TGIF From TIFG!
Thank goodness it’s Friday! Whether you’re packing your bags for a trip to Charlotte (if so, we’ll see you there!) or resting up for a busy weekend of football, family, or funerals, here’s your opportunity to catch up on this past week’s news and goings-on.
I’d love to hear from you!
You, your family, and the very walls of your funeral home have so many stories to share, and I want to hear them all! Please feel free to reach me anytime at patricia@tifg.net with any anecdotes, news, tips, or story ideas.
This week, I’d especially like to know:
Is a veteran part of your funeral home’s story? Perhaps a founder started his business after returning from a tour of duty in WWI, WWII, or another conflict?
Do you honor your community’s veterans every November? How so?
Email me, and we’ll set up a time to talk at your convenience!
Highlights and headlines
↪ Here’s one strategy to deal with unclaimed cremated remains: hold them in storage for 138 years until a charitable organization finally steps up to provide permanent memorialization. That’s what happened with the cremated remains of pioneering women’s rights activist Lisle Lester. Read her story here.
↪ Just in time for Halloween, here’s a story about a Kansas cemetery that is thought to contain a PORTAL TO HELL. I kid you not; a University of Kansas student newspaper said so in the 1970s, so it must be true.
↪ Fans who buy a space in the 904Ever Club, a 14’x14’ section of the under-construction Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium, may be some of the most reserved and well-behaved folks in attendance — because they’ll be deceased. Yes, for $5,904, Jaguar fans can purchase one of the bougiest seats in this elite section so their cremated remains and keepsakes may reside for eternity — or at least until the next stadium is needed.
Practitioner spotlight
There are 50 U.S. funeral establishments that can claim the distinction of being the oldest in their respective states, but how many can say that they’re most likely the fourth-oldest continuously-operating family-owned independent funeral home in the country? Only one, and that’s Austin & Bell Funeral Home in middle Tennessee.
In 1842, Mr. Marion Henry opened a cabinet shop in the Turnersville community in Robertson County. In addition to building cabinets and other furniture, Henry also made caskets and provided undertaking services until shortly before his death in 1904 at nearly 78 years of age (as “one of the oldest citizens of the town” at the time, according to his obituary in the Nashville Banner). Henry died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Marion “Minnie” Henry Bell, wife of Mr. Rader Bell.
Prior to his death, Marion Henry passed ownership of his furniture and undertaking business to his sons, William T. Henry and Joseph W. Henry; in 1899, William sold his interest in the firm to Frank Bell, and the business became known as “Henry & Bell.” In 1915, Robert H. Bell, the son of Rader & Minnie Bell and grandson of Marion Henry, became associated with the firm, and purchased Frank Bell’s interest after he returned from World War I in 1919.
In 1942, Henry & Bell merged with Austin & James Funeral Home, which had opened for business in a neighboring town in the 1920s. The new, combined firm did business as Associated Funeral Home before becoming Austin & Bell — which is now owned and operated by Bob Bell, the fifth generation funeral director and direct descendant of the Henry and Bell families.
So … with roots that trace back to 1842, Austin & Bell Funeral Home has earned a solid spot in the list of America’s oldest funeral homes, behind Bucktrout of Virginia (1759), Kirk & Nice (1761), Bachman Snyder (1769).
For the Good of the Group (and Anyone Else!)
YOU’RE INVITED: Attending NFDA? Join The Group at The Public House on Monday, October 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, massive amounts of swag, and the captivating company of the TIFG team!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: These upcoming holidays and observances are great opportunities for your funeral home or cemetery to reach out to your communities with anything from a few social media posts to a hosted event:
November — National Hospice and Palliative Care Month — A natural touchpoint for funeral homes to thank and collaborate with these providers.
November 2 — All Souls’ Day — Encourage families to honor their deceased loved ones through permanent placement of cremated remains (see this example from Colorado), perhaps with a gentle reminder of any remains that have not yet been claimed.
November 3 — Funeral Professional Day — An international observance established by the Latin American Association of Cemeteries and Funeral Services and supported by FIAT-IFTA to honor deathcare workers across all sectors worldwide.
November 11 — Veterans’ Day — Thank and honor all veterans, living or deceased, who have served honorably.
November 19 — National Children’s Grief Awareness Day — Highlight the need for specialized youth grief support before the holiday season, and maybe promote your own grief services or aftercare programs.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Funding Prearranged Funerals, presented by Brianne Niedermyer of Homesteaders Life Company on Wednesday, November 11. Don’t miss this one!
In Case You Missed It
Here’s what The Group has published recently in The Practitioners’ Post:
