Our Services

A funeral service, by definition, is a service with the casketed body of the deceased present. As society changes, so do the desires and wishes of people when making funeral arrangements. No longer should funerals of any type be labeled as traditional. Every family is invited to add a personal touch to the arrangements. In the past, a funeral service was traditionally a standard rite with very little difference in one service to another within the same religious affiliation. Families visited with friends at the funeral home the night before the service and typically a funeral, at a church or the funeral home, followed the next day. After processing to a cemetery, a committal service was held.

Cremation is the process of reducing whole human remains to smaller cremated remains, commonly referred to as cremated remains. There is evidence of cremation as far back as the Neolithic period, where pottery vessels from that period have been discovered with cremated remains in them. Cremation has held its place in history as a method of honoring the dead with ceremonial funeral pyres. The first crematory was built in the United States in 1876. Many families are now considering cremation as part of their funeral arrangements. No longer is cremation considered a method of final disposition. The cremation process is now just one of the steps in memorializing your loved one. As with funeral services, there is no traditional service involving cremation, every service can be unique and personalized to meet the family's wishes. Your funeral director will gladly offer suggestions to make your tribute to your loved one a meaningful experience for family and friends.

A graveside service foregoes any service at a church, chapel or other location. The entire service is held at the grave or crypt. A grave or crypt side service is a sensible alternative for small services.

Memorial services are held when there is not a casketed body present at the service. Burial may have occurred prior to the memorial service being held, or cremated remains may be present. There may still be a procession to a cemetery or other place of burial or inturnment if the cremated remains are to be buried or inurned. Like funeral services, memorial services can be held at a church, the funeral home or at some other location that suits the family's needs. Memorial services may be held shortly after a death, or they may be held at a later date selected by the family.

When a death occurs away from home, families can be uncertain of what to do. Jernigan-Warren suggests that you call us as soon as possible to make us aware of the death. Regardless of where the death has occurred, out of state or out of the country, Jernigan-Warren will arrange to have your loved one returned home in the most efficient manner possible. Our knowledge in this area will help save the family from unnecessary anxiety, expense and needless travel.

www.socialsecurity.gov/survivorplan/survivors.htm