What To Do When a Death Occurs in North Carolina

When a death occurs in North Carolina, the first steps depend on where it happened. If the death was expected and at home under hospice care, call the hospice. If there was no hospice, call 911 or the authorities so the death can be pronounced. Once the death is pronounced, call Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services at (252) 937-8886 . Someone answers 24 hours a day and will come to bring your loved one into care. In a hospital, nursing facility, or care facility, the staff will guide you and you can name the firm you want.

How Johnson Funeral Home Helps in the First Hours

  • Answers a death call 24 hours a day and responds right away.
  • Brings your loved one into care from a home, hospital, hospice, or care facility.
  • Meets in person or remotely, at your pace.
  • Assists with death certificates, Social Security, and insurance claims.

First steps after a death in North Carolina

  1. Step 1: If under hospice care, call the hospice. If not, call 911 or the authorities so the death can be pronounced.
  2. Step 2: Once pronounced, call Johnson Funeral Home at (252) 937-8886, any hour.
  3. Step 3: The firm brings your loved one into care.
  4. Step 4: Meet in person or remotely to make arrangements at your pace.

Questions We'll Ask When You Call

You will be faced with important tasks and decision-making during a very difficult time. Our caring staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist you with the details and offer our guidance.
  • What is the full name of the your loved one?
  • What is the location of your loved one (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? (If yes, what is the plan name or number?) We will then set an appointment time for you to come to the funeral home to complete the details of the funeral arrangement

What to Bring When You Visit

To help the arrangement conference go smoothly, please bring:
  • Clothing for your loved one
  • Social security number of your loved one
  • Their birth date and city and state of birth
  • Their parents names, including mother’s maiden name
  • Information about their education
  • Marital status
  • Veteran’s discharge papers or Claim Number
  • A recent photograph of your loved one
  • Pre-arrangement paperwork (if applicable)
  • Cemetery lot information (if applicable)
We will assist you every step of the way with everything involved. Please know you are not alone. Our caring staff are experts at helping you and your family navigate the planning process. We are available at anytime, please call Johnson Funeral Home for assistance at (252) 937-8886.

Good to Know

  • Who to call first: If a death happens at home under hospice care, call the hospice first. Without hospice, call 911 or the authorities so the death can be pronounced. Once it is pronounced, call Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services at (252) 937-8886, any hour, and the firm will bring your loved one into care.
  • There is no rush to decide everything: After a loved one is in the firm's care, there is time to make decisions. The firm can meet in person or remotely, help you gather what is needed, and walk you through cremation, burial, and service options at your pace. It also assists with death certificates, Social Security, and insurance claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice. If not, call 911 or the authorities so the death can be pronounced, then call Johnson Funeral Home at (252) 937-8886.
Someone comes to bring your loved one into care, any hour. There is then time to make decisions about cremation, burial, and services at your pace.
Yes. Someone takes a death call 24 hours a day and responds immediately.