Hair Art & Shocking Stickers | 4M #210

Welcome to the two-hundred-and-tenth edition of Morticians’ Monday Morning Mashup, 4M #210, where we’ll serve up bite-sized, easily-digestible nuggets of the deathcare news you need to crush conversations in the week ahead. Bon appetit!

More felonies and misdemeanors for Johnson

It’s been one year since authorities serving an eviction notice to Chris Lee Johnson of Johnson Funeral & Cremation Services in southern Georgia found 18 decomposing bodies. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation marked that anniversary with 38 brand new felony and misdemeanor charges for Johnson, who remains in jail. These new counts include felony by theft, violation of vital records registration, misdemeanor theft by taking, felony theft by deception, misdemeanor theft by deception, and first-degree forgery. 

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Museum in-hair-itance

A 3,000-piece collection of Victorian-era memorial hair art is being rehomed following the death of the collector, Leila Cohoon, a hairdresser in Independence, Missouri. Appropriately, the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston will take possession of 30 pieces from the collection, and hopefully other museums will step up to preserve these pieces, which Cohoon collected over a 30-year span. Cohoon’s granddaughter has said that the “process of rehoming has helped her grieve her grandmother’s death” an unintended but positive consequence of this tedious process.

Sticker shock

A traveler on the Indian airline IndiGo snapped and posted to X a photo of a human remains container on his flight that was tagged with an “extreme heavy” sticker. The post has gone viral not because of the weight designation, but because of the cartoonish image of an elephant that accompanied it. X user Hirav captioned the image: “Might sound silly but @IndiGo6E, for Human Remain cargo shipment. You might want to change the ‘Extreme Heavy’ sticker with an elephant on it. Just for the respect of the one who has departed.”

Mystery solved

A New Orleans couple — and eventually the archaeological community, as well — were perplexed when they found what turned out to be a 2,000-year-old gravestone of a Roman warrior in their backyard in March. With the help of a Tulane University professor, the origin of the slab was traced back to an ancient Roman cemetery that was discovered in the 1860s in Civitavecchia, Italy. It spent some time in a few museums before disappearing during World War II. Last week, a woman came forward and said she had placed the stone in the yard after inheriting it from her grandfather — a World War II veteran who was stationed in Italy. The New York Times says it’s “unclear” how he came into possession of the stone.

Costly decisions

The investigation into determining the identity of 24 bodies found in a coroner-owned mortuary in Pueblo, Colorado in August could cost more than $1 million, authorities said last week, adding that they’ve already run up expenses of $800,000. The identification of each body found in a storage area at Davis Mortuary, which was owned by former coroner Brian Cotter and his brother, costs about $10,000 — and only six have been positively identified to date.

NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar Returns with Hands-On Training and Live Demonstrations

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar is returning in 2025 with an exciting new format designed to provide embalmers with cutting-edge techniques and hands-on experience. Scheduled for May 7-9 at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, this premier seminar offers a unique opportunity to engage in live demonstrations on a donor body and interactive training using the exclusive Headzo models. Scholarships from the Funeral Service Foundation are available to help funeral service professionals attend this invaluable event. This immersive learning experience caters to embalmers of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned professionals. Led by industry experts, the seminar will feature dynamic sessions, including: 

• May 7 – Live Embalming and Lecture and Demonstration: Michael Burns, CFSP, dean of Faculty and Students, and Nicholas Ricci, an instructor at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, will lead attendees through live demonstrations of critical embalming techniques on a donor body, including arterial injection, cosmetics and restorative methods.
• May 8 and 9 – Live Demonstration and Application: Using Headzo models Burns and Ricci will guide participants through cranial reconstruction, restoration, cosmetic application and hair placement, offering valuable hands-on experience.
• May 8 – Embalming Risk Management: Chris Farmer, NFDA general counsel, will explore the legal risks embalmers encounter and provide strategies for minimizing liability exposure.
• May 9 – Ask the Experts Panel: A unique opportunity to engage directly with Burns, Ricci and Farmer, allowing attendees to gain deeper insights and address specific questions.

NFDA’s Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar always receives high marks from participants. A 2025 attendee shared, “All of the embalming sessions were excellent. I walked away with so many great ideas and tips. [It] sparked a thirst to try out new ideas.” Another noted, “I liked everything about the seminar. Very informational, hands-on and educational; the best part – I made a few new funeral director friends.” 

Scholarships Available 

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the Funeral Service Foundation is providing five scholarships to attend the 2025 NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar. Valued at up to $1,450, each scholarship covers registration fees, two nights of lodging and a $500 travel stipend. Applicants must be licensed embalmers (NFDA membership not required). To learn more and apply by March 28, visit NFDA.org/EmbalmingSeminar. Applicants will be notified of their status by early-April. 

