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http://www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com/

Turner Funeral Home, Inc., 3913 Webb Road, Chattanooga, TN (2025)

10/22/2025

Rhonda Frost Hankins, 66, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025. She was born on September 14, 1959 and was a lifelong resident of Tennessee. Rhonda was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved her family deeply and was always there when someone needed her. Her kindness, strength, and steady presence will be missed by all who knew her.

A proud Alabama football fan, Rhonda never missed a game and could always be heard cheering on the Crimson Tide. Watching football with her family was one of her favorite ways to spend time together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim Frost and Frankie Lockwood; brother, James “Jimbo” Frost, and niece, Renee Pemberton.

Rhonda is survived by her husband, Marvin Cochran; children, David Lockwood, Jr. (Heather), Tabitha Lockwood, Becki Hankins and Cadi Cochran; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and sisters, Virginia Abney (Michael) and Jeanne Hankins (Carl).

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel.
Burial private.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook located on the Turner Funeral Home website.
www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com

10/20/2025

We at Turner Funeral Home found this Funeral Basics article on getting your affairs in order to be particularly informative. Having our wishes known becomes increasingly important as we get older (or have children).
5 Steps to Getting Your Affairs in Order
While getting your affairs in order may feel like a daunting task, it makes the grieving process and closing out an estate much easier for surviving children and heirs. They won’t have to untangle any accounts or wonder how you wanted your property or assets distributed. Instead, they can focus on grieving, supporting each other, and remembering the relationship you shared.
And yes, the process of putting your affairs in order will take time, but there’s good news! Below, you will find a checklist of important documents to gather as well as guidance regarding other estate planning topics you should consider. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Gather Important Information
The information and documents listed below will apply to most families. However, there may be additional documents that are important to your specific family. The list below is an excellent starting place and covers the vast majority of what you will need. However, take time to sit down and think through your situation. You may find more documents to include.
Checklist
• Full legal name
• Social Security number/card
• Address of legal residence
• Date and place of birth
• Names and addresses of spouse and children
• Birth and death certificates and certificates of marriage, divorce, citizenship, and adoption (whichever are applicable)
• Employers and dates of employment
• Education and military records
• Names and phone numbers of religious contacts (if applicable)
• Names and phone numbers of close friends, relatives, doctors, lawyers, and financial advisors
• Medications taken regularly (keep this updated!)
• Location of living will and other legal documents
• Sources of income and assets (pension from your employer, IRAs, 401(k)s, interest, royalties, etc.)
• Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid information
• Insurance information (life, health, long-term care, home, etc.) with policy numbers and agents’ names and phone numbers
• Copy of your most recent income tax return
• Location of your most up-to-date legal will with an original signature
• Liabilities, including property tax
• Mortgages and debts
• Location of original deed of trust for home
• Car title and registration
• Credit and debit card names and numbers
• Location of safe deposit box and key
Special note: It’s important to keep your documents safe, especially in the face of natural disasters. One way to keep your documents safe is to purchase a fire and water secure case. But whatever you choose, find a way to keep your documents secure and accessible in case of emergency.
Step 2: Consider Estate Planning
Estate planning is about ensuring that your wishes regarding your estate are carried out. While most of us don’t have a literal estate with a grand manor and a stable full of horses, we do all have an “estate.” In legal terms, an estate consists of everything you own – car, home, other real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, 401(k)s, insurance policies, furniture, personal possessions, and even pets.
By determining what your wishes are, who will receive what and when, and who is responsible for executing your legal will, you participate in estate planning. If you are interested in estate planning, please review the questions below and determine if you have taken care of them fully.
A. Do you have a legal will?
Writing a legal will is one of the best things you can do for your family. To reduce the risk of misunderstandings, heartache, and the possible headache of taking your estate through probate court, it’s best if you clearly outline who gets what and when. If there is no legal will, the state may determine the distribution of your property and assets. So, if you don’t have a legal will, your assets may not go to your heirs, depending on your state’s current regulations. If you would like to write a legal will, first talk with an attorney or try out a web service that specializes in legal documents.
