What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away in Memphis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing someone you love is overwhelming. This guide helps Memphis-area families understand the essential steps to take in the hours and days following a death.

When a loved one passes away, grief and shock can make it difficult to think clearly. Many families in Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and the surrounding Mid-South communities find themselves asking: "What do I do now?" This guide walks you through the necessary steps, from the first moments after death through the days that follow.

The First Few Hours: Immediate Steps

If Death Occurs at a Memphis Area Home

With Hospice Care: If your loved one was receiving hospice care, do not call 911. Instead, call your hospice provider's 24-hour number. A hospice nurse will come to your home to confirm the death, complete the necessary legal paperwork, and contact the funeral home or cremation provider of your choice. The hospice team is trained to guide you through this process with compassion and care.

Without Hospice Care: If the death was unexpected or your loved one was not under hospice care, call 911. Emergency responders will come to assess the situation and confirm the death. If you have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, have it ready to show the responding personnel. Without a DNR present, first responders may be required to attempt resuscitation.

If Death Occurs in a Memphis Area Hospital or Care Facility

Medical staff will handle the official pronouncement of death and guide you through the facility's procedures. They can help you contact a funeral home or cremation provider when you're ready.

Take a Moment to Breathe

There is no requirement to rush. You can spend time with your loved one before they are transported. If you need a few moments—or longer—to say goodbye, that is completely appropriate.

Choosing a Cremation Service in Memphis

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is selecting a funeral home or cremation provider. If your loved one made pre-arrangements, check their documents for their chosen provider. If not, you have several options to consider.

When evaluating providers, you have the right to ask for pricing information over the phone. Under the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide a General Price List to anyone who asks about arrangements or pricing.

At Simple Cremation Solutions, we offer direct cremation services starting at $985, which includes the basic services of the funeral director and staff, transportation, and the crematory fee. We handle all the necessary paperwork so you can focus on your family during this difficult time.

Notifying Family and Friends

Once immediate arrangements are in place, begin notifying close family members and friends. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to help make calls or send messages on your behalf. You don't need to share every detail—a simple message that your loved one has passed is sufficient for now.

Understanding Death Certificates in Tennessee

A death certificate is an official legal document that records the details of your loved one's death, including the date, time, location, and cause. You will need certified copies of this document to handle your loved one's affairs.

Tennessee Death Certificate Requirements

Under Tennessee law (Tennessee Code § 68-3-502), a death certificate must be filed with the Office of Vital Records within five days after death and prior to final disposition. The funeral director or cremation provider typically handles this filing on your behalf.

The medical certification portion of the death certificate must be completed by the physician who was in charge of your loved one's care, or by the county medical examiner if applicable.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Funeral directors and estate planning experts generally recommend ordering between 8 and 12 certified copies of the death certificate. The exact number depends on your loved one's estate—the more accounts, insurance policies, and assets they held, the more copies you may need.

You will likely need certified copies for:

• Life insurance claims
• Bank and financial account closures or transfers
• Retirement account claims (401k, IRA, pension)
• Social Security notification
• Real estate title transfers
• Vehicle title transfers
• Probate court filings

Some institutions will accept photocopies or return the original after making their own copy, but many require an official certified copy that they retain for their records.

Cost and Where to Obtain Death Certificates in Tennessee

In Tennessee, certified death certificates cost $15 per copy. Your funeral director or cremation provider can order copies on your behalf at the time of making arrangements—this is often the most convenient approach.

Shelby County Office of Vital Records

You can also obtain death certificates in person at:

Main Location: 814 Jefferson Avenue, Room 100 Memphis, TN 38105 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: 901-222-9693

Satellite Location: 1826 Sycamore View Road Memphis, TN 38134 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Accepted forms of payment include cash and most credit and debit cards (American Express is not accepted). Personal checks are not accepted.

Death certificates can also be ordered online through VitalChek.com, though additional processing fees apply for this service.

Notifying Social Security After a Death in Memphis

When someone dies, the Social Security Administration needs to be notified. In most cases, the funeral home will report the death to Social Security on your behalf.

If you need to report the death yourself, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). The line is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Lump-Sum Death Payment

Social Security provides a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to qualifying survivors. This payment can be made to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased's record if there is no eligible spouse. Survivors must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death.

Survivor Benefits

Certain family members may also be eligible for monthly survivor benefits, including surviving spouses, divorced spouses, children, and dependent parents. Contact Social Security to learn about eligibility and how to apply.

The Days and Weeks Ahead

Secure Your Loved One's Home and Belongings

If your loved one lived alone, secure their home. Lock doors and windows, collect mail, and remove any perishable food. Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on the property. Consider safeguarding valuable items such as jewelry, cash, and important documents.

Locate Important Documents

Begin gathering your loved one's important papers, including:

• Will or trust documents
• Life insurance policies
• Bank and investment account statements
• Property deeds and vehicle titles
• Tax returns
• Social Security card

These documents will be needed as you work through settling the estate.

Notify Other Institutions

In the weeks following the death, you will need to notify various organizations and institutions. These may include:

• Employers (for final paychecks and benefits)
• Health insurance providers
• Credit card companies
• Utility companies
• The U.S. Postal Service (to forward mail)
• The Tennessee Department of Safety (for driver's license cancellation)
• The three major credit bureaus (to help prevent identity theft)

Consider Professional Help

Settling an estate involves many legal and financial details. Depending on the complexity of your loved one's affairs, you may benefit from working with:

• A probate attorney
• A certified public accountant
• A financial advisor

We're Here to Help

At Simple Cremation Solutions, we understand that this is an incredibly difficult time. Our family-owned team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions and guide you through the cremation process with compassion and care.

We proudly serve families throughout the Memphis area, including Cordova, Collierville, Bartlett, Arlington, East Memphis, Lakeland, Germantown, Brownsville, Jackson, and our Mississippi neighbors in Holly Springs, Olive Branch, and Southaven.

Ready to begin arrangements or have questions?

Call us anytime at (901) 813-8328 or start arrangements online.