WHAT TO DO?

Many people are unsure what steps to take when a death occurs. The necessary steps usually depend on the location and circumstances. It is important that you understand what can be done, and we want to make sure that you have the necessary information required to make these important decisions.

* Unanticipated death at home or elsewhere
In these situations, you should immediately contact 911; police and emergency medical personnel will then determine the appropriate steps to take. Generally, the authorities can release the remains directly to our home, so that preparations may begin. In some situations, however, the remains may need to be taken to the Medical Examiner's office; this occurs when the cause of death may not yet be known.

* If death occurs in an Institution
Should the death occur in a hospital or nursing/convalescent home, the medical staff should handle all necessary legal steps. You simply need to inform the institution that North Little Rock Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Generally you will have to complete any legal release paperwork.

* Anticipated death at home
Today, more people with terminal illnesses are more comfortable at home under the care of Hospice in the final stages of their illness. In this situation, you should inform Hospice that North Little Rock Funeral Home is the funeral home of your choice. Hospice will then supervise the necessary legal requirements. Often, when someone is faced with a terminal illness, the family will decide to make arrangements in advance - saving them the time and emotional decisions needed at the time of death.

* Death out-of-state
If the death occurs out of state, you should call North Little Rock Funeral Home at (501) 758-1170. We can then coordinate the transfer with a local funeral director at the place of death. Because we are members of several national organizations, we can often save families money by making all necessary arrangements.

This is a basic explanation of your options in certain circumstances. If you would like further information, please feel free to call us or email us at NLRFH@alltel.net. We are here to help and to serve you, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you might have.

"VITAL STATISTIC INFORMATION NEEDED FOR DEATH CERTIFICATE AND OBITUARY"

This information will be required to fill out the death certificate and used in the writing of the obituary. You must be sure all information and spelling of names are correct. The State currently charges $10.00 for the first death certificate and $8.00 for each additional one. Certified death certificates will be required for social security, insurance benefits, and other legal matters.

Legal Name (First, Middle, Last)
Address
Birth Date
Citizenship
Birthplace (city or county, state)
Social Security Number
Marital Status
Spouse's Name (If wife, give maiden name)
Father's Name (First, Middle, Last)
Mother's Maiden Name (First, Middle, Last)
Family Members
Occupation (Indicate type of work done during most of working life.) CANNOT USE "RETIRED"
Kind of Business/Industry
Education - The highest degree or level of school completed at the time of death
Veteran?
Veterans Administration Claim No.
Copy of Military Discharge
Civic or Fraternal Organizations

"FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANNING"

Place of Service
Minister(s)
Church Affiliation
Eulogist
Cemetery
Pallbearers
Music
Favorite Scriptures
Favorite Poems
Memorials
Clothing
Pictures- To be Displayed in Room or for Video



DO YOU OWN OTHER FUNERAL HOMES IN THE STATE?

Yes, March 1, 2008 we purchased Westbrook Funeral Home and Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Beebe, Arkansas. We are happy to say that all of Westbrook's employees have chosen to remain. Jeff Smith is the funeral home manager.

For your convenience, burial insurance, life insurance or pre-arrangement contracts with either North Little Rock Funeral Home or Westbrook Funeral Home can be used at the location nearest you.