Funeral Services. A Graceful Farewell.

The friends… the flowers… the photos… the music… the casket… the sharing of memories… Meaningful funeral ceremonies help us understand a loved one is now dead; they acknowledge the death while honoring and remembering the life we cherish.

Funeral services are those that have the deceased present in a casket and typically occur within a few days after a death. Funeral ceremonies offer a central gathering place to remember and support together. Following the ceremonies, the family may choose to bury the deceased in a cemetery or to cremate. For more information concerning burial and cremation, please visit BURIAL OPTIONS and CREMATION OPTIONS.

When a family contacts the funeral home, plans the ceremonies and views the body in a casket, it helps with the reality and finality that a loved one has died. Funeral rituals give order at a seemingly chaotic time. Each ceremony offers an opportunity to reflect on and share memories. With the deceased present, there is a defined opportunity to offer a farewell and journey through the rituals together for the final time. Then, when we see the casket being lowered into the ground, we are witness to death's finality.

What are My Options?

Funeral services often begin with a visitation at a funeral home. Many families receive relatives and friends one or two afternoons and/or evenings before the funeral ceremony. This provides time to find support through sharing memories and paying tribute to the deceased. The deceased is present in a casket that may be either open or closed. Floral tributes, pictures, and/or family heirlooms and memorabilia may be placed around the room. Some families have an evening prayer or scripture service, as well as eulogies, sharing of memories, and other various religious, family or civic traditions. There may also be visitation time immediately prior to the funeral ceremony.

flowers During a funeral ceremony, family and friends gather to celebrate and mourn together, usually at the funeral home or a church. At the funeral home, the funeral director or the family arrange for a clergy person or other officiant to conduct the service. A church ceremony is generally planned in coordination with a clergy person or other church representative. Special music, readings and a eulogy may be incorporated into the ceremony. If there is to be a burial, there is typically a procession to the cemetery after the funeral ceremony. If there is to be a cremation, family can accompany the deceased to the crematory.

We have two convenient and beautifully decorated Oakland County locations available to you for a visitation, family gathering or funeral service. Each is always well staffed to receive visitors and accommodate your wishes. Space is flexibly designed and equipped to host large, as well as intimate, services. Learn more by visiting us at LOCATIONS or coming in personally.

A cemetery committal service is often held following a funeral ceremony at the cemetery at either the gravesite or the cemetery chapel. This final ceremony includes some prayers or reflections, and may also include military honors or other religious or cultural traditions. The family may witness the casket being lowered and the closing of the grave. For more information, visit BURIAL OPTIONS.

If the family has chosen cremation, the family may accompany the deceased to the crematory for a final farewell. If there then is to be a burial or ennichement of the cremated remains, a committal service may be held. For more information, visit CREMATION OPTIONS.

Military honors are available for qualified veterans and may be incorporated into the funeral services. Most often these are conducted at the cemetery during the committal ceremony. For those families choosing cremation, military honors may occur immediately following the funeral service. Please visit VETERANS or call us for more information.

We offer merchandise to support and personalize the services you choose. We offer a wide selection of caskets, vaults, keepsakes and funeral supplies. Please call us or visit BURIAL MERCHANDISE and PERSONALIZING SERVICES for more information and ideas.