Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do we embalm?

A. 1) Protection of public health is the mortician's chief obligation. 2) Restore the deceased to the natural appearance (this aids the survivors with dealing with their loss. 3) Preserve to prevent decomposition.

 

Q. Do you have to be embalmed?

A. In Tennessee, no. There is no law to demand this however, certain types of funeral arrangements that you choose make embalming necessary. For the most part, you make the decision not the funeral home. The funeral home must get permission from the next of kin to embalm.

 

Q. Egyptians are credited with inventing embalming. Why so?

A. Because of the inability of the Egyptians to bury their dead during the period of the inundation caused by the overflow of the Nile River. The unburied dead created unsanitary conditions which resulted in more deaths.

 

Q. In military funerals why do they fire a salute of guns over the dead soldiers grave? How did this start?

A. Today it is a tribute to the dead. Its origin was to scare away the spirits of the dead. This would protect the living from the dead. There were spears and arrows to kill the "vampires" and the "haunting spirits". Also people ate bitter or nauseous herbs to drive out spirits from their bellies.

 

Q. I am a veteran. Will the VA pay for my funeral?

A. No, the only assistance the Veteran will receive is on the cost of the grave, provided the family will still be responsible for the cost for the opening and closing of the grave as well as setting the headstone.

 

Q. Will Social Security pay for my funeral?

A. No, Social Security does nothing for funeral expenses. There is a lump sum of $255 paid to the surviving spouse. If there is no spouse, there is no payment.

 

Q. What is the "Federal Rule" concerning funeral services?

A. It recognizes that funeral providers disclose detailed information about price and legal requirements to persons arranging funerals.

 

Q. How can I execute a living will?

A. Your funeral service provider can handle this for you as well as your attorney or local hospital administration.

 

Q. If a body is to be cremated does the body have to be embalmed?

A. No.

 

Q. Can I be buried on my own property?

A. Yes, if your property does not overlap someone else's property? A cemetery, whether public or private is not a nuisance merely because it depresses sensitive people as a reminder of death or tends to influence property values in the neighborhood.