Gallant Funeral Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have a funeral?

        Funerals help grieving people by:

                     -Confirming the reality of death.

                     -Bringing Family and friends together to support the bereaved.

                     -Acknowledging the importance of life.

                     -Encouraging the expression of feelings.

                     -Providing structure and activity for grievers.

                     -Fulfilling religious rites.

Why have visitation?

         Visitation or a 'Wake' as it is sometimes referred to is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Viewing of the deceased aids the grieving process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Visitation also facilitates social support for family members of the deceased by providing the community with an opportunity to recognize and express their sense of grief.

Should I bring children to the Visitation and/or Funeral?

          Children should be encouraged, but never forced, to attend the visitation and funeral. They should, however, be prepared first about what to expect. Whether they're preschoolers or teenagers, they should be carefully schooled on what they will be seeing. Then they can make an informed choice about whether to go to the funeral home or not.

After a death has occurred, who should my family call first?

         The first call your family should make is to a local funeral director. Some situations may require that additional calls be made. A funeral director will recognize such situations and assist you by taking care of such details while you take care of your family. If the death has occurred out of town, a local funeral director can help you make any necessary arrangements.

What is the purpose of embalming?

           Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?

            No, cremation is not a substitute for a funeral. Many families choose to have a traditional funeral and visitation prior to having their loved ones remains cremated as a means of final disposition.

Where can I get more information?

           For more information on these questions or for answers to questions not on this page, please contact us at Gallant Funeral Home. You can email at gallant@gallantfuneralhome.com or contact us by telephone at (931) 433-4511.