B. If you do have a legal will, have you appointed an executor? And does your chosen executor have access to and know where to find all of your important documents?
Above all, the executor of your will should be someone you trust. They will carry out the wishes outlined in your legal will to the letter.
C. Have you named your beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries are the people or organizations that will receive your assets and/or property after your death. In general, it is good practice to double-check your beneficiaries every few years. This includes beneficiaries on your legal will and on any life insurance policies you may have with the purpose of ensuring everything still reflects your wishes. Double-checking beneficiaries is especially important with blended families as divorce or remarriage could change your chosen beneficiaries.
D. Do you want or need a trust?
If you are unfamiliar with trusts, they are similar to a will. Both a will and a trust are meant to spell out your wishes regarding assets and property. The main difference between the two is that a will is effective only after you die and then must be probated (carried out) by the court system and your chosen executor. On the other hand, in the case of a trust, there is no need to go through the court system – your successor trustee (aka the executor) will carry out your wishes after your death as they are written in the trust.
Additionally, with a trust, your successor trustee can manage your financial, healthcare, or legal affairs if you become incapacitated while you’re living. Talk with an estate planner to see if this option is right for you. Typically, a trust is helpful for those with a large number of assets and property.
E. Have you considered your digital estate?
If you have used an email account, a networking website, or bought items online, you have a digital estate. It’s just as important to determine the future of your digital estate as your physical estate.
F. Do you have any dependents (including pets)? Have you made your wishes clear regarding their well-being?
Most people know that they should indicate who will care for their dependents once they are gone. However, pets are also an important part of the family, and while we love them dearly, sometimes we overlook them in the estate planning process. To that end, make sure to include any veterinary documentation in your important paperwork and outline who should take over the care of your beloved animals.
Step 3: Look Into Advance Funeral Planning
No matter your level of interest, funeral planning needs to be on your list of things to do as you get your affairs in order. By writing down your funeral preferences ahead of time, you give your family a roadmap to honoring your life. Having this roadmap will take a burden off their shoulders and allow them to focus on loving and supporting each other.
Step 4: Write Out Your Advance Care Directives (ACD)
In short, an advance care directive (ACD) ensures that, if you become incapacitated, your medical wishes are known and fulfilled. Two documents, the living will and the healthcare power of attorney, make up an ACD. Sit down with your doctor and those closest to you and discuss what your wishes are regarding medical care
Step 5: Keep It Current
Once you have your affairs in order, keep them up-to-date and current, especially your legal documents, beneficiary information, and most recent tax return. Make sure to appoint a new executor if the one you have currently chosen moves away or is unable to fulfill his or her duties. If you move, update your current address on all your documents, policies, accounts, and assets. At the beginning, it’s quite an undertaking to gather all the information. But, once it’s together, updating is simple.
Also, you might consider holding a family meeting to go over your wishes and your estate. For some families, this may not be pleasant or even possible. But if you can schedule it, a family meeting is an excellent time to let everyone know how your assets are going to be distributed. By being proactive, you can answer questions, set expectations, and hopefully, prevent any family disagreements over your final wishes.
DISCLAIMER: Individual circumstances and state laws vary, so only undertake estate planning with the help and assistance of an attorney licensed in your state.
We invite you to access additional resources and information via the Turner Funeral Home Website. (www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com)
Please feel free to call us directly with any funeral -related questions or requirements. (423)622-3171 Thank you for following us on Facebook.

10/17/2025

Mary Howard, 83, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Mary was a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church, where she served her community and lived out her faith in every aspect of her life.

She was born on April 3, 1942 and spent over 30 years working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Hamilton County Nursing Home. During her decades of service, Mary touched countless lives with her compassionate care, always going above and beyond for the residents she cared for. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication made her a beloved figure in the lives of many, both at work and beyond.

