ Urns – What Should I Do?

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Am I too young to plan my funeral?

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Attending a Lot of Funerals

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Funerals of Our Presidents

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Is Go Fund Me the Best Way to Pay for a Funeral?

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Three Reasons to Preplan your funeral when your family doesn’t live close

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Moving on (Too) Quickly for Others

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Transporting a Deceased Loved One

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Who Should Write the Obituary?

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT

How to choose an urn?

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Embalming: Do I Have To?

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Do You Have to Be a Funeral Director to Work at a Funeral Home?

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Organ Donation: What is the Process?

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Must I wear black to a visitation or funeral?

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT

What to wear to a funeral has changed and continues to change with time. We are more relaxed, less formal in 2021 than we were even ten years ago. Still some basic principles endure. A funeral is a somber respectful occasion. 1. Unless religion or local tradition dictate, black is no longer required. However subdued colors are always appropriate. 2. That said, in some instances the family may request that guests wear bright colors or even fan attire to reflect the interests of the deceased. Of course, if this happens you will want to honor the wishes of the family. 3. If you are struggling to decide what to wear think about what you would wear to an interview for a job that you really want to land. 4. For ladies a dress, a skirt, or dress slacks will be lovely 5. For gentlemen slacks and a shirt with a collar will do nicely. This is a good time to skip the ball cap. 6. Clean and neat goes without saying. 7. Finally, it’s not about you. It is not your moment to shine. Attendees come to offer comfort or show respect for human life. Think about the principal mourners when choosing your attire. If your grandfather died what you wear should not cause your grandmother to gasp. McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory has provided funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services to families in Columbus, Georgia and surrounding areas since 1987. Their handicap-accessible facility at 3874 Gentian Boulevard features a spacious chapel, viewing rooms, a family lounge, and a large parking lot. In addition to providing assistance for those with immediate need, McMullen Funeral Home also offers advance planning packages and after care resources to ease grief and navigate life after the funeral service is over.

How to tell your spouse you pre-planned your funeral

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Why Preplanning is a Good Thing for Parents

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Women in Funeral Service

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Should I attend the Visitation or the Funeral?

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT

What is the difference between a Funeral Director, Mortician, Undertaker, and Embalmer? What do they do? What skills are needed to become a Funeral Director. Who is the Funeral Director?

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT

3 Things You Need to Know About Veterans Cemeteries

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 04:00:00 GMT

How and when do you pay for a funeral?

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Cemeteries – A final resting place

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Is It Bad Luck to Plan Your Funeral in Advance?

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT

It’s a Funeral … Go Ahead and CRY

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Grief is Real

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT

My spouse died: Do I really need to wait a year to move?

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT

What Is the Purpose of the Register Book?

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Embalming: What’s the Purpose?

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Leaving Something in the Casket

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Planning a Funeral for Someone in Hospice Care

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Memorializing an Avid Gardener

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Where Not to Scatter Cremated Remains

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Three Ways to Support Someone Who is Grieving in Isolation

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Why Children Should Be Included in a Funeral

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Planning a Memorial Service: Do it Yourself or Call the Funeral Director?

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

When Where You Live is Not Where You Want to Be Buried

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

There is a Vitality

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

To Plan or Not to Plan Your Funeral in Advance

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Email to a Funeral Director

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT

To Plan or Not to Plan Your Funeral in Advance

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT

When Your Parent Loses Their Spouse

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT

The Loneliness in Losing a Life Partner

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT

What is Direct Disposition?

Fri, 27 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Why Using a Family Owned Funeral Home Matters

Fri, 20 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

When is it Too Late to Have a Funeral Service?

Fri, 13 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Thinking of Your Own Mortality

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Core Values and Funeral Decisions

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Jack be Nimble & Quick … Get Your Affairs in Order!

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Procrastination and Funeral Planning

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Five Themed Funeral Ideas to Personalize a Funeral

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

My Financial Advisor Doesn’t Think It’s a Good Idea to Preplan My Funeral

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

What is an Ossuary?

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT

What is a Columbarium Niche?

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Funeral Word Quiz

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Memorial Service – Does My Casket or Urn Need to Be Present?

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Five Tips to Help with the Year of Firsts

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

How to Write and Deliver a Eulogy

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Many Shades of Green Burial

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Expressions of Condolences

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

How to bring creativity to a funeral service

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Why Plan your funeral in advance?

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Jewish Funeral Traditions

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

What happens during the embalming process?

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Top Ten Reasons Your Parents Should Pre-plan Their Funerals

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Deciding Between Burial and Cremation

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Cheap Funeral Homes

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Cremation Near Me

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Burial Vault: What’s the Point?

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Five Tips to Help You Stop Procrastinating About Planning Your Funeral

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Funeral Home Near Me

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

What is a Green Funeral?

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

What Helps When a Person is Sad?

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT

How to Thank a Veteran

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Should we have an open casket?

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Nice Looking Funeral Home Doesn’t Mean Expensive

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Five “to dos” when you hit 70

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Remembering a rabid football fan

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

How often do I need to change the Furnace Filter?

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What to expect when your Catholic friend dies.

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

After the funeral…what to look forward to

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

How to get the funeral you want

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

After the Funeral: How Are You?

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Do I need a “final resting place”?

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Celebrity Funerals and Ceremonies

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Thinking no funeral? Think again.

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

How can we use pictures at a funeral?

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What is a Celebration of Life?

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Three things to include in your funeral plan

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Choosing Music for a Funeral

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Who Becomes a Funeral Director?

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Why not call the funeral director?

