The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director provides bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased. He fulfills the role of funeral arranger, funeral director, funeral attendant, and embalmer.

The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director: 

•     Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
•     Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
•     Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
•     Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
•     Obtaining copies of the death certificate
•     Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
•     Creates and publishes the obituary
•     Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
•     Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
•     Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling

A traditional funeral involves a number of services which add to the total cost. Besides a non-declinable basic services fee, other charges may include removal/transfer of the body to the funeral home; embalming; other preparation of the body; use of facilities and staff for viewing; use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony; use of a hearse, service car, or van; a basic memorial printed package; metal casket, a vault or grave liner, and purchase of a cemetery plot.

A funeral or memorial service provides an opportunity for the living to show respect for the deceased and pay tribute to their life. It provides a framework to freely and openly express our beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about the death of our loved one. It gives us permission to grieve our loss, share in solidarity, and gain strength from others who are experiencing the same loss.

No, NC does not require by law that a deceased human body be embalmed. However, circumstances may arise that will require embalming such as funeral home policies for public viewing and delayed interment. Although, it may not be law, some funeral homes have policies about holding un-embalmed bodies for an extensive time period.

Embalming provides cleansing, disinfection to prevent spread of any communicable diseases, and preservation of the body.

NC Law does not require that caskets be placed in burial vaults or outer containers. However, cemeteries have the right and authority to require that an outer burial container of vault be used for their particular cemetery. We invite you to contact or visit your local cemetery of preference to learn their requirements for outer burial containers.

Although not required, many people choose the selection of an outer burial container or vault for peace-of-mind knowing that their loved one is protected from underground rodents or seepage caused by water or other elements.

NC law does not require a casket for cremation. However, it does require the use of an alternative container of some type. This alternative container is required to avoid directly handling the remains and for dignity and respect to your loved one during the placement into the crematory retort. Although, many people select a casket for the funeral or viewing prior to a cremation and prefer that it be cremated with the remains.

There are certain restrictions for burying a loved one on your property. It is advised to contact your local health department or town ordinance office to learn of the restrictions and rules within your particular desires.

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