Funeral/Memorial Services

Most funerals include prayers, readings from the Bible or other religious texts, hymns either sung by a hired vocalist or the guests, and words of comfort by the clergy. Often, a family member or close friend will be asked to give a eulogy, detailing happy memories and accomplishments of the deceased, but sometimes, a clergy member will be asked to do this. Church bells are sometimes tolled before and after the service.

During the funeral and burial service, the casket is sometimes covered by a large floral arrangement called a casket spray. However, if the deceased is a member of the Armed Forces, the casket may be covered with a national flag instead of a casket spray.

Being well known in the community generally depended upon the length of the graveside services. Some lasted an hour while others lasted several hours. The itinerary consisted of praying, singing of hymns, and the preacher delivering a message. Personal accounts of the deceased would be delivered telling of their experiences with the loved one. A family member, a mother, father, wife, or husband would speak on the achievements of the deceased.

Once the service was over, each member of the congregation would walk past the casket. Many stopped to touch or kiss the body,. Even the smaller children would do this. As in the case today, many children would be lifted up by an adult so they could gaze into the coffin. Custom was that the closest relative would always be the last to walk by and say farewell.