What if I don’t belong to a church?

There are churches in the area who allow nonmembers the use of their facility for a funeral/memorial service for a donation or fee. We can help you locate one. We also have a chapel within the funeral home at Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Seven Lakes, and Sanford.
 
What about music?

You may select your own with the help of a funeral director, your pastor, or the coordinator at your church. We can provide a list of musicians (guitarists, pianists, organists, harpist, etc.) if you have a specific request.
 
What about DVD’s?

Many of our package selections include a memorial DVD.  You provide up to 50 pictures, hard copies only and no larger than 8 x 10. We do not accept flash drives, CD picture disks, floppy disks, or SD picture cards. Pictures must be received in our office by 3 p.m. one day prior to day of visitation/service whichever is first.

What options are typically customary for a child, baby or fetus?

We offer burial and cremation options for children, babies, or a fetus. In the case of a fetus, options would be on a case by case basis.

What is the window of time to change my mind from cremation to burial or vice versa for embalming/cremation purposes?

It is possible to switch from one disposition to another. However, for embalming purposes, the sooner this decision is made, the more favorable the results. 24 hours is a reasonable guideline for changing the method of disposition. Your funeral director can guide you based on your particular situation.

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone particles and ash through the application of direct flame and intense heat.

Can I have a service with cremation?

Yes, for those desiring cremation, you actually have more options and flexibility when it comes to service offerings.  Everything is available from a traditional ceremony followed by cremation and then burial to a memorial service after the cremation has occurred.  Furthermore, since we are not restricted by the operating hours of the cemetery, you have the flexibility to schedule your ceremonies for day or night.

Is embalming required?

No. North Carolina law does not require that the body be embalmed for cremation. However, the funeral home does require that the body be embalmed or held in refrigeration after 24 hours or if you choose a public ceremony with an open casket.

Is a casket necessary for cremation?

No, North Carolina law does require that the body be held in a rigid, leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer and handling. Today, we have a variety of cremation containers and caskets that are very economical and manufactured specifically for cremation.

Can we witness the cremation?

Yes; it is becoming common practice, and we encourage you to do so. Our Cremation Meditation Room was built with a Viewing Room so that the initiation of the cremation process could be witnessed whether for religious, peace of mind, or other reasons.

Can I be cremated if I am Catholic?

Yes, we encourage you to talk with your church to obtain the Diocese’s guidelines for cremation.

What are the legal requirements for cremation in North Carolina?

There are three basic legal requirements which must be met before a cremation can be performed in North Carolina. First, at least 24 hours must elapse between the time of death and the time of the cremation. Second, a legally authorized individual(s) must give permission for the cremation in writing. Third, the attending physician must provide a signed death certificate.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

Your options are many.  The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, scattered on private property or made into a cultured diamond. Our staff can assist you in exploring your many and unique options.

How long does the cremation process take?

It depends on the size of the individual and the type of cremation container or casket. Typically, the actual process takes 3-4 hours at a normal operating temperature of 1600 – 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

What happens following the cremation process?

Following the actual cremation, all bone particles and other materials are retrieved from the cremation equipment by sweeping them into a stainless steel collection pan for cooling. Once cooled, all metal materials, including metal casket parts, hip joints, and bridgework, are removed by both visual inspection and use of a strong consistent size and placed in the selected urn.
 
What do cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse beach sand. They are typically light gray in color. The cremated remains of an average size adult would weigh between 5 to 8 pounds and usually take up 200 cubic inches in volume or less. Except for some minuscule amounts of cremated remains which cannot practically be removed for the cremation equipment, all cremated remains are placed in the selected urn.

What happens if I have no family, what are my options and who will handle my final wishes?

Several issues arrive if you should die and have no immediate family members or someone to oversee your final arrangements.  Thus, it is strongly recommended that you prearrange and prefund your funeral expenses so that you have peace-of-mind knowing that what you wanted will be honored.  There are some cases where the body becomes custody of the state and the state would arrange for an immediate disposal of the body.

Who typically handles flower arrangements for the service?

You may order them from a florist of your choice or we will place an order for you. Our funeral home has a working relationship with area florists. We will be happy to take care of this for you so that is one less thing you will have to worry about.