What happens when a death occurs?

Where the death occurred:

• Death in an Institution: When the death occurs in a hospital or nursing home, the medical staff will take care of all the necessary legal steps. You will need to inform the medical staff that Bevis Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements so you will be able to sign any necessary release paperwork.
• Expected Death at the Residence: Many people today with terminal illnesses are choosing to stay at home under the care of Hospice. In this situation, you will need to inform Hospice that Bevis Funeral Home is the funeral home of your choice; they will then take care of all necessary legal requirements. Often times when someone has a terminal illness, the family will elect to make pre-arrangements so that they are not overwhelmed with the important decisions at the time of death.
• Unexpected Death at Residence or Elsewhere: In these situations, immediately call 911. The police and emergency medical services will then establish the proper steps to be taken. Often, the police can release the body directly to our funeral home. However, in certain cases, the body may be required to go to the Medical Examiner's office so they can determine the cause of death.
• Death out of state: If the death occurs outside of Florida, you should call Bevis Funeral Home at 850-385-2193. We will then coordinate with a local funeral director in the state that the death occurred.

What should I bring with me to the funeral home when making arrangements?

When you come to make the arrangements, you may want to bring with you the following items:

• Military Discharge Papers (Form DD214)
• Recent Photograph for newspaper & preparation purposes
• Clothing - all items including undergarments. Shoes are optional for both men and women.
• Jewelry & personal items - these items can either be brought to the arrangement conference, or on the day of the visitation.

At the funeral arrangement, if you have not already made prearrangements with Bevis Funeral Home, 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 State of Florida Vital Statistics offices, photocopies are not considered legal documents. After the original certificate has been signed by the physician or medical examiner and all vital information completed by our funeral home, it is filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Fees for certified copies vary from county to county within the State.

Questions about Cremation

Is a Remembrance Service Appropriate?

Yes, a remembrance service is a caring and meaningful occasion in which family and friends have an opportunity to honor their loved one and say a last "good-bye." Viewing the deceased's body before cremation often helps the bereaved accept the fact that a death has occurred and resolve grief more readily.

How is a cremation service different from a traditional funeral service?

There does not have to be any difference. A cremation service may be as elaborate or as simple as the family desires. Quite often a memorial service is held after the cremation has occurred. A family gathering for the interment of the cremated remains may take place at a convenient time for the family following the service.

Is embalming necessary?

Embalming is not necessary all the time, however, health and possible legal regulations and religious beliefs might make it appropriate or necessary before being cremated. As a point of information, heart pacemakers or similar devices should be removed, because they may become dangerous when subjected to the extreme heat of the cremation chamber.

Questions about pre-arranged funerals

Why should I plan the funeral in advance?

When a death occurs, a family member or friend is left to make all the hard decisions of arranging the funeral. Many have little ideas of what is involved in the funeral process, including the costs and most importantly, the wishes of the deceased on what they would have wanted.

When a loved one passes away, the anxieties and stress of making funeral plans can be an overwhelming responsibility. In addition, the costs involved can leave a real financial burden on your surviving family members. That is why many people are thoughtfully choosing to plan their funeral in advance, to take the added stress off their surviving family members and loved ones. It also eliminates any guesswork about what kind of choices you might have preferred. Our prearranged funeral program allows you to plan ahead by making wise personal choices, in writing, knowing that your wishes will be carried out at your time of passing.

• Affordable Prearrangements
  Our Advance Planning counselors will work with you to arrange the best possible services and guarantees at today's prices
• Inflation protection
  By purchasing your funeral in advance, you can lock in the cost of your funeral based on today's prices. With funeral costs rising at an average 5% per year, it is a real benefit for your loved ones as well as sound financial planning.
• Transferability
  Whether you decide to move out of town or across the country, your pre arrangements are transferable to any of our more than 800 affiliated funeral homes located in most major metropolitan areas.
• Peace of mind
  You'll be secure in knowing that you have spared your loved ones added stress, worry, anxiety and expense by prearranging your funeral.
• A living decision
  Like a living will, your prearranged funeral specifies your wishes in advance. Once you've decided, your loved ones will have a permanent record of your preferences for the future.

Do you allow time payments?

Yes, the total amount for the Pre-Funded funeral is stated in the agreement and you may pay in installments without finance charges.

What happens if someone dies out of state?

We will make all arrangements to transport your loved one home.

Reasons why you should have a prearranged funeral

1. Guaranteed Price:
   All funeral home service charges, livery and merchandise prices are guaranteed.
2. Substantial Savings:
   You decide now what type of arrangements you want and how much you want to spend… at a time when decisions will be made calmly and intelligently.
3. 3. Transferability:
   In the event you move from our neighborhood, your pre-need funeral contract is transferable to other funeral homes.
4. Convenience:
   You can make pre-need funeral arrangements in our funeral home, or in the comfort, privacy and security of your own home. Flexible financing is available.
5. Modification:
   You can modify your pre-need funeral contract at any time, without penalty.
6. Eliminate Doubts:
   Spare your family the emotional stress of making decisions during a difficult time. A pre-need funeral arrangement records your exact wishes.
7. Understanding Pre-Need Staff:
   Our professional counselors are dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of pre-need families; we will explain all of your options and benefits in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
8. Security
9. No Health or Age Restrictions