Mary was known as “Mom” and “Mamaw” to her family, but to anyone who knew her, she was simply a loving soul who put others first. She had a heart as big as the love she had for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love was unconditional, and she poured her energy into caring for her family, always ready with a helping hand, a warm hug, or a kind word. Mary’s nurturing nature extended far beyond her own kin, as she was known for taking care of anyone in need, whether family or stranger. Her selflessness and kindness knew no bounds.

Her legacy lives on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mary’s impact on the lives of others is immeasurable, and she will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Howard; parents, Hubert and Flossie Ford, and sisters, Ruby Louise and Sharon Hood.

Mary is survived by her children, Wayne Howard (Denise), Barbara Gregory (Mark), Steve Howard, Connie Harris (Randy), Mike Howard, Virgil Howard (Jerrianne), and Timothy Howard (Brandy); siblings, Dove Johnson (Evan), Phyllis Stokes (John), Bud Ford, Charles Ford, Sissy Long (Rodney), Gail Shadwick and Debbie Tanner; nineteen grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home. A visitation will also be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Tracy Daniels officiating.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook located on the Turner Funeral Home website.
(www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com)

10/13/2025

With the Holidays soon upon us, we at Turner Funeral Home thought that this article from Funeral Basics might prove timely and helpful.
What to Do if a Death Occurs Out of Town
In life, we prepare for so many things. We save for vacation, purchase insurance to protect our homes and cars, and go to annual preventative medical exams. But despite all our best efforts, the unexpected can happen, including death away from home. The question is, is your family prepared? Do you and your family know what to do if death occurs away from home? Let’s explore practical steps to guide you through the process of what to do when death occurs out of town.
Step 1: NOTIFY THE NECESSARY PEOPLE When someone passes away, the first thing you will need to do is notify the necessary people. With a sudden death, you may need to call the local authorities to let them know a death has occurred. First responders will come to confirm the death, secure the area, and ensure that proper protocols are followed.
Next, depending on the location of the death, you may need to contact two funeral homes: one in the area where the death took place and one back home. If you know that your loved one preplanned their funeral wishes with a specific funeral home, notify them directly. Some funeral homes are willing to travel within a certain radius of their facility. These may be able to send a staff member to collect your loved one and transport them back to the funeral home.
The last calls you need to make are to any next of kin or friends. Don’t feel like you need to call everyone by yourself. Oftentimes, you can ask a few trusted people to help you spread the news, which will remove an emotional task from your shoulders and allow you to focus on other responsibilities.
Step 2: GET A DEATH CERTIFICATE After you have notified all the necessary people, you will need to address legal matters, such as obtaining a death certificate. Any time someone passes away, a death certificate must be issued by the responsible government office within a certain number of days.
Why would you need a death certificate? To complete funeral plans and close out an estate, you need legal proof that a loved one has died. This is where a death certificate becomes necessary. The death certificate allows you to close accounts, claim benefits, request burial or cremation, and address other legal matters. Also, a death certificate is required to arrange for transportation of the body back home.
However, there are different protocols for applying for a death certificate, depending on the state or country in which the death occurred.
STATE: Most of the time, the funeral home will assist you in the process of requesting and receiving a death certificate. Some states require embalming for transportation, may charge fees, or could have other regulations in place. Your funeral home will be the best resource for state practices.
ABROAD: If a death occurs while you are abroad, the process for obtaining a death certificate could be quite different from the procedures in the U.S., depending on the country. You should notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate in that country, and they can assist you in obtaining the death certificate.
For a full list of embassies around the world and their contact numbers, please visit www.usembassy.gov.

