Why Should We Have

A Service?

Discover why holding a funeral or celebration of life is so important for healing. In this heartfelt message, we share how a memorial service brings friends, family, and the greater community together to honor a loved one’s life. Whether it’s a traditional funeral or a simple gathering, the value lies in connection, support, and shared remembrance. Learn why saying “we’re not having a service” can leave both friends and family without the closure they need.

CREMATION:

What do we need to know?

Learn the key questions to ask before choosing cremation. At Smith Family Funeral Homes, we own and operate three crematories exclusively for our families, ensuring care, dignity, and transparency. Discover why it matters who owns the crematory, where it’s located, and whether you can inspect it. Most importantly, understand why cremation should still include a meaningful service—bringing loved ones together to celebrate life and begin healing.

Can we transfer a

pre-planned funeral?

At Smith Family Funeral Homes, transferring your pre-planned or prepaid funeral is simple and free. Whether you move, change your mind, or choose a different funeral home, we handle every detail—from contacting the other funeral home to ensuring your wishes are carried out exactly as planned. You can also transfer your Smith Family pre-plan to another funeral home if you relocate, at no additional cost. We make the process easy, so you have peace of mind knowing your arrangements are honored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question below to see its answer.

  • What services do funeral directors perform?

    The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director provides bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased. He fulfills the role of funeral arranger, funeral director, funeral attendant, and embalmer.


    The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director: 

    •     Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
    •     Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
    •     Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
    •     Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
    •     Obtaining copies of the death certificate
    •     Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
    •     Creates and publishes the obituary
    •     Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
    •     Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
    •     Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling

  • Why are funerals so expensive?

    A traditional funeral involves a number of services which add to the total cost. Besides a non-declinable basic services fee, other charges may include removal/transfer of the body to the funeral home; embalming; other preparation of the body; use of facilities and staff for viewing; use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony; use of a hearse, service car, or van; a basic memorial printed package; metal casket, a vault or grave liner, and purchase of a cemetery plot.

  • What is the purpose of a funeral?

    A funeral or memorial service provides an opportunity for the living to show respect for the deceased and pay tribute to their life. It provides a framework to freely and openly express our beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about the death of our loved one. It gives us permission to grieve our loss, share in solidarity, and gain strength from others who are experiencing the same loss.

  • What are the choices for funeral services?

    The four main types of funeral services include the traditional funeral service, the memorial service, the committal service, and the affirmation or celebration of life service.

  • Can you still have a funeral if you choose cremation?

    Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.

  • Can I plan in advance if I choose cremation?

    Pre-arranging funeral services can be done regardless of the final disposition. Pre-arranging is simply recording your wishes with the funeral home and prefunding if you choose to do so.

  • What information should I bring to the arrangement conference?

    • Advance Directives - If the deceased left any written advance directives concerning the disposition of his remains and memorialization, you need to bring them with you. These instructions may be found in a will, or there may be a formally witnessed disposition directive, funeral pre-arrangements, or a pre-need contract.
    • Military Discharge Papers
    • Details on any cemetery property owned by the deceased or the family (grave plot, columbarium space, etc.)
    • Recent photograph of the deceased and any personal effects that you wish to be included in the viewing or burial
    • Specific information on the deceased: 
    •     Full legal name
    •     Address
    •     Marital status
    •     Social Security number
    •     Date of birth
    •     Place of birth (city and state)
    •     Educational history (number of years of schooling)
    •     Armed Forces service dates and serial number
    •     Occupation or profession
    •     Parent's names, including mother's maiden name
    •     Next of kin and other survivors