Register Early and Save! 

Registration for the 2025 NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar is now open and the early-bird pricing is available through April 24. Participants may choose to attend the live embalming demonstration on May 7, the hands-on Headzo training on May 8-9, or both! Participants are encouraged to register early; seating is limited to just 70 participants for the Headzo demonstration. To secure a spot, visit NFDA.org/EmbalmingSeminar or call 800-228-6332. Several hotels are located near the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science; attendees may visit NFDA.org/EmbalmingSeminar for recommendations and to book a room. NFDA is grateful to the Heritage Club, The Dodge Company and Frigid Fluid for their support of this seminar. 

The Profession’s Best Embalming and Restorative Art Resources 

NFDA offers a wide range of education and resources to help funeral service professionals practice embalming with a high degree of excellence. On March 12, NFDA will host Navigating the First Solo Embalming: Bridging the Information Gap for Apprentices as part of its Level Up Learning Webinar series. This presentation by Damon de la Cruz guides apprentices through key challenges like fluid selection, dilution and injection site choices. Leveraging the experience of seasoned embalmers, attendees will learn strategies for tackling challenges head-on and insights into the decision-making processes experienced embalmers use. Level Up Learning Webinars are free for NFDA members and $79 for nonmembers. Funeral professionals can register online at NFDA.org/Events or by calling 800-228-6332. The 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo, taking place October 26-29 in Chicago, Illinois, will feature a preconvention embalming seminar and multiple education sessions covering technical skills. Look for full details when registration for the NFDA Convention opens in the spring.   NFDA offers several online learning courses focused on technical skills. Courses cover a variety of topics and enable funeral professionals to boost their skills wherever and whenever they have Internet access. A full list of courses can be found on the NFDA website, NFDA.org/OLC. NFDA’s collection of legal forms, available exclusively to members at NFDA.org/LegalForms,  includes several forms related to preparation, including embalming authorization forms, embalming affidavits, embalming report forms and more. NFDA developed two consumer brochures, Embalming: Answers to Your Questions and The Value of Viewing the Body of Your Loved One, to help families understand the embalming process, the value of viewings and visitations as part of end-of-life rituals, and answer common questions. The brochures can be ordered through the NFDA Resource Store, NFDA.org/Store, or by calling 800-228-6332. Funeral directors may also want to encourage families they serve to visit NFDA’s consumer-facing website, RememberingALife.com, which serves as a guide to honoring a life well-lived, from planning a tribute to mourning a loved one. The site offers guidance on how to start the planning process, the kinds of decisions families will make, and the many options available to make a tribute personal and meaningful. The site highlights service options, including embalming and the value of viewing; details about cremation and burial; and prefunding options. About NFDA NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org. 

Navigating the intricacies of life, it becomes evident that some of the most profound acts of care for our loved ones involve planning ahead. At the heart of such thoughtful foresight is the delicate process of preplanning a funeral in Greece, NY funeral homes. Considering the importance of this subject for many, it is worth exploring what really goes into the preparation of a memorial service that truly honors a well-lived life.
 

When we speak of preplanning, we’re discussing much more than a checklist; it’s about creating a meaningful experience that resonates with the essence of the individual. It’s a chance for you to express your wishes and alleviate the burden on those you love, ensuring they are not left with uncertainty or difficult decisions during an already emotional time.
 

Understanding Preplanning
 

Preplanning a funeral
entails making decisions about the kind of memorial service you would prefer, the manner in which you’d like to be remembered, and setting the tone for how your legacy is honored. This process can include a range of choices, from the type of service to personal touches that reflect the life and values of the deceased.
 

• Service Type:
  Decide whether a traditional service, a memorial, or a gathering that breaks from tradition suits your vision.
   
• Personal Reflections:
  Consider music, readings, or other elements that can narrate your story or commemorate special moments.
   
• Participant Involvement:
  Think about who you would like to be involved in the service, such as speakers or bearers.
   
• Directions for Remembrance:
  Outline any specific wishes for how you envision your memory being honored among family and friends.
   

Each of these components is a thread in the tapestry of a memorial service, contributing to a whole that offers comfort and closure to those mourning.
 

The Emotional Journey
 

Acknowledging the emotionality of this process, it’s crucial to approach preplanning with a compassionate mindset. This journey is as much an emotional experience as it is a logistical one. It requires patience, reflection, and often, discussions with loved ones or advisors who can provide support and insight.
 

