What To Expect

When there is a death, the staff of McKenzie Mortuary is available at any hour, seven days a week. We may be reached at 910.642.2128. Our staff will come when the time is right for the family. When you call, staff will ask the full name and location of the deceased and the name and phone number of the next of kin. If the death occurs at home and the deceased is not under the care of an attending physician or hospice, the local authorities (911) should be contacted.

What should I do if a loved one dies out of state?

When death occurs away from the home, McKenzie’s staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements in order to transfer the deceased to a desired location.

What information do we bring for the family conference with the funeral director?

• Birth date and place of birth of deceased
  
• Social Security Number of deceased
  
• Recent photograph of the deceased for the obituary
  
• Date of birth
  
• Birthplace
  
• Occupation of the deceased
  
• Father’s Name
  
• Mother’s Maiden Name
  
• Place of Funeral Service
  
• Veteran’s discharge information
  
• Clothing for the deceased
  
• Cemetery lot information
  
• Insurance policy and phone number of insurance company
  
• Pre-need information if applicable
  
• Name of clergy
  
  
• It is a policy of the funeral home that embalming is required for families Musical selections to be played during the service
  

How do you arrange for an obituary?

The funeral director will provide you with a list of biographical information necessary for the obituary and will submit the information to the newspapers selected by the family.

What is the role of the funeral director?

Funeral directors are listeners, advisors and administrators. They make the arrangements for transporting the loved one, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement choices made by the family regarding the funeral.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body and enhances the appearance of a body prior to viewing. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final services, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the chosen funeral service. It is a policy of the funeral home that embalming is required for families choosing public viewing of their loved one.

Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?

No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment and often includes visitation and a traditional funeral service prior to the cremation.

What is the process for choosing a casket?

McKenzie’s offers a range of casket choices. Staff is available at a suitable time for you to explain the casket selections we offer on site.

What contributes to the total cost of a funeral?

In comparison with other major life events such as births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. The cost of a funeral includes merchandise such as the casket and vault, and the services of the funeral director who makes arrangements, files the appropriate forms, works with ministers, florists, newspapers and others to coordinate the necessary details. Our funeral home is family owned and independently operated with the best interest of families in mind.