FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will someone notify me once my loved one arrives at the funeral home?

Yes, a staff person will notify the designated party to let you know they are under our care.

When can I view my loved one?

You can view your loved one at the first viewing at our location once all clothing and any adornments have been received.

What type of clothing should I bring for my loved one?

The burial garments are selected at your discretion. However, when thinking about clothing, you may want to keep in mind the deceased favorite color or types of clothing usually worn by them.

When is payment due for my loved one’s service?

All payments are due seventy-two (72) hours prior to services being rendered

Does Barrett Funeral Home – Oglethorpe Chapel service areas outside of Oglethorpe County?

Yes, we service the Metropolitan Athens and Metropolitan Atlanta areas. We’re just a phone call away.

Does Barrett Funeral Home – Oglethorpe Chapel make funeral arrangements at the next of kin’s home?

Yes, we will accommodate you at your residence to answer any questions you may have and plan the service of your choice.

Can I customize the funeral service?

Yes, we encourage the family to tailor the celebratory services to meet your cultural, religious, and ethnic desires. Let us know how we can be of assistance to ensure every request can be carried out seamlessly.

Do you have caskets and/or urns for me or any member of my family to select from?

Yes, we are full service funeral home that offers a variety of caskets and urns, ranging in different colors, styles, and prices.

Why should I plan a funeral for my loved one?

A funeral or memorial is a customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are held for the living to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process. They also give mourners a chance to share stories, create memories, fulfill religious beliefs & customs, participate in a support system, and gather at a peaceful place during a time of confusion and uncertainty.

What tasks are involved in arranging a funeral?

There can be as many as 200 tasks when planning a funeral. Many of them are listed below. Our Funeral Director will coordinate most of these for you, after meeting with you at a private consultation.

 

  • Obtain the signature of the attending physician, coroner or medical examiner on the required certificate; file the certificate with the registrar of vital statistics where the death occurred

  • Ensure compliance with government regulators

  • Transfer the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home (local or out of town)

  • Obtain family history

  • Make decisions regarding the remains of the deceased

  • Determine the budget (if funeral has not been pre-arranged)

  • Determine the funeral or memorial service location(s), such as church, chapel, or graveside

  • Plan for a viewing/visitation and determine open or closed casket

  • Choose the final resting place (cemetery, mausoleum, private land, etc.)

  • Make necessary arrangements with clergy, church and cemetery officials

  • Obtain certified copies of the death certificate, as necessary

  • Procure the burial permit and file with the cemetery

  • Select and purchase the casket, outer burial container or urn

  • Select a monument/marker

  • Order and schedule the delivery of all products/merchandise

  • Compose and submit newspaper and other media notices

  • Choose clothing & jewelry

  • Select poems, scripture, readings

  • Select music: taped, live musicians, etc.

  • Choose pallbearers

  • Arrange for transportation of the deceased

  • Secure flower/equipment trucks, as necessary

  • Purchase acknowledgement cards, register books, memorial folders, etc.

  • Purchase a door wreath & flowers

  • Arrange for family transportation

  • Complete social security papers and secure social security benefits

  • Secure Veterans benefits (if applicable)

  • Secure life insurance benefits (if applicable)

  • Contact insurance agents

  • Complete accounting, clerical and filing work

  • Answer telephone calls

  • Notify other organizations that your loved one participated in

  • Deliver flowers to local nursing homes, hospitals etc. following the funeral

What do funeral directors do?

Funeral directors are caregivers, advisors, and administrators. They make the arrangements for the transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and carry out the wishes of the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death, are trained to answer questions about grief, and can recommend sources of professional help.

Who should be included in the gathering or ceremony?

Family, close friends, co-workers, fellow worshippers, neighbors & acquaintances, and in some cases, the greater community.

What costs are associated with funerals?

The cost of a funeral includes all the services of a funeral director (see task list above), merchandise, such as caskets and urns, and transportation. Other costs may apply. In general, funeral homes make only a modest profit.

Some people cannot afford basic funeral services. Is financial aid available to the poor?

Other than the family, there are veteran, union, and other organizational benefits to pay for funerals, including, in certain instances, a lump sum death payment from Social Security. In most states, some form of public aid allowances are available from either the state, county, city, or a combination. Most funeral directors are aware of the various benefits and know how to obtain them.