How a Well Planned Funeral Can Help Your Family Heal

When loss casts its shadow over your life, Marshall Memorial strives to become a light in your darkest times. We are a hand to hold when you feel unsteady, a shoulder to cry on when grief overwhelms, and a steady presence offering support and guidance through every difficult decision. We undertake what you cannot bear alone—the weight of arrangements, the burden of details, the heaviness of uncertainty—so you can focus on what truly matters: remembering, honoring, and healing.

A funeral is the culmination of all life events and memories of a life well-lived. For centuries, funerals have helped us say goodbye as we honor and remember loved ones who have died. A healing and meaningful funeral also helps bring family and friends together to give and receive loving support during a time of grief and loss.

At Marshall Memorial, we'll help you put the pieces together to create a ceremony that honors a life well-lived and brings hope to those who are grieving.

Plan the Type of Service

• Choose what funeral home and director you would like to use to handle your service.
• Meet with the funeral director to decide type of service (traditional, cremation, donation).
• Look at options for a location to hold your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental building, graveside).
• Who will be a part of the service? Decide on pallbearers, who will officiate, and who will participate in the service.
• Choose music. In many ways, music says what words cannot. We often shy away from expressing emotions, but don’t be afraid to invite people to express their grief. Consider using music as an avenue to bring out what people are thinking and feeling.
• Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in obituary.
• Decide on readings for the service.  Readings invite mourners to express their emotions while also honoring the unique spirit of the one who has died. Has a poem, lyrics, or movie quote just spoken to you? These words can easily be used as a reading and can add a deeper dimension to the service.
• Decide on participation. Inviting others into action at the service can help to engage mourners. Simply put, mourning is the outward expression of our inward grief. To move others toward healing, it is important to invite them to act. You could light candles of remembrance, ask mourners to wear a certain color, or invite friends and family to share a special memory.
• Decide on symbols.  Symbols are an important aspect of a service because they convey love and comfort, facilitate expression, and offer a focus point for the bereaved. For example, for an artist, you might display examples of their work; for a reader, you might include favorite books. Common symbols are an appropriate religious symbol, flowers, dark clothing, and candles, but you can use whatever feels best to honor your loved one. 

Plan the Visitation

The visitation or reception is a time for everyone to gather and express support and sympathy. If you choose, the body may be present, allowing mourners to physically say goodbye one final time. This element also offers a special time for personalization - where you can tell the story of a loved one’s lifetime. At our location in Albertville, Marshall Memorial has plenty of room to accommodate loved ones. Some families choose to bring in food or hire a catering service.  

Plan the Eulogy/Remembrance

In many ways, the eulogy may be the single most important aspect of a service. After all, it is a special set-aside time to acknowledge and affirm the significance of the life lived. The eulogy can be delivered by a clergy person, a family member, or even by a series of people to create a meaningful moment. 

Plan the Gathering After

The gathering is an opportunity for friends and family to come together after the service to share stories and to support each other. This event may occur at Marshall Memorial Funeral Home, an event center, someone’s home, or even a local restaurant. The point of a gathering is to bring people together to share stories, remember a loved one, and connect (or reconnect) with people.

For More Information

If you'd like more information about burial services at Marshall Memorial Gardens in Albertville, AL, Crestview Cemetery in Guntersville, AL, or Brookwood Cemetery and Memorial Gardens in Arab, AL, please contact Courtney Long at (256)878-1236

Marshall Memorial Funeral Home

3368 AL Hwy 205 N

Albertville, AL 35950