Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory

09/24/2025

Grieving the Loss of a Loved One 💙

Losing someone we love is one of the hardest journeys we ever walk. Grief looks different for each of us — some days feel heavy, while others bring unexpected waves of peace or even moments of laughter when remembering special memories.

It’s important to remember: there is no “right” way to grieve.

Some may find comfort in sharing stories.

Others may need quiet reflection.

For many, faith, family, and community provide strength.

What matters most is giving yourself permission to feel — whether it’s sadness, anger, gratitude, or love. Every emotion is part of the healing process.

If you are grieving, be gentle with yourself. Take things one day at a time, lean on those who care for you, and know that you are not alone. ❤️

✨ We invite you to share in the comments:
What is one special memory of your loved one that always makes you smile?

Together, we keep their legacy alive.

— Brown & Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory

09/11/2025

08/25/2025

💙 What Steps to Take When You Lose a Loved One

Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. In those moments of grief, it’s often hard to know what to do first. At Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, we’ve been serving families with care and compassion for 50 years, and we want to offer some guidance to help during this time.

1. Take a Moment to Breathe

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Give yourself a moment to pause, lean on loved ones, and gather your thoughts before making decisions.

2. Notify Immediate Family and Close Friends

Reach out to close relatives and friends so that you have emotional support and so they can help you communicate with others as needed.

3. Contact a Funeral Home You Trust

One of the first practical steps is to call a funeral home. Our team is available 24/7 at 941-758-7788 to assist with arrangements, transportation, and guidance through the process.

4. Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of Death

If the death occurs at home, call emergency services or hospice care. If it occurs in a hospital or nursing facility, the staff will handle this step. This documentation is required before making final arrangements.

5. Gather Important Documents

Collect paperwork such as:

Birth certificate

Social Security number

Marriage certificate

Military discharge papers (if applicable)

Insurance policies

These will help with planning, benefits, and settling affairs.

6. Discuss Final Wishes

If your loved one shared their preferences, such as burial, cremation, or a celebration of life service, let your funeral director know. If not, we will guide you gently through the options.

7. Lean on Your Community

Grief is not meant to be carried alone. Accept help from family, friends, and your faith or support community. Remember that we also provide grief support resources to help you through the days ahead.

✨ At Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, we understand that every family is unique, and we are here to walk alongside you with dignity, compassion, and care.

📞 Call us anytime at 941-758-7788
🌐 Visit us at

Home - Brown and Sons - Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1975

06/27/2025

🕊️ Planning a Funeral for a Loved One: A Gentle Guide 🕊️

Losing someone we love is never easy. And when grief sets in, making decisions about a funeral can feel overwhelming.

At Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, we're here to help. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started — or to share with someone who may need it:

💬 Start with a Conversation
Did your loved one share their wishes? If not, talk with close family. Burial or cremation? Religious or not? You don’t have to make every decision alone.

🏡 Choose a Funeral Home That Cares
Find a provider who offers guidance, not pressure. Our staff is always here to walk with you—step by step—with compassion and transparency.

🌸 Personalize the Service
There’s no “right” way to say goodbye. Whether it’s a traditional service, memorial, or celebration of life—make it meaningful. Music, photos, stories… the small details matter most.

📋 Don’t Forget the Practical Stuff
Obituaries, certificates, flowers, receptions, and finances—it’s a lot, but you don’t have to do it all at once. We’re here to help with every detail.

❤️ Most of All, Make Room for Grief
A funeral isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about remembering, healing, and honoring a life well lived.

💐 If you need support or guidance, call us anytime or send us a message. You’re not alone. We’re here for you, every step of the way.

06/24/2025

💙 Navigating Grief: A Gentle Guide After the Loss of a Loved One
At Brown & Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory, we know that no words can truly take away the pain of losing someone dear. Grief is a deeply personal journey, and each person walks it in their own way and time. Still, you are not alone. We’re here to support you, not just during the funeral, but as you continue healing afterward.

🕊 Understanding Grief
Grief isn’t just sadness. It can come in many forms—anger, confusion, guilt, even moments of laughter and peace. All of it is normal. Grieving is a way for your heart and mind to adjust to a life that looks different without your loved one in it.

There is no “right” way to grieve. What matters is allowing yourself to feel what you feel—without judgment or timeline.

💬 Finding Ways to Cope
Here are a few gentle ways to support yourself through grief:

Talk about your loved one. Share memories, stories, even tears. Speaking their name keeps their spirit close.

Write a letter. Express thoughts you didn’t get to share. It can be a healing release.

Connect with others. You might find comfort in community—friends, family, support groups, or your church family.

Take care of your body. Rest, eat nourishing meals, and allow yourself breaks. Grief is emotional, but it’s physical too.

Be kind to yourself. Some days will feel heavier than others. You are doing the best you can.

🌿 Honoring Their Memory
Creating rituals to honor a loved one’s life can offer peace. Light a candle each evening, keep a memory box, plant a tree, or listen to their favorite song. These small acts become sacred moments of remembrance.

🤝 We’re Here for You
Our commitment to the families we serve goes beyond the service. Whether it's offering grief resources, helping with memorial keepsakes, or simply being a listening ear—please know that you can reach out any time.

Grief doesn't follow a calendar. Whether it's been one week or one year, your feelings are valid, and you deserve compassion.

04/24/2025

Please take time to VOTE for BROWN AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY!!

Vote once per day from April 21 through May 9.

12/24/2024

🎉 Celebrating 50 Years of Service & Giving Back to Our Community! 🎉
In 2025, Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory will mark a significant milestone – our 50th anniversary! To honor this special occasion, we are proud to announce that we will be donating a total of $50,000 to support the incredible organizations that make our community stronger.
We believe in giving back, and we are excited to support the following local recipients with contributions that will help them continue their vital work:
✨ Bradenton Christian School
✨ Manatee Performing Arts Center
✨ Salvation Army
✨ Tidewell Hospice
✨ Feeding Empty Little Tummies
✨ Manatee High School Broadcasters
✨ Boys and Girls Club of Manatee
✨ Denis V. Cooper Foundation
✨ Selah Freedom
✨ Turning Points Manatee
✨ PACE Center for Girls
✨ Bradenton Blue Foundation
✨ Police Athletic League of Manatee
✨ Easter Seals
✨ Manatee Wildcats
We are grateful for the amazing impact these organizations have in shaping a brighter future for our community, and we are proud to be part of their continued success. Here’s to the next 50 years of service and support! 🙏💙

12/10/2024

Funeral Home Spotlight/Amber Brake

Amber, born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, relocated to Florida in 2004 to pursue her professional career. A dedicated and compassionate licensed funeral director, she has spent years helping families through some of their most difficult moments with care and understanding.

Outside of work, Amber treasures time with her loved ones. She enjoys creating memories with her family, her stepson Dante, her loyal dog Roxy, and her unique pet snake, Ash. Amber’s life is a balance of professional dedication and personal joy, surrounded by the people and pets who bring her happiness.

06/07/2024

Wonderful article on Ryan Brown, LFD

05/07/2024

Please vote for Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory. You will find us under Services. THANK YOU!

Vote once per day from April 22nd - May 10th.