Death is one of those things we don’t talk about until we absolutely have to. Then, suddenly, it’s all you can think about. If you’re looking into freeman funeral waynesboro ms, you’re probably in that spot right now—either planning for the future or dealing with a loss that feels way too heavy.
Waynesboro is a small town. You know how it is. People talk, and reputations are built over decades, not days. This isn’t some big-city corporate outfit where you're just a number on a spreadsheet. Honestly, when people mention Freeman’s around Wayne County, they’re usually talking about a family history that stretches back almost a century.
The Long Road from 1928
Basically, W.W. Freeman started this whole thing in 1928. Think about that for a second. That was before the Great Depression even hit. The business survived the 30s, and then in 1938, W.W.’s son Harry B. Freeman jumped in to help run the show. He took a break to serve in the Army Air Corps during World War II, but he came right back to it afterward.
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It stayed in the Freeman family for a long time. But things change. In 2020, Mark N. Craddock and Marlon Walley bought the business.
Don't let the name change on the deed fool you, though. Mark and Marlon had been managing the place and the sister location in Citronelle for years before they officially took over. They didn't just buy a building; they bought into a specific way of doing things that’s been part of Waynesboro’s fabric for generations.
What it Costs (No Gimmicks)
Let’s talk money. It's awkward, but it matters. Funerals are expensive, and nobody wants to be surprised by a bill when they’re already grieving.
If you go for a Traditional Full Service Burial, you’re looking at roughly $8,545. That usually covers the big stuff: the director’s services, the viewing, the ceremony, and the hearse. Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, they have an Affordable Burial option starting around $6,045.
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Cremation is becoming a lot more common these days, even in the South.
- Full Service Cremation: About $6,465 (this usually includes a service).
- Direct Cremation: Roughly $2,295. This is the "no-frills" option.
You've also got to factor in the little things that add up. A casket can run about $1,500 on average, and a burial vault (which most cemeteries require) is another $1,000. Embalming sits at about $1,095. It’s a lot, I know. But compared to a wedding—which costs way more and lasts four hours—a funeral is a 24/7 operation with a ton of legal paperwork and moving parts.
Why People Choose Freeman Funeral Waynesboro MS
It’s not just about the price list. It's about the "small town" feel.
The staff at freeman funeral waynesboro ms are the kind of people you see at the grocery store or at high school football games. When you call (601) 735-4347, you aren't getting a call center in another state. You’re getting someone who knows the local pastors, the local cemeteries, and probably your cousin's neighbor.
They handle the heavy lifting that most people don't even think about:
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- Filing Death Certificates: They help you figure out how many copies you actually need (usually more than you think).
- Social Security: They assist with the $255 one-time death benefit for surviving spouses.
- Veterans Benefits: They coordinate with the VA for headstones or markers, which is a huge relief for military families.
- Obituaries: They’ll actually write the thing for you and get it to the newspapers so you don't have to stare at a blank screen.
The Reality of Pre-Planning
Most people put this off. It’s human nature.
But honestly, pre-planning is probably the kindest thing you can do for your family. When someone dies, the survivors have to make about 70 to 75 decisions in the first 48 hours. Should the casket be wood or metal? Which songs did they like? Who's going to be a pallbearer?
When you pre-arrange with freeman funeral waynesboro ms, you’re basically taking those 75 decisions off your kids' or spouse's plate. You can even lock in today's prices so inflation doesn't eat your family’s inheritance later.
Moving Forward: Your Next Steps
If you’re currently in the middle of a crisis, the best thing to do is just call them. They are at 1305 Skyland Drive. They’re open 24/7 because, well, death doesn’t keep office hours.
If you’re just researching, start by gathering the "Vital Statistics" you’ll eventually need. This includes things like:
- Full legal name and Social Security number.
- Parents' names (including mother's maiden name).
- Veteran discharge papers (DD-214).
- Place and date of birth.
Having this info in a folder somewhere makes the eventual process 10 times smoother. Whether you’re looking for a simple cremation or a full traditional service with a processional, knowing what you want ahead of time keeps the focus on the person you’re honoring, rather than the logistics of the bill.
To get started on a pre-arrangement without the pressure of an in-person meeting, you can use their online form to jot down your basic preferences. This keeps your wishes on file and gives you a starting point for whenever you're ready to have a deeper conversation.