Welcome

Miller Funeral Services and Cremation Society of Texas

7723 Beechnut at Hwy 59 S.
Houston, TX 77074
tel: (713) 981-1184
fax: (713) 981-1185
email: info@millerfuneral.com

Houston Funeral Information - Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different types of funeral services available?
Yes. Miller Funeral Services and Cremation Society of Texas will customize the celebration of your loved one’s life. Each provides a time for loved ones and friends to pay their respects to the deceased and offer condolences to the family. When a loved one has passed on, the services provide an important part of the healing process.

What are the different funeral types?
The Traditional Funeral Service is when your loved one is present. The night before the funeral, a visitation would occur at Miller Funeral Services and Cremation Society of Texas generally with the casket open. The funeral service is normally the following day either in the chapel of Miller Funeral Services and Cremation Society of Texas or in a church chosen by the family. A funeral service consists of scripture reading, prayers, eulogy, sermon and music. After the funeral service there is a procession to the cemetery to have a committal service. A Committal Service is a brief service at the gravesite prior to the burial. This is where family and friends say their final goodbyes by placing flowers or sometimes sand on the casket. After the committal service, there is often a reception to follow at the church or the family’s home which concludes the services.

The Graveside Service is when your loved one’s funeral is held at the cemetery gravesite. No visitation or other services are held the day before. The casket may be briefly opened and closed prior to the beginning of the funeral. The funeral service typically includes scripture readings, eulogy and music. After the graveside service there is often a reception to follow at the family’s home.

The Traditional Funeral Service with Cremation is when your loved one is present. The night before the funeral, a visitation would occur at Miller Funeral Services and Cremation Society of Texas generally with the casket open. The funeral service is normally the following day either in the chapel of Miller Funeral Services and Cremation Society of Texas or in a church chosen by the family. A funeral service consists of scripture reading, prayers, eulogy, sermon and music. After the funeral service the deceased is transported to the crematory.

Direct Cremation is when there is no funeral ceremony. Once all necessary paperwork and documentation is completed, the deceased is transported to the crematory. The cremated remains are placed in an urn and ready to be buried, placed in aniche or be taken home.

Many families choose to have a Memorial Service with the deceased’s urn present along with family photos and memorabilia at Miller Funeral Services and Cremation Society of Texas. This is a time to remember your loved one through fellowship with friends and family.

What is the Cremation Process?
The deceased is enclosed in a special cremation container. The container is placed in a cremation chamber where it undergoes up to three hours of direct flame, intense heat and evaporation. The container is consumed and body transformed into the cremated remains. Theses remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in a memorial urn.

What options are available for cremation services?
There are two types of cremation services available. Both provide an opportunity for family and friends to come together in remembrance of the departed loved one.

Funeral Service With Cremation A time of visitation is proved at the funeral home. Following this beautiful gathering a funeral ceremony is held at our chapel or your chosen place of worship. Arrangements are then made with the family for the return of the cremated remains and for a committal service where the deceased is placed in their final resting place.

Memorial Service
Just as in the Funeral Memorial Service, friends and family come together to honor the deceased either before or after internment in the final resting place. An alternative site or the chapel can be arranged with photographs and personal items.

What happens during the Funeral Ritual?
An important time of transition from life on earth to eternal life, the funeral provides a time for remembrance, support, and an opportunity for farewells as we come to terms with death.

What are the elements of the Funeral Ritual?
There are five basic elements of the funeral ritual. These elements are designed to comfort us during our time of grief. The elements include:

The Wake or Visitation- It provides a time for family and friend to see the deceased for the last time as they begin to come to terms with the loss. Visitation is a personal or cultural decision and the casket can be closed or remain opened.
The Eulogy, Reflection or Tribute- This is a personal reflection from one or several people on the life of the loved one.
The Motorcade or Procession- This is the orderly transportation of your loved one to their final resting place. Lead by the deceased in the funeral coach and followed by family and friends, it is a public display support and honor.
The Interment, Entombment or Committal- This ceremony brings finality to the funeral ritual as the gathered offer final, private thoughts to the loved one.
The Gathering or Reception- This informal time allows the family to thank those who gathered to share in the funeral ritual. A time to offer condolence and mutual support and to begin the transition of life after death, it can be held anywhere the family chooses.

Which should I chose, Burial or Cremation?
Religion, culture and personal preferences can be factors in your decision. Whichever your selection, the ritual and ceremony are an important part of the bereavement and healing process. At Miller Funeral Services and Cremation Society of Texas understand the process and your situations. We are here to fully support you and your loved ones.