Loading...

When Death Occurs

When Death Occurs

Handling the death of a loved one is never an easy task. We've put together some of the important information you'll need to make the initial decisions, reach out to the appropriate people, and begin the process of planning your loved one's final farewell.

Death at Home

When a death occurs at home, you'll need to contact appropriate authorities.  If your loved one was receiving home or hospice care at home, call your provider who will contact the funeral home. 



Death in a Care Facility

When a death occurs while your loved one is in a hospital, care facility or hospice facility, the professional staff will notify you and contact the appropriate authorities. If you've already given them the name of a funeral home, the facility will contact them as well.

If you're ever unsure of whom you should notify or what your next steps should be, please call us for assistance in determining the appropriate course of action for your particular situation.



Notify Friends

After you've taken care of the initial necessary arrangements, you'll want to notify friends and relatives as well as clergy, if desired. Check prearrangements: review any prearranged wishes or plans your loved one may have put in place, and meet with the professionals at your chosen funeral home to discuss your options and begin planning a funeral.



A Network of Support

Your initial call with our funeral director will allow us to inquire about any prearrangements and gather the information we need to transport your loved one to the funeral home. Also feel free to ask any questions you may have and resolve any of your initial concerns. When someone dies, we have a funeral because it helps us. It's for those of us who are still here, who need to grieve. It doesn't need to be like the funerals we've experienced before. It can be a beautiful reflection of a life well-lived. Stevens Mortuary is honored to help families pay tribute to the lives of their loved ones. Here is a little video to help you with understanding what you can expect. Value of Funerals & Funeral Directors



What If There Aren't Any Prearrangements?

If your loved one has not specified any arrangements or preferences beforehand, there are some initial questions you will likely need to answer when you consult with our staff:

  • Should I choose embalming?
  • Do I need to purchase a casket?
  • What sort of funeral or memorial service should I plan?
  • Are there any religious traditions or customs I need to plan for? Should I engage the services of a clergy member or spiritual leader?


We're here to make this process easier for you, and we can start by making sure that you have all of the information and guidance you'll need.



What to Expect When You Meet With the Stevens Staff

When you meet with a member of our staff to discuss your arrangements, we'll first provide you with a general price list to give you a basic idea of what our services cost. We'll then walk you through the entire arrangement process, and ask you about your loved one to gain an understanding of the person the services will honor.

Use this time to communicate your ideas and preferences, share your loved one's life story, revisit memories and highlight their accomplishments. Our professionals will use this information to guide you in the creation of a personalized, meaningful celebration of your loved one's unique journey.

This process may include:

  • Preparing and filing the official death certificate
  • Scheduling the services and events (including the location, date, and time)
  • Selecting a casket, urn, or other products you may need
  • Drafting an obituary
  • Arranging necessary transportation
  • Selecting pallbearers


To help express your loved one's personality and life story, feel free to bring any memorabilia - like photos, videos, music, crafts, or treasured items - that might give us a better understanding of how you envision paying tribute to your loved one. Even if you're not sure how a particular aspect of their life might be incorporated, don't hesitate to ask; we can often make unique suggestions on a way to add that element as a special touch to their service.

In preparation for your meeting with a Stevens Funeral Director, please bring the following information:

  • Full legal name & home address
  • Social Security number
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Father's name
  • Mother's maiden name
  • Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
  • Highest education
  • Occupation
  • Chosen place of burial, if applicable
  • Clergy name and phone number, if applicable
  • Names and relationships of survivors
  • Insurance policy information, if applicable
  • A recent photograph and any clothing you'd like us to use when dressing them for the service


The following documents provide more specific information:

  • Funeral Planning Guide: For your convenience and to address more of your questions, please print the complete Funeral Planning Guide.
  • Vital Statistics and Orbituary Form: This printable form will guide you in gathering information required for a death certificate. It will also help you organize your thoughts as you plan the obituary announcement.

 

 

Stevens Mortuary Inc. | (865) 524-0331
1304 Oglewood Avenue, Knoxville, TN

© Stevens Mortuary Inc.
Crafted with care by Frazer Consultants & TA

Privacy Policy & Terms of Use | Accessibility