When you need funeral services in Dover and Wilmington, DE, we’ll be there.
Funerals are meant to commemorate a lifetime of loving memories. These heartfelt rites of passage offer a special opportunity for grieving family members and friends to comfort one another, begin the healing journey, and celebrate a life well-lived. At Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, helping your family plan a funeral that is deeply meaningful and memorable is our greatest priority. Whether you already know what elements you wish to include or are unsure how to structure the service, our caring team of professionals is here to gently guide you through every step of the process. We strive to deliver superior care and funeral services that consistently exceed all expectations. This unwavering commitment to service has earned our funeral services in Dover and Wilmington, DE an unsurpassed reputation for excellence throughout the region.
We artfully blend time-honored details with individual preferences.
At Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, we believe that each funeral represents an immense personal loss. Our Delaware-based funeral home excels in designing exclusively-tailored events that celebrate the life of the departed and pay tribute to their special qualities. Whether you are seeking to arrange a lavish traditional funeral, a simple cremation, or something completely unique to honor your loved one, we are here to fulfill your wishes. The choice is always yours. It is important to note that whether you choose burial or cremation, you can still hold a funeral service to honor your loved one. We also recognize that many cultures and religions adhere to specific funeral customs, and we do our best to accommodate every request. From basic planning to selecting a permanent resting place to deliver comprehensive grief care services, the staff at Evan W. Smith Funeral Services will be with you throughout your loss journey.
Family Shield Credit:
Another way Evan W. Smith Funeral Services puts family first.
Family Shield Credit provides peace of mind when you need it most. With Family Shield Credit, families can borrow funds to cover funeral expenses — from the funeral service to family travel to the post-service luncheon/repast, flowers — and everything in between. Ask one of our funeral directors for more information, or simply apply today.
Traditional Funeral Services
An important first step in the journey toward healing
Traditional funerals are long-standing rituals that pay tribute to the one who passed on, bringing together close friends and family members and allowing them to move forward in the grieving process. Funeral details vary throughout the United States and may reflect diverse cultures and customs, but the structure remains largely the same. These ceremonies are often held at a funeral home or place of worship and they are frequently presided over by a religious officiant or a funeral director. Usually consisting of a visitation, a funeral or memorial service, a committal service, and a reception, traditional funerals are an iconic symbol of respect for a beloved family member or friend.
Visitation
Also called the viewing or wake, the visitation takes place prior to the funeral service. At this event, guests gather to pay their respects to the departed and offer condolences to the grieving family. If the body is available for viewing, the casket is generally placed at the opposite end of the room as the entrance. Once you have extended your sympathies and viewed the body, you may leave the visitation. The visitation may last for several hours and you are not expected to stay for the entire event.
Funeral Ceremony
The funeral ceremony usually takes place at the funeral home, church, or gravesite. It may include music, readings of literary or religious passages, a eulogy, prayers, and the singing of hymns.
Committal
Also called the burial service or interment, this brief but time-honored ritual involves a graveside gathering following the funeral service. Family and friends assemble 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 is lowered.
Reception or Repast
This post-service gathering serves as a time to share fond memories of the departed and demonstrate support for those left behind. Familiar rituals like these can be deeply comforting during times of loss. Families often choose to host the reception at a local restaurant, hall, or banquet facility.
The compassionate professionals at Evan W. Smith Funeral Services will help you plan a distinctive service that honors the memory of your loved one. Rely on us to create a fitting celebration that fulfills your wishes and meets your budget.
Burial Services
Among the world’s oldest rituals, burial offers a traditional final farewell.
Evan W. Smith Funeral Services holds deep reverence for this time-honored practice and we offer a number of affordable burial service options. Ranging from simple burials with interment, to immediate burials without a public service, to graveside services led by a minister or celebrant, to traditional funeral services followed by interment, our burial service offerings can be tailored to your family’s unique needs and preferences. We believe that how you pay your final respects should be entirely up to you.
What's involved in planning a burial service?
There are three primary elements to burial services, as described below:
Cemetery and plot selection
You or another family member may have already purchased a burial plot or mausoleum crypt. If no such plan is in place, you will need to take this step and select the cemetery and plot. The purchase of cemetery property isn’t a common transaction, so our seasoned staff is here to assist you through this complex process. We have strong working relationships with local cemetery administrators and can facilitate the selection details.
Choosing a casket and vault
The casket is often the most expensive element of a funeral. However, caskets come in a range of styles and price points, and you should not purchase something that exceeds your budget. Evan W. Smith Funeral Services offers a wide variety of caskets and burial vaults from which to choose. We carry caskets crafted from walnut, cherry, maple, oak, pine, and other species of wood. Metal varieties are available in varying thicknesses and finishes. From the economical to the lavish, we can assist you in finding the ideal elements to keep the cost of your loved one’s burial within your family’s budget.
Planning the graveside service
The format of the graveside service depends largely on your emotional needs and preferences. For instance, if you are seeking a simple burial service, it will look different from one guided by formal religious doctrine. Our seasoned experts can work with you throughout the planning process, helping you determine everything from the date and time to selecting meaningful readings, songs, and activities. Your funeral director will explore your loved one's life with you to craft a perfect and memorable graveside service.
We understand how important these end-of-life decisions are. If you have questions about burials or funeral services in Dover and Wilmington, DE and the surrounding area, our compassionate funeral directors are always here to assist you.
"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.
Evan W. Smith Funeral Services
Please let us know how we can help you answer your Funeral Services questions: