Funeral Services
During the pandemic, many, in great wisdom, delayed funerals due to safety concerns.
As we safely gather in large groups, these are descriptions of funeral services.
Service Planning
No two services are alike. A service honors a person’s gifts to: family and friends, military service or special loves: cooking, sports, etc. What often becomes clear is the person’s relationship with people and pets. Often, tears and laughter abound and even the most cantankerous can be celebrated!
A loved one’s spirituality and individuality is always respected. Some people leave instructions of their preferences for their funeral. This can make planning easier or challenging. Usually, end-of-life decisions are not made in advance and are left to loved ones to make in a hurry. Rev. Jody can assist with coordination and guidance.
Death of a Child
There is no loss as the death of a child to parents, family & friends. This service is unlike that of any other. Often a child’s service is larger, more “centered in storytelling, music, pets, hobbies and precious mementos.” Extraordinary care is provided to honor this shortened life. These services are uniquely emotional and best reflect our inner tenderness of: wonder, dreams and cherished relationships – cut far too soon – and stay in our hearts for a lifetime.
Pregnancy Loss
Until recently, a pregnancy loss was rarely discussed and seldom has there been an opportunity for a parent or family to mourn in a formal service. Contact Rev. Jody for a specialized service and/or see the Sacred Rituals section of this website.
Military Recognition
According to the Office of the Actuary of the U.S. Department of Defense, in 2020, Texas is one of the largest states called home for military retirees. Our armed services members and their families give so much – in ways we are not often aware – in their extraordinary sacrifices for our nation.
If you plan to honor a veteran with a formal recognition of their military service at their funeral, memorial service or graveside, please relay this request immediately at the initial planning of the funeral service. Due to the high number of veterans dying daily in Texas, there is an overwhelming number of requests for a formal military accompaniment at services. Your original preferred funeral date may need to be adjusted to incorporate an official military recognition for your loved one.
Fees range for funerals between $150 - $500, depending on, but not limited to: officiant responsibilities, specialized components, group participation & anticipated attendance.
See FAQ or contact Rev. Jody for more information.
“I have known Jody Harrison for eight years. We met as Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) students and completed two units together at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) in Roanoke Virginia. CPE is an intense experience of professional education for ministry for theological students and ministers of all faiths. Through caring for people in crisis, theological reflection on these experiences and feedback from peers and supervisors, CPE students learn about themselves and the needs of those to whom they minister. On the first day of class I noticed Jody’s gentle presence, her calm, open facial expression and her ready smile. These qualities were inviting and reassuring, as we became colleagues and shared this rich and challenging experience. They have remained so throughout our friendship.
Jody grew up in a religious household where her parents welcomed and supported church youth, and her priest encouraged her youth group to work with those of other denominations. As a chaplain intern at CRMH she especially enjoyed caring for hospitalized children and youth and their families. During regular on call shifts she also provided pastoral care for trauma patients who came to the Emergency Department (ED). At the heart of professional chaplaincy is something we call a non-anxious presence. Whatever is happening, however anyone else is responding or reacting to it, the first gift we give is this. Jody has this pastoral gift in abundance. It was evident when she sat in a waiting room with the family of a child having emergency surgery after a car accident, and when she comforted an ED nurse who had three patients die during her shift. Also at the heart of our vocation is respect for all faiths. Jody is well-grounded enough in her own beliefs and practices that she can freely meet anyone wherever they are on their spiritual journey and provide meaningful support on their own terms. Because she offers pastoral care with a non-anxious presence and a respect for all faiths (and for other reasons, too), Jody is one of only two or three people whom I would prefer to be my own chaplain.”
Chaplain Drew Purcell, M. Div., BCC, Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care — Martinsville, Virginia
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”
— Aristotle, Greek Philosopher