Commemorate a lifetime of love and memories.
There’s no denying that funerals are powerful events.
These rites of passage offer a special time for the bereaved to comfort one another, begin to find healing, and celebrate a life well-lived. At Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, planning a funeral that is meaningful and memorable for you and your family is our greatest priority. Whether you know precisely what you have in mind or are unsure about how to structure the service, our caring team of professionals will be there to guide you through the process. We believe that you and your loved one deserve the finest care, and we always strive to deliver superior service that exceeds your expectations.
We believe every funeral represents a unique and tremendous loss.
Evan W. Smith Funeral Services possesses decades of experience in crafting highly personalized events that celebrate the deceased and pay tribute to his or her special qualities. We can help you arrange a traditional funeral or something completely unique for your loved one—the choice is always yours. Please note that whether you choose burial or cremation, you can still hold a funeral service to honor your loved one. We also understand that many cultures and religions have specific funeral traditions, and we will do our best to accommodate your requests. From planning the funeral to selecting a permanent memorial, we’ll be there to walk you through every step of your emotional journey.
Traditional Funeral Services
A time-honored approach with a personal touch.
Traditional funerals are a popular way of paying tribute to the departed. This long-standing ritual publicly acknowledges the passing, says a final goodbye to the deceased, gathers together those most affected by the death, and allows them to begin to move forward in the grieving process.
While the details vary to reflect the diversity found across the United States, the structure remains largely the same. They are often held at a funeral home or places of worship and are frequently presided over by a religious officiant or a funeral director. Usually consisting of a visitation, a funeral or memorial service, committal service, and repast, traditional funerals are an iconic symbol of respect for a beloved family member or friend.
Visitation
This is often called a viewing or a wake. Guests come to pay their respects to the deceased by viewing their casketed body and spending time with the grieving family. A visitation can occur any time before the funeral service.
When distance, travel limitations or like the case with COVID-19, alternative means of paying your last respects are also available, including live streaming and our drive-by viewing window.
Funeral Ceremony
The funeral ceremony commonly takes place at the funeral home, a church, or at the graveside. It may include music, readings of literary or religious passages, a eulogy, prayer, and the singing of hymns.
Committal Service
This brief ritual involves a graveside gathering following the funeral service. Family and friends gather near the open grave into which the coffin is partially lowered and the committal is spoken. Petals or floral tributes may be placed on the casket as loved ones pay their last respects before it’s fully lowered into the grave.
Reception or Repast
Many families choose to host this post-service gathering at a reception hall, restaurant or banquet facility. It’s considered a time to share fond memories of the deceased and show support for those left behind. Familiar rituals like these can be comforting during a time of loss.
At Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, we’re here to help you plan a distinctive traditional service that honors the memory of your loved one. You can count on our caring, professional staff to create a fitting celebration that fulfills your wishes and meets your budget.
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Burial Services
A traditional way to say goodbye.
Burial is among the world’s oldest and most widespread customs.
At Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, we hold the deepest respect for this time-honored practice and we offer a number of affordable burial service options. Ranging from simple burials with interment overseen by a member of our staff, to immediate burials without a public service, to graveside services led by a minister or celebrant, to traditional funeral services followed by burial, all of our burial services can be tailored to your family’s unique needs and preferences. You can choose whether you’d like a public service, a private service, or some combination thereof. We believe how you wish to pay your respects should be entirely up to you.
What's involved in planning a burial service? Essentially, there are typically three primary elements: the selection of the cemetery and plot, choosing a casket and burial vault, and planning the details of the graveside service:
Cemetery and plot selection
A family member may have already chosen and purchased a burial plot or mausoleum crypt. If no such plan is in place, then you’ll need to locate a cemetery and select the burial property. The purchase of cemetery property isn’t a common transaction, so our seasoned staff is happy to assist you through this often-complex process. We have strong working relationships with local cemetery administrators and can simplify the selection details.
Choosing a casket and vault
While the casket is frequently the single most expensive element of a funeral, it shouldn’t cost more than you can afford. Evan W. Smith Funeral Services offers a wide variety of caskets and burial vaults from which to choose. From the economical to the opulent, you’re sure to find the ideal elements to keep the cost of your loved one’s burial within your family’s budget. We carry caskets made if walnut, cherry, maple, oak, pine and other species of wood. Metal varieties are available in varying thicknesses and a wide array of finishes. Our experienced staff is happy to guide you in the selection of the most appropriate casket and vault for your needs.
Planning the details of the graveside service
While the selection of the burial plot and casket are practical decisions, planning the format of the service is where the heart takes the lead. The details depend largely on your emotional needs and wishes. If simplicity is your primary focus, then the burial service may look very different from one guided by formal religious doctrine. Our creative, seasoned experts can work with you throughout the planning process, helping you determine everything from the best date and time for the burial service to selecting the most meaningful readings, songs and activities to be featured. Your funeral director will explore your loved one's life with you to find the essence of who they were in an effort to craft the perfect graveside service that brings just the right mixture of love and fond memories into the event.
We understand how important the burial decision is and we want to help you make the most appropriate choice for your needs. If you have questions or need guidance, our compassionate funeral directors are always ready to listen.
"Evan W. Smith Funeral Services created an unforgettable farewell for my beloved wife. The service was touching, meaningful and personal. I am very grateful to Evan and Laura for their compassion, professionalism, and thoughtfulness."
- Mr. Norman Griffiths, Former President, Wilmington City Council
Funeral FAQs
Helpful answers to your questions about funerals.
Whether you need to plan a funeral for a death that has occurred or are seeking to preplan arrangements, our staff is always available to assist you. Please contact us anytime.
Recent Blog Posts
In our blog, we share resources and information that families in our community can use to cope with their loss or better understand their grief. We also write about ways we have been involved in the community. Check out our latest posts.