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

65 or over: don’t be a fall statistic

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Cooking for One …The Perfect Egg

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Top three priorities for those who are grieving

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Choosing the Right Funeral Service: 10 Steps to help you get it right

Fri, 28 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Celebrating Grads and Grands

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Opportunity

Fri, 14 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What to Give Mom for Mother’s Day

Fri, 07 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Moving on with life after the death of a loved one

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Where are you now … three to six months after the death of a spouse

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

“When I die, I just want you to …”

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Death and Taxes

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Why do we have eggs and chocolate rabbits at Easter?

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

The best insurance purchase you will ever make

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Funeral Service and Veterans Benefits

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Why don’t we celebrate life while the person is alive?

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The Best Gift Ever for Your Adult Kids

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Vanished Without a Trace

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Preparing The Eulogy

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

How did St. Valentine’s Day get started?

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Hearts, flowers, chocolate, the feast day of a Saint, just what is Valentine’s Day? Some tell us it is a holiday created to brighten the cold dark winter month of February. The holiday goes all the way back to the Romans. The Roman Festival of Lupercalia held in mid-February to celebrate the coming of Spring culminated in a lottery that matched up men and women. It was all about love from the beginning. In the 5th century Pope Gelasius I changed the festival to Saint Valentine’s Day, but the love stuck. Saint Valentine’s Feast Day was associated with courtly love. By the 14th century Valentine’s Day was a day to celebrate romance. Flowers, cards, and chocolate were soon to follow. Today, on Valentine’s Day we still celebrate love. What could be better? What is more important than those we love? On February 14th we push the pause button on the demands of life and make telling our husbands, wives, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends they are important to us and we love them. It is a little holiday. It does not take a lot to let someone know they are loved. Remember you will not have these people forever. Take a minute or two to share the love! www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory has provided funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services to families in Columbus, Georgia and surrounding areas since 1987. Their handicap-accessible facility at 3874 Gentian Boulevard features a spacious chapel, viewing rooms, a family lounge, and a large parking lot. In addition to providing assistance for those with immediate need, McMullen Funeral Home also offers advance planning packages and after care resources to ease grief and navigate life after the funeral service is over.

Scam Protection

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Age-Associated Financial Vulnerability

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Embalming … What Funeral Directors Do

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Trouble Sleeping After A Loss

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Our dog died and my family wants to get a new one. Why?

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Cheap Cremation

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Navigating the New Year 2021

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Christmas

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

What to look for when you are buying final expense insurance

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

What do you do with Cremated Remains?

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Funerals are changing … but grief is still the same.

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT

The cranberry sauce is for dad

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT

People often say that one of the hardest things about that first year, the year after your loved one died, is that no one uses their name or talks about them. The hole in your heart begins to feel deeper and wider because talking about them seems forbidden. And as the holidays approach, the quietness can feel even more painful. So, why not take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and find a way to bring your loved one to your holiday gathering in a light but meaningful way. A good example of keeping your loved one in your holiday gathering is the family that always includes that jiggly cranberry sauce straight from the can on their table. There it is - just as it comes from the can - indentations, ridges, and all. Every year it’s there for dad. Every year it is ceremoniously placed on the table accompanied by a few words about how important it was to dad’s enjoyment of the holiday. Every year it brings lots of smiles and stories about dad. If you have lost someone dear, and you miss them more at the holidays, consider opening the conversation, using their name, and talking about them in a positive way. www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory has provided funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services to families in Columbus, Georgia and surrounding areas since 1987. Their handicap-accessible facility at 3874 Gentian Boulevard features a spacious chapel, viewing rooms, a family lounge, and a large parking lot. In addition to providing assistance for those with immediate need, McMullen Funeral Home also offers advance planning packages and after care resources to ease grief and navigate life after the funeral service is over.

The First Thanksgiving Without the One You Love

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT

How to Thank a Veteran

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT

The History of Veterans Day

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

What is the Day of the Dead?

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Honoring Military Service

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Cremation Society or Funeral Home

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Making the Funeral About the one who Died

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Cheap Funerals

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

What to Expect with Cremation?

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Talking with a Veteran

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Dad died. What do I do with the pills?

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Planning for Cremation

Fri, 15 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Spring: A Fresh, Optimistic Start

Fri, 08 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Mother’s Day

Fri, 01 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Routine is a Life Saver

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Preplanning Your Funeral in your 60’s

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

How should I prepare for my funeral preplanning meeting?

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Social Distancing, Weddings and Funerals

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Moving after a spouse dies?

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT

We all love in very different ways: Preserving the family relationship while planning a funeral

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Do I really need to attend the funeral?

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Where should I send my condolences?

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Why plan your funeral in advance?

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Who should record my funeral wishes?

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

When the soul leaves the body … reacting to a sudden unexpected death

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Make Family the Foundation for Funeral Planning

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Who Will Take Care of My Funeral Plans?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Get Your Family Involved in Funeral Planning

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Funerals are for Saints and Sinners

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

How much do funerals cost?

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Finding YOUR Joy

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Enjoyable New Year’s resolutions

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Accepting an invitation

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Writing the thank you notes

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

A year of firsts

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

The holidays aren’t the same this year

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Oh Boy here come the HOLIDAYS

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Control funeral costs by planning ahead

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Saying thank-you to a Veteran

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT

What can a funeral home do for a Veteran?

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Food and funerals

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT

What to wear to a funeral

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT

How to Say the Right Thing at a Funeral

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT

What Do Funeral Directors Do?

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT

What to Expect at a Funeral

Thu, 08 Oct 0201 04:56:00 GMT