Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and there are many important decisions to make during this emotional time. At LW Jackson Funeral Home, we are here to guide and support you through every step, ensuring that you and your family can focus on what matters most. Here are some helpful steps to take when a loved one passes away.

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Contacting the Appropriate Authorities

The first step after a loved one passes is to ensure that a legal pronouncement of death is made. If your loved one passed away in a medical facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, the staff will take care of this. In the case of a death at home, you will need to contact emergency services so that a declaration can be made at the hospital. If the person was under hospice care, the hospice staff will handle the legal pronouncement. This must be completed before any funeral arrangements can proceed.

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Making Arrangements

Once the death is legally declared, you can begin making funeral arrangements. If your loved one had pre-planned services, it is helpful to review their wishes. If no arrangements were made in advance, our compassionate staff will help you explore your options. The family will need to decide on the type of service, whether it is a burial or cremation, and any other specific details, such as choosing a casket or urn, writing an obituary, or deciding on readings and music for the ceremony.

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If your loved one was a veteran, we can assist you in contacting the Veterans Administration to explore available death benefits or military honors for the service.

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Information Required by the Funeral Director

When you meet with the funeral director, they will guide you through the information needed to complete the necessary paperwork. This includes:

• Full name and address of the deceased

• Marital status

• Race/Ethnicity

• Date and place of birth

• Highest level of education

• Father’s name and mother’s maiden name

• Spouse’s name

• Occupation and employer

 

Documents to Provide

To finalize arrangements, the funeral director will also need various documents, such as:

• Life insurance policies

• Social Security number

• Military discharge papers (Form DD 214), if applicable

• Beneficiary information and account statements

 

Managing Personal Belongings and Affairs

After the passing of a loved one, there are practical matters to attend to regarding their property and personal affairs. Make sure that their home, vehicle, and any valuables are secure. If they had a pet, arrange for its care with family or friends. Forward their mail to a trusted family member to prevent it from piling up and attracting unwanted attention to an unoccupied home. You may also need to notify their employer, cancel any upcoming appointments, and begin the process of managing their estate.

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At LW Jackson Funeral Home, our experienced and caring staff is here to help you navigate this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance or if you have any questions.