Question 1

What needs to be done after the funeral?

Accepted Answer

Create a Checklist to help keep tasks straight. Tasks and contacts could include: Life insurance policy location, employment pension, health insurance, home, auto, and property insurance, mortgage insurance, mortgage holder, property taxes, Driver's License cancellation, vehicle transfer of ownership, financial investments, safe deposit boxes, bank accounts, income taxes, billing updates, subscription cancellations

Question 2

When should floral arrangements be ordered?

Accepted Answer

Floral deliveries are accepted at all Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow locations between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.  If you would like your floral tribute to be displayed during the visitation/viewing, please have it delivered on the day of and at least two hours prior to the start time of the visitation/viewing location.  If you would like to have your floral arrangement displayed only at the funeral or memorial service, it is best for it to be delivered to the service location 2 hours prior to the service start time.

Question 3

What is a cremation casket?

Accepted Answer

A cremation casket is a casket used especially for cremation. They are manufactured with materials that do not create a hazard during the cremation process.  They are crafted with the same quality and care. This solution is ideal for families who want to include a viewing or visitation with their service, followed by cremation.

Question 4

What casket materials are available?

Accepted Answer

Wood caskets are often chosen for their natural beauty and timeless quality. The hardwood caskets available at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow are crafted from a wide variety of woods, including mahagony, cherry, walnut, oak, pecan, pine, ash, sycamore and poplar.  Metal caskets offer a desirable alternative for durability and beauty. They may be crafted from stainless steel, regular steel with a variety of thicknesses available, or from non corrosive metals such as bronze and copper.

Question 5

May I take pictures at a funeral?

Accepted Answer

No, not without permission of the next of kin. This includes both photographs and videos, and includes using a camera or cell phone camera.

Question 6

What do I say to someone who has just lost a loved one?

Accepted Answer

There may be special circumstances surrounding the death—an accident, a suicide, unexpected death during surgery—that make the question even more difficult to answer. Here are some simple suggestions:  Please do speak to the family. They will hear eloquent messages and bumbling messages. But the most important thing is that their grief is acknowledged.  If you knew the person casually or only slightly, stick with a short statement: “I am so sorry for your loss.”    If you have something positive to add, make the statement a little longer: “I am so sorry for your loss. John was the best teacher I ever had.”    If you won’t see the family, send a card or a note. The same message you would say in person can be written on the card.    Send a floral tribute to the serivce.  Flowers help create a beautiful service setting and each bloom helps the family realize and know that they have friends who care.  You can place your message of sympathy to the family on the floral card.    Offer concrete assistance: a guestroom for family attending the service, grocery shopping or other errands, even staying at the family’s home during the service so the house isn’t unattended.    Share stories that reflect the goodness of the life you’re remembering.    Listen. And listen some more.

Question 7

Who can make arrangements with the funeral home?

Accepted Answer

By Texas law, we are allowed to consult only with the person legally designated to make final decisions; we are not permitted to make arrangements with friends or relatives who may be helping the family during their time of grief.   Texas Health and Safety Code, Sec. 711.002, states:  “…The following persons, in the order listed, have the right to control the disposition…of the decedent’s remains…:  (1) the person designated in a written instrument signed by the decedent;  (2) the decedent’s surviving spouse;  (3) any one of the decedent’s surviving adult children;  (4) either one of the decedent’s surviving parents;  (5) any one of the decedent’s surviving adult siblings; or  (6) any adult person in the next degree of kinship in the order named by law to inherit the estate of the decedent.”

Question 8

How much does a funeral cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no single answer to this question. Nor is there a generic "rule of thumb." Many variables determine your budget, and what works for each family will be different. Be wary of any provider who touts a widely publicized low-cost offer; these offers often omit many of the expenses you will incur.

Question 9

What should I wear to a funeral or memorial service?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate attire for a funeral or memorial service is simple: dress to show respect for the person whose life you are remembering.

Diana Morrow Smith