Frequently Asked Questions

We’re Here For You

We have prepared several resources for you on this page. However, you can always reach out to our staff at any time for assistance.

We are dedicated to offering you personal, comforting service in your hours of need, before, during, and after the funeral.

More About Our Services

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Meet Our Staff

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We believe it is our obligation to care for the remains of our departed loved ones in our community as well as our duty to meet the needs of the living, that’s why we have a qualified and loving staff to carry out our mission here. We are here to serve the community with a commitment to be dependable, and to provide the high quality service, this community expects and deserves.

Through the years, many family have placed their faith and trust in us. It is always our goal to be worthy of this confidence and assure that the personal service and concern that families have come to know in the past will continue in the years to come. If you have any questions, or would like more information on any topic within this website, please give us a call or contact us.

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Veteran/Military

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Social Security Info

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Veterans Affairs

Planning for Successful Outcomes

G.C. Williams offers an extensive number of services, all geared to cater to each family’s unique needs.

Planning

By planning and funding your funeral now, you can have the peace of mind knowing that arrangements are taking care of it; it will also relieve your loved ones of having to come into the funeral home to make complete arrangements at the time of death.

Pickup

G.C. Williams offers transportation services to our families, by coming to pick up your loved one and bring them to our funeral home. Even in the event of immediate disposition, we will provide these services

Paperwork & Documentation

There are many documents which are needed to process a cremation, funeral, and burial. Most people do not readily know all of the paperowrk which is needed, in order to handle the legalities which come with a death. Our care teams offer guidance for families each step of the the way.

After Care

When the process of laying a loved one to rest has ended, the support from G.C. Williams continues. Our staff provides valuable resources which are needed to facilitate a healthy grief cycle, in the time of need.

More Information & Support Links

What can be done prior to death occurring?

Record your wishes and advise family members. Any person has the right to direct the manner in which his or her body shall be disposed of after death by executing a sworn affidavit stating the assignment of the right and the name of the person or persons to whom the right has been assigned 21 O.S. §1151.

Who is responsible to make the funeral arrangements?

A spouse, next of kin or legal representative generally can make arrangements for disposition of the deceased. 21 O.S. §1158 provides succession laws regarding the next of kin. Generally the next of kin are in the following order: a. spouse b. adult children c. parents and d. brothers/sisters. Exceptions may apply in certain situations, you may wish to consult an attorney in these cases.

What are the available methods of disposition?

Human remains can be buried, entombed, cremated, or donated for scientific study.

What is embalming and its purpose?

Embalming is the use of chemicals, internally and externally, to disinfect and temporarily preserve the body for open casket viewing and/or for the removal of the body to distant destinations.

How can I tell who owns a funeral home?

The name of the establishment, location, owner and Funeral Director In Charge all appear on the establishments license displayed in the funeral home.

Over time funeral homes may change ownership, prices may change, and levels of service may change although the name of the firm remains the same and the former owner may continue to be employed there. Even if your family has used a funeral home for many years, it is a good idea to re-examine your choice from time to time

How can I learn about funeral costs?

Inquire by telephone or visit the funeral home in person. Any consumer entering a funeral home making inquiries is entitled to receive the General Price List itemizing the costs of funeral services and the merchandise for sale.

When comparing prices evaluate similar goods and services, as well as total price, quality, and value. Depending upon the arrangements you select, the total cost can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The price for a direct cremation or direct burial without any ceremonies can be quite a bit less than a funeral service with visitation, embalming and a casket.

Some funeral directors offer “package pricing” in addition to, not in place of, itemized pricing. The package should list individually each of the goods and services included in the package and state the package price. At the conclusion of the arrangement conference you must be given a written Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected. It lists the items you selected and the cost of each item.

The Board does not have the authority to regulate the amount a funeral home charges for their services and merchandise.

What about other funeral costs?

In addition to the funeral homes charges for service and merchandise, the funeral director may help in coordinating items provided by a third party as a convenience to their clients.

These may include such things as cemetery or crematory services, permits, transportation, honorariums, flowers, obituary notices, certified death certificates etc.

You may have to pay these other parties directly prior to the funeral or final disposition of the body.

Choosing a casket and outside enclosure:

Caskets and outside enclosures are not required by law. A casket or alternative container (such as a cardboard box or unfinished wood box) is a practical necessity for transporting the body for burial or cremation.

There is no direct relationship between the protective features of the casket and the preservation of the body.

Outside enclosures are designed to enclose the casket and support the weight of the grave and are required by most cemeteries. Some may provide additional features as well.

Is there a law that prohibits funeral directors from advertising?

No, but consumer protection statutes require all advertising to be truthful, factual and clear in content.

Does the law require that a dead human body be embalmed?

No. It does require un-embalmed dead bodies shall be buried or otherwise disposed of within 24 hours after death unless refrigeration facilities are available O.A.C. 235:10-11-1 (14). Although not a state law, many funeral homes will require a body be embalmed if you select a service that includes viewing of the remains. Likewise most airlines and other common carriers will require that a body be embalmed prior to shipping and the laws of the destination state will apply.

What is meant by immediate disposition?

Immediate disposition is the interment, entombment, or cremation of the remains without ceremonies. Immediate disposition usually includes transfer of the remains to the funeral home,merchandise as selected, filing of the necessary documents and transportation to the cemetery or the crematory.

Can a body be cremated immediately following death?

No. The authorization form is signed by the next of kin. (i.e. the state of Oklahoma requires a special permit from the State Medical Examiner before a body can be cremated). Requirements vary from state to state.

What is done with cremated remains?

Cremated remains may be disposed of in a number of ways: buried in a cemetery, placed in a niche in a columbarium, kept by the family in their home, or scattered on private land with the consent of the property owner.

Can a family bury its own dead without using a licensed funeral director?

Yes. See 59 O.S. §396.19 for additional information. The family would be responsible to see that a death certificate is completed and filed at the health department.

Can a family bury on their own property?

Generally, local ordinances, zoning laws, or deed restrictions prohibit burials outside a cemetery within city limits. If you anticipate burial on private property, contact your attorney for guidance. The requirements to establish a cemetery are found in 8 O.S. §181.

How do people select a funeral home?

Visit the funeral home, tour their facilities, and understand the ways in which your needs will be served.

Prices for service, facilities and merchandise may vary significantly from one funeral home to another. Inquire about the terms of payment. Most funeral homes require payment in full before the funeral service, some may accept insurance assignments or take credit cards.

Selecting a funeral home before the need occurs will relieve you of the emotional pressure present when a death has occurred.

Should I consider a prearranged funeral?

Some individuals like the peace of mind in knowing their preferences for funeral arrangements will be followed after their death. It is a good idea to let your family know of your wishes, and to write those instructions down. Keep them in a handy place, other than a safe deposit box, as it may be inaccessible on weekends or holidays. Some individuals may even desire to prepay their own funeral.