What to Do When Death Occurs
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Regardless of whether death occurs at home, a healthcare facility, or out-of-town, phone us immediately at (434) 392-7000 or 434-645-9292. We will gather some basic information and schedule an appointment - either in our offices or your home - to complete the funeral arrangements. If death occurs at home and the deceased is under hospice or a physician's care, the coroner does not need to be contacted. However, if the deceased is not under a physician's care, or the death was unexpected, the county coroner should be notified immediately. If death occurs out-of-town, Oliver and Eggleston Funeral Establishment should still be contacted first. We can arrange all of the distant details for you through our network of funeral homes worldwide.
When making arrangements, please gather the following things, as they will be needed to expedite the process:
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Vital Statistics Information - such as the deceased's date and place of birth, parent's names, social security number, and working history. |
| Photograph - bring a recent photograph of the deceased for the newspaper announcement, memorial cards, and for our use when preparing your loved one for viewing. We can generally digitally edit out other people, minor damages, and distracting backgrounds. |
| Clothing - bring everything your loved one would have put on in the morning, including underwear, with shoes being optional. Also eyeglasses, and any jewelry. |
| Military Discharge Papers, form DD-214 - this is not the discharge certificate, but rather the onion-skin form that lists the details of their military service. |
| Cemetery Lot Information, if available - it is helpful to have the cemetery deed available when we contact the cemetery, but it is not necessary. |
| Life Insurance, Pension, & Other Benefits - we pride ourselves in making sure you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to. Bring in all documents related to these benefits and we will file for them on your behalf. |
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