What do I do now?
If you have just lost someone you love, we are so sorry for your loss.
A death, whether or not it is expected, can leave you with many difficult questions. And, grief can make it difficult to process information and make decisions. Thankfully, there are professionals who can help guide you though every step of the process.
Choosing a funeral home
If you have not already chosen a funeral home, this is the first decision you will need to make. The funeral home will pick up your loved one's body and will care for it, according to your instructions, until burial. Funeral directors can also help you decide whether you want your loved one to be buried or cremated and what type of services (if any) you want for your loved one. They can also help you arrange the details of any services, as well as prepare all necessary paperwork, request copies of the death certificate (which will be needed to close accounts, end contracts, etc.), place obituary notices, and many other things you may not have even considered.
Elmwood is not a funeral home, but we work with every funeral home in the Memphis area. You should know that funeral homes may be independently owned or may be part of a chain and vary widely in cost and in the level and style of service they offer. Do not be afraid to ask questions and request price lists.
Choosing a final resting place
Some funeral homes may also own their own cemeteries and encourage you to purchase a grave space from them. But, you should know that you always have the right to purchase grave spaces at other cemeteries.
Purchasing a final resting place at Elmwood is very easy. The staff of Elmwood is not commissioned, nor are there hidden taxes, fees, or surcharges that you will experience. Elmwood is a nonprofit organization. Perpetual Care is included in the cost of burials.
The price of a grave space at Elmwood varies according to the section of the cemetery, and ranges from $1,500 to $7,000 for casket burial and $600 to $1,100 for the burial of ashes. The opening/closing fee at Elmwood is $1,300 for casket burial and $600 for ashes. Family lots are available for purchase in the cemetery as well. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery does not require a vault or other outer container.
We also have a columbarium for ashes. Niches start at $1,750 (plus opening/closing) and will accomodate up to two containers of ashes. Columbarium engraving is at an additional charge and may only be arranged through Crone Memorials at 901-774-5653.
For more information, please contact the Elmwood office at (901) 774-3212.