4/24/2018 0 Comments Our Values....The values we treasure most are like chapters in our lives. They are part of those special moments we store in our hearts and minds that we hold close, cherish and keep safe. They make us smile in times of sorrow. This is how we remember those most dear to us. Helping people celebrate their loved one’s values is something we at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes have been proudly doing for over 118 years. This is a value that encompasses our traditions, culture, heritage, beliefs and so much more. Family is what can create the loving, caring environment that turns a mere house into a home. The joy and happiness it can bring to us all… well, words on a page just can’t do it justice. At Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes our experience and dedication means we will always do what is right for you and your family. Commitment is a very personal value, a promise of faithfulness, devotion and love. A commitment is a serious, long-term promise that we make and keep, both with ourselves and others. It's a value we at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes truly and fully dedicate ourselves to, especially in those times that are tougher. Celebrating your loved ones is a commitment our funeral directors gladly make every day. Respect elicits the feeling of adoration, admiration and esteem. Like trust, it is a value that is not given to just anyone. It is a value that is bestowed upon you, that you have to work for and earn through your actions, deeds and conduct. Respect is a value that all our staff at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes work hard to earn, maintain and show to every family that comes through our doors. Someone who is loyal is reliable and always true. While the word 'Loyalty' itself derives from the ancient French word 'Loial', its meaning has evolved over the centuries from that of a legal bond to one that is now more a bond of the heart. This is a fact our funeral directors are fortunate enough to witness every day in the work we do with the families that turn to us to arrange a funeral service. Trust is a choice we make. It's not so much a value that is learned, rather it's one that is earned. Earned only by those who are worthy of it. Perhaps the greatest quality of trust is not the accomplishments we make once we have earned it, but rather what the value of trust accomplishes in each of us on our journey to become worthy of receiving it. Families trust Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes every day, and have done so since 1900. Honour is a value that derives from the Latin word 'Honos' – to evaluate an individual’s worthiness, integrity and character. It is a value that we all hope we possess, yet when pressed, very few can describe honour in words. At Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes we honour the lifetime of your loved one through the funeral service with exceptional service.
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4/10/2018 0 Comments Veterans' BenefitsJohnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes Proudly Serving Those Who Have Served
We believe that the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces deserve special consideration. To pay tribute to our fallen heroes, Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes offers comprehensive veterans burial benefits to those who are eligible. We handle veteran details for you and provide you with all your options. Eligibility To be eligible, you must be a military member on active duty, military retiree, member or former member of the Selected Reserve, eligible U.S. veteran of any war, or other U.S. veteran who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable. Armed forces members who die on active duty are also eligible, as are spouses and dependent children of eligible living and deceased veterans, and of current and deceased armed forces members. Contact Veterans Affairs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (800) 827-1000 for more information. Social Security and Veterans Benefits Veterans benefits are not paid automatically. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes will notify the appropriate agencies and take care of the details. Social Security pays a lump sum death benefit directly to the spouse if eligible. Veterans receive cash benefits based on disability or other requirements. Making Advance Military Arrangements with Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes Send a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) that we will keep in our permanent files. If you wish, call us and we will handle all details over the phone. (334)768-2141 Honors Services Military honors are available to all veterans regardless of rank or location of burial. Honors may include honor guard, Chaplain, flag folding and presentation to next of kin, rifle salute and the playing of TAPS. Burial Flags VA provides an American flag to drape over the casket of a veteran. VA will also provide a flag on behalf of a service member who was missing in action and later presumed dead. The Military provides a wood flag case for any active duty deaths. With the proper discharge papers, Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes handles all of the details for securing the flag for burial and honors. Veteran Cemeteries All veterans, and possibly their spouses and children, are entitled to free cemetery space, grave opening/closing, grave liner and headstone at a VA cemetery. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. We will help you apply for spaces at the time of death, and will work with you so you receive all available options. Alabama has a state veterans cemetery located in Montevallo, Fort Mitchell, and a national cemetery located in Mobile. For more information on national cemeteries, call toll-free 1-800-827-1000 or visit http://www.cem.va.gov. Headstones and Markers If you are eligible, Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes will handle all the paperwork and ordering for the appropriate military marker. We will also accept the delivery of the marker, if to be placed locally, and assist you in coordinating with monument companies and cemeteries. When buried in a national, state veteran or military cemetery VA provides headstones and markers for the unmarked graves of veterans (and any eligible dependents) anywhere in the world. The design will mark the grave in a style consistent with the place of burial. Niche markers also are available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains. When buried in a cemetery other than a national cemetery Eligible veterans with a privately purchased headstone can receive a Medallion or Bronze Niche from the VA to be affixed to their monument. For more information on military markers, visit: https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hmm/index.asp Presidential Memorial Certificates A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased Veterans. The certificate has the current President’s signature expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the Veteran’s service in the United States Armed Forces. Eligible recipients include the next of kin and loved ones of honorably discharged deceased Veterans. More than one certificate may be provided. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes will handle all paperwork and ordering of the certificates. Have a question about veterans benefits? Contact us today at 334-768-2141 or e-mail us at [email protected]. 2/18/2018 0 Comments When A Death Occurs...What to do When A Death Occurs Steps to take at the time of death: Death in an Institution: When the death occurs at a hospital or nursing home, the medical staff should take care of all necessary legal steps. You just need to notify the medical staff that Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home is the funeral home handling arrangements so they can have you sign any necessary release paperwork. Anticipated Death at Home: Today, more people with terminal illnesses are electing to die at home under the care of hospice. In this situation, you just need to notify Hospice that Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home is the funeral home of your choice, they will then take care of all necessary legal requirements. Many times when someone has a terminal illness, the family will elect to make pre-arrangements with us so that they are not overwhelmed with the many important decisions at the time of death. Unanticipated Death at Home or Elsewhere: In these situations, immediately call 911. The police and emergency medical personnel will then determine the appropriate steps to be taken. Often, the police can release the deceased directly to our funeral home. However, in certain cases, the body may need to go to the Medical Examiner's office so that they can determine the cause of death. Death out of state: If the death occurs outside of Alabama, you should call Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home at (334)768-2141. We can coordinate with a local funeral director at the place of death. As a member of several national associations, Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home can often can save families money by having our firm make the arrangements. Funeral Arrangement Conference To assure that one of our funeral directors is immediately available and can devote the personal attention and time needed to make the arrangements, we would request that you call to schedule a mutually convenient arrangement time. Although the vast majority of funeral conferences are handled at our chapel during normal business hours, we are available to come to your residence or meet in the evenings or weekends. One of our funeral directors is always on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. When you come to the conference, you may want to bring with you the following items: Military Discharge Papers (Form DD214) Recent Photograph for newspaper & preparation purposes Clothing - all normal items including undergarments, shoes are optional. (For women, an outfit closed at the neckline and long sleeves are preferred.) Jewelry & personal items - these items can either be brought to the arrangement conference, or on the day of the visitation. At the funeral arrangement conference, if you have not already made pre-arrangements, our funeral directors will need to obtain some vital information for completing the death certificate. Certified copies of the death certificate are legal documents and are issued by the Alabama or Georgia Vital Statistics Office, or local health districts. Photocopies are not considered legal documents. After the original certificate has been signed by the physician, medical examiner or county coroner, and all vital information completed by our funeral home, it is filed with the local health district or Bureau of Vital Statistics. Fees for certified copies are set by the State. (We do not charge an additional fee) During the funeral arrangement conference, we will ask you how many certified copies of the death certificate are needed. As part of our services, we will obtain certified copies on your behalf. In order to assist you in ascertaining the number of certified copies needed, below is a worksheet: Each Life Insurance Company Pension, IRA, or other Retirement Benefits Probate of Will Final Tax Return Real Property Stocks and Bonds Your own files Please note that we will notify Social Security of the death, a certified death certificate is only needed for applying for the survivors' benefit for dependent children (a certified copy of the child's birth certificate will also be needed.) 1/17/2018 0 Comments May 6th, 2018Inspiration for a truly personalized memorial service can be found in many things—an esteemed career, a favorite philanthropy or a signature style. Our gallery is full of ideas to help you plan, from distinctive floral designs to ingenious mementos. Whatever your final wishes entail, if you make them known in advance, we’ll see that they are carried out brilliantly. . We only live once. All the more reason a memorial service should be extraordinary. View some of our personalization ideas below... To create a personalized memorial plan, with a Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home call us today at 334-768-2141. 1/15/2018 0 Comments Things To Remember....
When the loss of a loved one occurs, there are many decisions that must be made and information that must be gathered. Our goal is to make this process as simple as possible for the families we serve. The list below outlines some of the items necessary to complete the death certificate and obituary, and which will be needed when you visit the funeral home for the arrangement conference. Click on the file "Things to Remember" when preparing for the arrangement conference at the funeral home or when considering pre-planning.
