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Bostick-Tompkins FH Columbia
| 2930 Colonial Drive
| Columbia, SC 29203
| Tel: 803-254-2000
| Fax: 803-254-8119
Bostick-Tompkins FH Sumter
| 353 Manning Avenue
| Sumter, SC 29153
| Tel: 803-848-4002
| Fax: 803-848-4004
Bostick-Tompkins FH McCormick
| 6300 Highway 28 South
| McCormick, SC 29835
| Tel: 864-852-3160
| Fax: 803-254-8119

General Info

When Death Occurs

When a death occurs in your family, you will be faced with important tasks and decision-making during a very difficult time. You may not know what to do or when to begin making arrangements. Bearing the responsibility can be overwhelming. Remember that you are not alone. Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day to assist you with the details and offer our guidance. We have compiled the following list to help guide you through the steps you will need to take when a death has occurred. One of our well trained funeral directors will help coordinate all of the funeral details when you come into the office to complete funeral arrangements. After a death has occurred, notify Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home by calling 803-254-2000. The following are some questions that we may ask when you call:
  • What is the full name of the deceased?
  • What is the location of the deceased (Hospital, Nursing Facility or residence)?
  • What is your name, address and telephone number?
  • What is the name, address and phone number of the next-of-kin?
  • Is there a pre-arranged funeral plan?
  • We will then set an appointment time for you to come to the funeral home to complete the details of the funeral arrangement. These items include:
    • Clothing for the deceased
    • Social security card/number of the deceased
    • The deceased's birth date and city and state of birth
    • The deceased's parents names, including mother's maiden name
    • Information about the deceased's education
    • Marital status of the deceased
    • Veteran's discharge papers (DD214)
    • A recent photograph of the deceased
    • Cemetery plot information (if applicable)

other important information

  • Contact your clergy. Decide on a time and place for the home going or memorial service or services may be held in the Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home Chapel
  • The Funeral Director will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificates that you will need and will complete the request form for you.
  • A Bostick-Tompkins Director will assist the family with writing the obituary to be and will submit it to the newspaper.
  • Arrange for family members and/or close friends to take turns answering the door or phone at the home of the decedent, sometimes this can be an overwhelming time for family members.
  • If Social Security checks are deposited automatically, notify the bank of the death.
  • Notify insurance companies of the death. (Bostick-Tompkins Directors will usually notify the insurance company as well.)

continued...

  • Locate the Will, if applicable, and notify the lawyer and executor.
  • Carefully check all life and casualty insurance and death benefits, including Social Security, credit union, trade union, fraternal, and military. Check on possible income for survivors from these sources.
  • Check promptly on all debts and installment payments, including credit cards. Some may carry insurance clauses that will cancel them. If there is to be a delay in meeting payments, consult with creditors and ask for more time before the payments are due.
  • If the deceased was living alone, notify the utility companies and landlord and tell the post office where to send the mail.
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