What happens when I contact Hamlett-Dobson at the time of death?

You can expect a Hamlett-Dobson representative to ask a number of initial questions, including the whereabouts of the person who has passed away and some vital statistical information that will be used to verify the identity of the deceased throughout the duration of the funeral home’s care and service to your and your family. 

The funeral director will coordinate a time that is convenient for you and your family to gather to complete the arrangement process, either at a residence or at the funeral home—depending upon your preference. At this time the funeral director will offer assistance in making important notifications, including the contact of a member of the clergy or minister that can also be of aid and comfort to your family during this difficult time. 

What should I expect from my funeral director?

Expect your Hamlett-Dobson funeral director to provide patient assistance and to share his or her knowledge, creativity, and compassion with you and your family and friends throughout this process. Our licensed funeral service professionals will work side by side with you to create a farewell experience that is meaningful, affordable, and tailored to reflect the unique life of your loved one. 

What should I bring to the arrangement conference?

Consider bringing a photograph of the deceased for both preparation and cosmetology purposes. This photograph (or an additional, different one) can also be used in an obituary and for memorial folders and publication in the Memorials section of this web site. Irrespective of your preference to have the deceased buried or cremated, please bring full clothing—including undergarments—for the deceased to wear. Typically, Hamlett-Dobson will transfer dentures and eyeglasses (if available) from the place of death. If other eyeglasses are to be used, then please consider bringing the preferred pair to the arrangement conference. 

If the deceased was a veteran, then bring along military discharge forms (known as a DD-214—a report of separation). Your funeral director will help you in locating this information if it is not readily available. 

Come prepared with information regarding important dates such as dates of birth and marriage (and birthplace location) for the person who has died. Your director will ask you to provide complete names of family members, including full names of the decedent’s mother and father, as this information is required on a death certificate in the State of Tennessee. Likewise, the social security number of the decedent is also required. 

What will happen in the arrangement conference?

We will typically accomplish the following while together:

• Determine the date, location, and type of life celebration experience to be held. 
• You will choose either products for burial (such as a casket and a vault) or you will choose products that may be necessary for cremation (such as a cremation casket, a ceremonial casket, and/or an urn to hold the cremated remains following the cremation). Stationary, memorial tribute DVDs and even food service (if desired) are also available for all families we serve. 
• Your funeral director will interview you and gather, compose, and confirm obituary and vital statistical information with you. 
• Families can expect to receive an estimate of funeral goods and services based upon their preference and need. Families can also expect to receive a written list of choices related to payment of the funeral statement. 
• For families choosing cremation, additional cremation authorization forms will be completed and signed prior to the completion of the arrangement conference. 
• Your questions are fully answered, and the funeral director and staff will provide you with around-the-clock care as is necessary to complete each detail that you ask us to manage 

How long should I plan to spend at the arrangement conference?

While we normally complete an arrangement conference in about two hours, the amount of time we spend together is highly dependent upon your needs. We spend as much time as necessary to serve you, answer your questions, and plan the best possible services for your loved one. We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to ask us about anything that you need assistance with.

What if I am not interested in a traditional service?

We know that the death of a loved one has different meaning to different people. We’re equally comfortable serving those who believe in “celebrating a life” as we are when serving those who “mourn the death” of a loved one. Expect a member of the Hamlett-Dobson family and staff to meet your level of comfort and expectation. There is no standard way of experiencing the death of a loved one. Similarly, expect the care you receive to be tailored to best meet the needs of your individual circumstances.