WHAT TO DO WHEN DEATH OCCURS

  1. Make appointment with White-Emerson Mortuary by calling (562) 698-0304. The funeral home will help coordinate arrangements with the cemetery.
  2. Gather information required for the death certificate and other documents:
    • Date of Birth
    • Place of Birth
    • Social Security Number
    • Year of Education Completed
    • Father's Name and State of Birth
    • Father's Name and State of Birth
    • Mother's Name and State of Birth
    • Veteran's Discharge Papers
  3. Gather obituary information, including age, place of birth, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service, outstanding work, list of survivors in immediate family (including number of grandchildren & great-grandchildren), give time and place of services. The funeral home is willing to write article and submit it to the newspaper on your behalf.
  4. Gather clothing and most recent photograph of your loved one. Also gather any other items you wish to have placed in the casket.
  5. Consider the time and place of funeral or memorial service. If you have your own clergy, you may wish to consult with them. However all of this can be done at the funeral home.
  6. The funeral home will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificates you will need and will order them for you.
  7. Decide on appropriate memorial to which gifts may be made (church, hospice, library, charity or school).
  8. Select pallbearers and notify them. (Avoid anyone with heart or back difficulties, or make them honorary pallbearers).
  9. Make a list of immediate family, close friends and employer or business colleagues. Notify each by phone.
  10. Arrange for members of family or close friends to take turns answering door or phone, keeping careful records of calls.
  11. Prepare and maintain a list of persons to receive acknowledgements of flowers, calls, etc.
  12. Coordinate the supplying of food for the next several days.
  13. Consider special need of the household, such as cleaning, etc., which might be done by friends.
  14. Arrange for child care, if necessary.
  15. Arrange for hospitality for visiting relatives and friends.