Guidance for Families

The death of a loved one is an emotionally difficult time. Understanding what steps to take immediately afterward can help reduce confusion and stress during this challenging period.

This guide provides essential information on the immediate steps to take after a death occurs. The compassionate staff at Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens is always available to answer questions and provide additional guidance.

📞 Need Immediate Assistance?

Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens: (770) 948-3033

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Immediate Steps to Take

Step 1: If Death Occurs Outside a Hospital or Hospice

Call 911 immediately.

When a death occurs at home or in a location outside of medical care:

Call 911 for emergency services
First responders will arrive to provide necessary assistance
A medical professional must officially pronounce the death
Police may respond as part of standard protocol
The body cannot be moved until officially released by authorities

Important: Do not attempt to move the body or alter the scene before emergency services arrive.

Step 2: Contact Your Chosen Funeral Home

Call your designated funeral director.

Once the death has been officially pronounced and the body released:

Contact the funeral home you've selected (or were recommended)
The funeral director will arrange to transport your loved one
They will guide you through the next steps
Begin discussing funeral or memorial service arrangements

Don't have a funeral home? Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens can provide recommendations for reputable funeral directors in the Atlanta area.

Step 3: Contact Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens for Burial Arrangements

Call (770) 948-3033 to arrange cemetery services.

Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens will coordinate with your funeral director to:

Select a burial plot or mausoleum crypt
Schedule the burial service
Arrange grave opening and preparation
Discuss memorial marker options
Complete necessary cemetery paperwork
Arrange payment for cemetery services

Pre-need arrangements? If your loved one pre-planned their cemetery arrangements, let us know. We'll review the existing contract and coordinate accordingly.

Important Documents You'll Need

Gather these documents as soon as possible:

✓ Death certificate (multiple certified copies recommended)
✓ Social Security card
✓ Birth certificate
✓ Marriage certificate (if applicable)
✓ Military discharge papers (if veteran)
✓ Insurance policies
✓ Will or estate documents
✓ Cemetery deeds or pre-need contracts

Death Certificates: Your funeral director will help you obtain certified copies of the death certificate. Order at least 10 copies as they're needed for insurance claims, bank accounts, property transfers, and other legal matters.

Outdoor graveside service at Mount Harmony

Additional Steps to Consider

Notify Family and Friends

Contact close family members and friends as soon as possible. Consider designating someone to help make notifications to extended family, friends, employers, and organizations.

Arrange Childcare or Pet Care

If needed, arrange for care of children or pets during the immediate period while you handle arrangements and receive visitors.

Secure the Residence

If your loved one lived alone, secure their home and belongings. Forward mail, stop newspaper delivery, and arrange for ongoing home maintenance.

Contact Employer

Notify the deceased's employer (if applicable) and inquire about any death benefits, pension plans, or final paychecks.

Working With Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens

Our staff understands the difficulty of this time and is committed to making the cemetery arrangement process as smooth as possible.

What to Expect:

Initial Contact: Call our office to begin the arrangement process
Plot Selection: Visit our grounds (or work with your funeral director) to select a burial location
Service Coordination: Schedule the burial service date and time
Paperwork Completion: Complete necessary cemetery documentation
Payment Arrangements: Finalize payment (must be in full before funeral date)
Service Preparation: Our crew will prepare the gravesite for the service

Timeline Considerations

While every situation is different, here's a general timeline:

Days 1-2

Call 911 (if necessary)
Contact funeral home
Begin cemetery arrangements
Notify close family

Days 3-5

Complete funeral/cemetery arrangements
Write obituary
Plan service details
Gather documents

Days 5-10

Hold funeral/burial service
Begin estate matters
File insurance claims
Handle legal requirements

Note: Religious and cultural traditions may affect this timeline. Discuss any specific requirements with your funeral director and cemetery.

What To Do After A Death