Comprehensive Resources

When Death Occurs

At Lloyd Edward Memorial, we understand that the loss of a loved one can bring on a flood of emotions—grief, disbelief, numbness, and even a sense of paralysis. Whether expected or sudden, the passing of someone close to your heart is never easy. No words can truly capture the weight of that moment.

During this deeply personal and painful time, there are still important steps that must be taken—decisions to make, plans to coordinate, and arrangements to consider. It can feel overwhelming. Please know that you are not alone. Our caring team is here to support and guide you every step of the way.

We’ve created this page to offer clear, compassionate direction during your time of loss.

Step 1

Notify the Proper Authorities

  • If your loved one passes while in the care of a hospital, nursing home, or hospice facility, their staff will handle official notifications for you.

  • If the passing occurs at home or another private location, please contact emergency medical services or your loved one’s physician so that the cause of death can be legally documented.

  • In any case where the death is unattended or unexpected, please notify the police before any movement or transfer takes place.

Step 2

Contact Lloyd Edward Memorial

Once the authorities have been notified, please contact our funeral home at your earliest convenience. One of our compassionate directors will gather the initial information needed to bring your loved one into our care and begin walking you through the arrangement process.

If any pre-arranged plans exist, we will honor those details. If not, we will guide you through your options—whether burial or cremation—and discuss next steps including optional embalming, scheduling, and what items you’ll need to bring (such as clothing or personal keepsakes).

You may call us any time, day or night. We are here to listen, support, and assist in any way we can.

Step 3

Meet with Our Funeral Director

During your first meeting with us—either in person or virtually—we will help you make the important decisions that shape your loved one’s final tribute. We will walk you through:

  • Service options and packages that match your family’s wishes and budget

  • Selection of burial or cremation

  • Choosing a casket or urn

  • Scheduling of the service and burial

  • Writing and submitting an obituary

  • Arranging transportation (hearse, limousine, etc.)

  • Selecting pallbearers and coordinating with clergy or speakers

We also take the time to learn about your loved one—their life, values, and legacy—so we can help you create a service that reflects their story. If you have special mementos, photos, or videos, feel free to bring those to share with us.

Step 4

Filing the Death Certificate

We will help you complete and file the death certificate, which legally documents the passing and includes vital information. In most cases, the attending physician or coroner will certify the cause of death. Our staff can assist you in obtaining certified copies, which are often needed for:

  • Insurance claims

  • Veteran’s benefits

  • Accessing bank accounts or property

  • Settling estates or legal matters

At Lloyd Edward Memorial, we are committed to serving families with integrity, compassion, and dignity. It is our honor to care for your loved one and to walk beside you in your time of loss.