What is a Funeral like in Atlanta, Texas?

Today I went to a funeral for a friend of mine. She was young, dying from brain cancer at the age of 38 after having suffered for months. She's been through at least 12 operations to remove tumors, gaining more life with each one. She is now at peace, suffering no more.

The loss of my friend started me thinking about small town funerals. This is one time when all sorts of people, many of whom are friends and family one has not seen for years, some strangers to the family who knew the victim, all gather to mourn together. The turn-out of people for my friend was unexpected. The funeral was held in her home church, and the church was indeed full. I'm well aware that my friend had not nearly this volume of visitors during her months of suffering, but that's supposed to be impolite to acknowledge. This is, after all, a time of mourning.

A normal small town funeral consists of a time of visitation. Since the people who wish to pay their respects may not be able to make it for the actual funeral and burial, this is a chance for them to show their respects and condolensces to the surviving family members. This period of time is usually held for a few hours the night before the burial proceedings. Visitation is held at the funeral home.

The next step is yet another chance for people to view the body as the casket is left open at the place for the funeral proceedings. The casket is closed when it is time for people to take their seats and listen to a word from the pastor presiding over the event. Music is usually played while everyone is settling in their seats. Then the pastor speaks about the deceased, usually including words of comfort for the family and fond memories of the deceased. More music is played as the crowd is allowed to digest the information. A prayer is offered, and the casket is opened one last time for viewing as the crowd files past, family last. The procession begins, with headlights on, to show respect, as the vehicles follow the hearst to the graveyard. Once everyone has gathered around the casket, under a tent canopy, more words are spoken by the pastor and an offer is made for anyone who might like to add a few words in memory of their connection to the deceased. Another prayer is made by the pastor and the crowd disperses before the casket is put in its final resting spot.

For some it is a time of peace because the loved one is no longer in any physical, mental, or emotional pain. For others, it is a time of great grieving. For some, it is a time of numbness, barely going through the motions, with the shock wearing off later to great pain and grief. But for all, it is a time of closure. They are now able to accept that their loved one, co-worker, friend, or just light acquaintance has moved on to whatever awaits their spirit. No more heartache, no more painful challenges, no more insurmountable obstacles.