The Value of Guidance
 

Having experts by your side can make preplanning a less daunting affair. Funeral homes like ours are adept at walking individuals through the numerous options, ensuring that your service encompasses all the elements that are meaningful to you. We provide necessary guidance while respecting personal reflection and choice.
 

Integrating Your Story
 

An essential aspect of preplanning is integrating the narrative of your life into the service. This is not just a farewell; it’s a celebration of your journey, achievements, and the indelible mark you’ve left on those around you. Crafting this narrative demands introspection and a willingness to share your story.
 

Making It Official

As you reach decisions on various aspects, formalizing your plans is the next step. This may involve documentation and, if you choose, making arrangements for services and other elements in advance. It’s about putting your blueprint into action so that when the time comes, your wishes are known and can be carried out with ease.
 

Conclusion: A Meaningful Legacy
 

Preplanning a funeral is ultimately about leaving a legacy of care, thoughtfulness, and respect for those you hold dear. Through careful consideration and preparation, the essence of who you are can shine through during a time of remembrance and mourning. As we contemplate the significance of preplanning within the Greece, NY funeral homes community, we recognize the profound impact our choices have on the living and how they can shape the memory of our lives.
 

At Rochester Cremation, we consider it an honor to guide individuals through the process of creating a memorial
that truly reflects their life’s narrative. If you find yourself contemplating the steps to preplan a funeral, we’re here to provide the compassion and expertise needed to ensure your wishes are honored. Call us for more information
; let us help you craft a memorial as unique as the life it represents.
 

I don’t know if this ever happens to you, but every so often I seem to get hit from all sides with a certain subject matter.  It’s usually something that I have not thought of for awhile but then, all of a sudden, seem to have the subject come up over and over in a short period of time.

In the last couple of weeks it’s been that way for me on the subject of bereavement, and more specifically, how we as funeral directors help those with loss move through bereavement.

It started for me with All Saint’s Day on November 1.  That’s a day in the Chrisitian church where we celebrate those who have died before us.  At my church sanctuary we have candles and members are encouraged to light the candles in honor and in remembrance of those loved ones we have lost through death.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Then on Wednesday of that week my Men’s Bible study, that follows the topics of Sunday services, studied the Biblical book of Ruth and its lessons of loss, determination, and hope following loss.  It’s a short story of loss, bereavement, hope, and redemption that’s good for the soul.

Finally, I learned from a mass email from my friend, John Adams, former President of the National Association of Funeral Directors in Great Britain, that his “Parliamentary petition for all school age children to be taught about death, dying and bereavement in schools” in Great Britain will be further debated by Parliament on Monday, December 2.

I met John Adams and another funeral director from the U.K., Adam Ginder, at the NFDA Convention in Baltimore two years ago.  John told me at that time of his story and his desire to have children learn more about death, dying, and bereavement.  As John is quoted in this opinion article from Child Bereavement UK promoting Bereavement Education in schools,  “For a child, their immediate family is their life; I feel passionately that we need to involve children in funerals and the grieving process. We may want to protect children from sadness and loss but we cannot avoid it – it’s part of living.”

I once again had the opportunity to see Adam Ginder at the NFDA Convention in New Orleans less than a month ago.  I asked about John and Adam let me know that John was continuing his quest to have bereavement education to be taught in the equivilent of our elementary schools. . . . I was then later excited to see that Parliament is moving forward with the possibility of that happening.

I’ve also became aware of the Good Grief Trust from the United Kingdom.  It is an organization that “is run by the bereaved for the bereaved”.  John Adams serves as one of their ambassadors.

Related Article — John Adams meets King Charles and tells him of his campaign for bereavement awareness.

Funeral Director Daily take:  It’s interesting that a country will take a day of their lawmakers’ time to debate the issue of teaching the essence of bereavement and loss to its young people.  I’m guessing that there are a lot of other issues that many citizens would prefer to be discussed and it’s a testament to John Adams and his advocacy for this important debate getting to this point.

As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, sometimes you just get broadsided by one issue.  However, when that happens it does make one wonder about the subject  — in this case, bereavement and how funeral directors help clientele move forward from grief.

It has also made me think that, yes, owning or operating a funeral home is business.  However, it should not be taken lightly that how we help clientele in their journey to acceptance and moving forward from loss might make a big difference on how we are seen as “the funeral home of choice” to consumers.

Sometimes it just takes being hit from all sides with an issue to help one remember why that issue is so important and give us pause to ask ourselves how we are helping our clientele with that area of our business.

It is certainly important to make sure that we have positive cash-flow from our business activities but it may be even more important to make sure that our services are helping our survivor clientele move forward into a future with hope.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”