To meet the needs of those families who choose cremation, we at Forbis and Dick Funeral Service place a special emphasis on assisting those individuals. Forbis and Dick Funeral Service is the only funeral home in Guilford County with an on-site crematory.

Cremation is viewed as a very viable option to earth burial. As members of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and the Cremation Association of North Carolina (CANC) we offer a sense of integrity and dignity as it relates to cremation. We present cremation with high integrity and emphasize the importance of proper memorialization. It is vital that the family or individual understand when cremation is chosen, the options are many.

Allow us to explore with you several questions and answers that commonly occur during discussions surrounding cremation.

 

1. Is a cremation/memorial different from a traditional funeral service?

No. At least it does not have to be different. The subject, content, and order of the cremation service is subject to the wishes of the family. Often times a memorial service is held after the cremation has taken place. Other times, in the case of a 'traditional cremation', the body is present for a visitation and the service and then cremation takes place after the service. Either way, the family has the freedom to create a service that is meaningful to them.

 

2. Is a casket required?

In North Carolina it is a state law which requires that the body be placed in an "alternate container" for cremation. The alternate container is an "acceptably rigid" corrugated container, and may be provided by the family if they so choose. This is used if the family does not choose from our selection of cremation caskets. The intent of this law is to provide for the health and safety of the crematory operator as well as provide a proper covering for the body, which meets reasonable standards of respect and dignity.

 

3. Is embalming required?

No, however if the family chooses to have the body present for a public visitation and / or for a public service, our policy requires that the body be embalmed.

 

4. Is cremation an end in itself?

Some people regard cremation as an "end in itself". However, a majority of families see the need for a "resting place" which can be identified with a name and dates of the deceased life. This is what we call "memorialization". Regardless of the size or place, this provides for a basic human need to remember and be remembered.

Our staff will be glad to discuss with you the possibilities of memorial options both public and private.

 

5. How does the cost of cremation compare with burial or entombment?

On the average the basic charge for just cremation is somewhat less than a traditional funeral. However, with the increasing number of items available to the family both in the funeral service before and in the mode of disposition after, it is difficult to make an accurate comparison. Again, the family has the option to select as much or as little as they desire and with cremation the options are greater.

 

6. Is it advisable to arrange for cremations in advance?

Certainly if time and circumstance provide the family with the time to pre-plan for a cremation it is very advisable. This allows time for input and discussion among the family members so that at the time of death a decision has been reached.

Along with pre-planning for cremation, pre-planning for what type of service and memorialization will take place is also beneficial. Whether it be inurnment in a cemetery, inurnment in the niche of a columbarium, inurnment in a cremation garden, scattering, or simply just the receiving of the cremated remains by the family. It is always advisable to pre-plan in order to reduce confusion and conflict at the time of death when stress and emotions are increased.

 

If you have other questions concerning cremation please call us at 275-8408 and ask to speak to a funeral director or click here to contact us online.