6/10/2017 0 Comments How do you want to be Remembered?View our Personalization Options and Ideas at our dedicated link below:
videos.lifetributes.com/808371 As we age, we begin to transition from “what do we want to do”, to “what do we want to have” and then to “what do we want to leave behind”. There is even a more profound question to be asked. That is the question of how we want to be remembered. Certainly, most of how we will be remembered will be in how we lived our lives and the choices we made along the way. It will be in the eyes and souls of those who loved and cared for us. But even for those who may have a regret or two, there is a final opportunity to have a voice in how they want to be remembered. That is in pre-planning their funeral. Many of us have dim, dark memories of a grandparent’s funeral. It was likely held in an artificially lit room with the overwhelming odor of sweet flowers and hushed conversations. Many funeral services are still held that very same way and are appropriate for a traditional setting. But there is a change that is occurring. It is a shift from sadness to celebration. It represents a way that baby boomers want to be recognized after their deaths. Untraditional, personalized, and yes, even joyous. While years ago, hiding a small, tiny memento in the casket to be buried with a loved one may have been considered out of the norm, today it is almost expected. Here, in Valley, we have had funerals themed around the Crimson Tide, the Auburn Tigers, artists, motorcycles, fisherman, and other passions in one's life. We have had services that extolled the joys and pleasures of the departed, many of those filled with laughter and genuine appreciation. We have conducted final services based on one’s hobbies and even some that extended the departed sense of humor to new levels. The modern funeral service today can be what you want it to be, if you pre-plan for it. We can help you accomplish that at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes. Let’s be honest. People say all kinds of things all the time. We all have heard someone say “I want my funeral to be a party” or “I don’t want people crying when I’m gone.” When they pass, however, this sentiment can be lost in grief. That is why pre-planning is so important. When you pre-plan with Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes, whether you pre-pay or not, your wishes will be documented. Away from the pressures of family, you can tell us what you want your final services to be like and how you want people to feel. We can talk about your favorite songs, teams, memories and what motivated you through life. We can help you be remembered the way you want to be remembered. There may be no greater gift for those you leave behind. We understand pre-planning may be uncomfortable. Just know it doesn’t take a large balance in a checkbook. We can help you pre-plan without pre-paying. Call us today at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home. (334)768-2141 6/4/2017 0 Comments How to Protect Your MoneyJohnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes in Valley and Lanett stand ready to assist you in preplanning a personalized funeral service, celebration of life, or cremation. We encourage all of our families to consider the following when deciding it is time to pre-pay your services. These questions may help you avoid any potential financial pitfalls and also dispel any misleading information. Consider the reputation, longevity and stability of the funeral home in the community. Financial stability is typically congruent with firms with established reputations and longevity. How large, in terms of dollars, are managed by the trust or institution protecting your assets? Is the funeral home authorized by the Alabama State Department of Insurance to actively engage in selling pre-arranged funerals? Do your due diligence and reach out to the Alabama Department of Insurance Preneed Division to inquire about a firm's compliance - (334)240-4420. Are the directors knowledgeable of the state laws regarding pre-paid funerals? What does the funeral home do with your money once they receive it? Does the funeral home place 100% of your money into an approved trust or what method of funding is used? Do they keep any portion of your money for administrative or compensation costs? Do they guarantee the cost of your funeral when the contract is paid in full? Are there any hidden fees such as finance fees, interest expenses, or administrative processing fees? What happens if the funeral home closes and or files for bankruptcy protection? These are all important questions that all consumers should ask any funeral home before you decide to pre-pay for your services and or funeral. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Homes specializes in preplanning. Call us today and we can answer any questions you may have. (334)768-2141 As you get older, you learn a lot about life. Your perspectives change, your interests change, and you just become a lot more enlightened about the world in general.
But one mindset change that we were absolutely not prepared for was one that we had been rejecting our entire life. We tried to stay strong. We tried to look for any other possible explanation. But there’s just no getting around it… It turns out that after years and years of denying it, our mothers were pretty much right about everything. That’s right. All those years of our mothers telling us to tie our shoes, make our beds and to write thank you notes? They knew what they were talking about. And when they told us that you should always send flowers to show your support when someone passes away? It turns out they were right about that too. A number of studies have come out over the last few years that only confirm the things that our mothers have been telling us for years… when it comes to hard days and grief, flowers actually have healing powers that can turn your day around and cheer you up. Here are just a few statistics and facts that back up what your mom has said from day one… you should always send flowers to a funeral. 