What Do Funeral Directors Do?

June 26, 2020

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables.  Flower petals fell to the floor. Now, the cleaning staff is making things tidy for the family who will be here tomorrow.

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

Someone in our town died away from home, the funeral director is traveling many miles to bring him home and into the funeral home’s care. The light is on in anticipation of his safe return.

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

Hospice called. The teacher who taught the funeral director — and you — in the third grade isn’t expected to make it through the night. He’s catching up on paperwork while he keeps vigil. Soon he’ll be called to the home and it will be his turn to take care of the teacher.

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

There are computer problems. The video tribute file a family sent won’t work. We’re staying late to make it right for their service.

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

It was a busy day today and we still need to notify Social Security and the Veteran’s Administration of Mr. Smith’s death.

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

There’s been a terrible accident. We’re doing our best to make a loved one presentable so that they can say goodbye with dignity.

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

The obituary the Jones’s gave us for their father is full of misspellings. We need to correct them and get it to the paper.

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

We’re reviewing all of the details for tomorrow’s service. When will the celebrant arrive? Do we have drivers for the cars? Who will be the pallbearers?

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

We’re checking tomorrow’s weather in case we need the umbrellas.

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?

The light is on because your neighbor, the funeral director, is pacing the floor. He can’t sleep. Tomorrow, he will oversee the service for his daughter’s classmate.

Sometimes death is just too close, even for him.

Sunset Memorial Park, Funeral Home and Cemetery is a family-owned and operated facility that has been providing affordable funeral, burial cremation services for the Dothan, AL community for over 20 years. Their professional funeral directors are experienced in arranging personalized tributes for families of all backgrounds and beliefs. Please visit sunsetmemorialpark.com to learn more.
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August 7, 2026
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July 10, 2026
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June 5, 2026
Families in Midland City often ask about the advantages of arranging funeral or cremation plans ahead of time.
May 8, 2026
Families in Midland City, AL often wonder what happens during the cremation process.
April 10, 2026
Families in Midland City, Alabama often ask what is required from the next of kin when planning burial or cremation. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), written authorization from the legal next of kin is generally required before any final arrangements can move forward.
March 6, 2026
Families in Midland City often wonder why funeral and cremation costs vary from one funeral home to another. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), these price differences are common and typically reflect regional operating expenses, staffing needs, and the types of services families choose.
February 6, 2026
Families in Midland City, Alabama, often ask how much cremation costs and what influences the total price. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 General Price List Study, the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280 as of 2025.
January 9, 2026
Families in Midland City, Alabama, often wonder what influences the cost of a funeral and how to plan in a way that feels thoughtful and manageable. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is around $8,300
February 11, 2025
One thing we have come to realize this year is the value of being nimble, agile or light footed. Our world has been turned inside out. We have all come to expect the unexpected and to realize that little is certain. Getting a handle on life in 2020 has been a little like nailing Jell-O! Being flexible and prepared has become more important than ever before.