1. People Respond With True Smiles When You Give Them Flowers Flowers are just one of those gifts that everyone likes to receive. We know that. But according to Rutgers University Researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., director of the university’s Human Emotions Lab, flowers actually elicit the truest of smiles on recipients faces, even over other types of gifts. And we’re not just talking about a slight grin… every participant in the 10 month study expressed “true” or “excited” smiles when receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. “Flowers have evolved to activate positive emotional responses from people,” says Haviland-Jones. “Each bloom has the potential to put a smile on our face and sway our opinion of a friend, colleague or loved one. That’s powerful.” And who needs a smile on their face more so than someone who is facing a difficult hardship in life? 2. Flowers Create Instant Delight and Happiness Flowers don’t just create a smile when they are given to friends or family members. They actually create instant delight and happiness, according to the same Rutgers study. This is because they remind us of the beauty of the world and the feeling of being connected with nature and the outdoors, where many of us have fond memories. Flowers can also reportedly increase the enjoyment and life satisfaction of those who receive them, for the same reason. So if you were starting to doubt whether or not sending flowers actually makes a difference when sending them to a funeral visitation or service, just remember that not only are they a kind symbol of support when someone is going through a difficult time, but they also help to bring happiness and comfort to unfamiliar places. And what kind of environment needs this more than a funeral home? During a time of unease, discomfort and unfamiliarity, families could use a little more delight and happiness in their lives. 3. Flowers Lead To Stronger Relationships Between Family and Friends While we all know that flowers are a positive presence in life, you may not realize that they go beyond just sparking feelings of happiness. Studies have shown that sending and receiving flowers can actually help to forge personal connections with the people in our lives, and lead to increased contact with family and friends. According to a study of 370 participants led by Dr. Richard Ryan, being exposed to flowers and nature can inspire more compassion, generosity and an overall sense of community. Within the study it was noted that spending time around flowers and plants actually helped to change people’s attitudes, better connecting them with their authentic selves and with the world as a whole. As a result, it was also found that they were much more concerned with the needs of others around them and more generous. “Gift recipients experience compelling connections with givers, and the positive link is particularly evident in the exchange of flowers,” says Ryan. “In my everyday work with individuals, CEOs and leadership teams at some of the world’s top global companies, I see the powerful implications of gratitude and appreciation.” This is a great insight for people looking to express support and sympathy during a loss, because in that time period more than ever, people seek the comfort and connection of friends and family. Even in the months and years following the loved one’s passing, sending flowers may be the small gesture that is needed to make sure that your loved one knows you are still thinking of them, supporting them and are there for them… even if you are no longer actively seeing them at funeral events. 4. Flowers Create A Positive Mood That Lasts For Days One of the most amazing aspects of giving flowers is that the magic healing effects that they bring to your mood and your relationships don’t just last during the moments that you are in the presence of a beautiful bouquet. Studies have found that, upon receiving a gift of flowers, participants responded with true smiles and reported positive moods that lasted for days, meaning that these fresh, beautiful arrangements had a long term impact on their mood and happiness. Researchers also found that even after the first few days of happiness and euphoria had worn off after receiving flowers, people still reported ongoing improvements in mood and outlook. In fact, people who stated that they typically suffered from conditions such as depression and anxiety reported a lessening of their symptoms in the days after receiving a bouquet of flowers. 5/19/2017 0 Comments "We Salute our Veterans"The Meaning of Memorial Day
Since the earliest ceremonies in small American towns following the Civil War, we have gathered on Memorial Day to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. As in those early days of laying wreaths and placing flags, our national day of remembrance is often felt most deeply among the families and communities who have personally lost friends and loved ones. This national holiday may also be the unofficial start of the summer season, but all Americans must take a moment to remember the sacrifice of our valiant military service members, first responders and their families. Memorial Day is a day of both celebration and grief, accounting for the honor of our heroes and reflecting on their tragic loss. “Here at the Capitol, just weeks before the end of the Civil War, a weary President Lincoln pleaded with his fellow citizens, to ’bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.’” - General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.) Civil War soldiers had been mustered from towns and villages across the land. Like today, the loss of each soldier was a profound tragedy for both family and community. Today, we honor service members from all of America’s past wars. But there is immediacy in our sorrow; the wounds of war are new again. As we struggle for ways to heal, Abraham Lincoln’s message of almost 150 years ago can still inspire us. This, then, is the mission of Memorial Day: to reach out in support of all the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so much for us. Throughout America’s history, hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens have died bravely serving our country. The number of battle deaths speak to the sacrifices our soldiers and their families have made. 5/14/2017 0 Comments A Special Message on Mother's DayThis post isn’t to take away from the joy of those celebrating or being celebrated this Mother’s Day – enjoy and make the most of your time with the people you love. But for those of you who are in the shadow-side of Mother’s Day because your mother has died, or, because your child has died, let’s talk, this post is for you. If your mom has died …Well, you will get through, you will. You may feel alone in it, so let me encourage you to invite her in to the day. Find ways of reminding yourself of her, embracing the person she was, and allowing yourself the time and space to be happy and sad, memory-filled and nostalgic.
Sons & daughters, moms & dads, these pains are tremendous and deserve so much more than a little blog could ever offer. I wish all of you a day brimming with memories, peace, and the comfort of being loved. May your Mother’s Day be meaningful and rich in the memories of those you are missing.... |
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March 2020
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