Step 3: CHOOSE A DISPOSITION While it may sound odd, choosing a disposition will guide you in making funeral decisions when death occurs away from home. For example, if you choose burial, there will be different transportation requirements than if you select cremation.
Whether you choose burial or cremation, speak with your family members back home and take their thoughts into account. Some people need to physically see that special person one more time, which means burial would be preferred to cremation. On the other hand, cremation may be the disposition type all decision-making survivors agree on. Or you could do a hybrid where the body is transported back home before cremation takes place.
Regardless of which disposition is chosen, any decision will affect how you go about arranging a loved one’s transportation back home. And by consulting family members, you take their emotional needs into account throughout the planning process. Making funeral decisions while away from home is already difficult enough without adding hurt feelings to the mix.
Step 4: APPLY FOR A BURIAL TRANSIT PERMIT After applying for a death certificate and choosing a disposition, the next step is to request a burial transit permit. A burial transit permit, also known as a removal permit or disposition permit, is a legal document required for handling human remains. This document ensures that the remains are handled properly and follow the guidelines set by the state or country.
Like with a death certificate, the protocols may differ depending on where the death occurs. For example, if the death occurred across state lines, the body may need to be embalmed before crossing state lines. No matter what transportation method you choose, you’ll need to obtain a burial transit permit from the health department.
The funeral home is an excellent resource for questions about how to request a burial transit permit and requirements for transporting the body back home.
Step 5: ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION HOME Arranging transportation for your loved one is an important decision because transportation costs will be your responsibility. You have two choices: ground or air transportation.
If you choose ground transportation, you may use a private carrier or even the U.S. Postal Service (if shipping cremated remains). When shipping the body back home (not cremated), embalming may be required by state law. To confirm what is legally necessary, speak with a funeral director at the place of death.
Another option is airline transport. Depending on the airline you choose, there may be additional paperwork needed. Additionally, if the death occurred in a different country, you might need other types of documentation, such as the deceased’s passport. Speak with your specific airline to determine their requirements and regulations. It’s important to gather all necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth transition home for your loved one.
And that’s it! Hopefully, knowing these 5 steps will put you at ease when you travel away from home. However, to make things even easier on your loved ones, there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare for unexpected events.

Preparing in Advance
To make things easier on your family if death occurs away from home, there are some safeguards you can have in place before going out of town.
• Preplan for your funeral wishes: By planning your funeral wishes ahead of time, you ensure that your loved ones know exactly what to do in the event of an unexpected death.
• Purchase travel protection: Depending on the travel plan you choose, you may have certain expenses covered, such as transporting the body home. If you decide to preplan with a funeral home, talk to their funeral professional to ask about their travel plan options.
• Get affairs in order: By getting your affairs in order, you make your wishes regarding your estate and assets known. Information like your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, and other details are crucial for obtaining a death certificate, closing out accounts, and receiving life insurance policies.
Putting safeguards in place can help take a burden off your family and make things easier when you are gone. However, even with these safeguards in place, the death of a loved one is never easy. Hopefully, you will never be called upon to make funeral arrangements when death occurs away from home. But if the unexpected happens, we hope this information will be a beneficial guide for you through the process of bringing a loved one home.
The Turner Funeral Home website has additional resources and information that you are welcome to access at: www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Please call us directly with any funeral-related questions or requirements. (423)622-3171
Thank you for following us on Facebook.

10/13/2025

Helen Elizabeth “Betty” Hawkins Bell Prophater, passed from this life on Monday, October 6, 2025, after a brief illness. Betty was 79 and entered eternity from home in the company of her family.

Betty was born December 29, 1945 in Lynchburg, Virginia, but had resided in the greater Chattanooga area for 36 years. She retired from Kleen-A-Matic in Rossville, where she had served as an administrative assistant. Betty was known as an excellent cook, and enjoyed reading, birdwatching, gardening, and her pets.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Pam Martin; brothers, Russell and Andy Hawkins; parents, Louis E. Hawkins, Sr. and Helen Nelson Hawkins; son-in-law, Pete Genero.

Betty is survived by her husband of 25 years, Gene Prophater; daughter, Jackie Bell; brother, Bob Hawkins (Lynn), and son-in-law, Mike Martin; grandchildren, Drew Martin (Amanda Pippin), Nicole Nelson (Nils), Matt Martin (Emily), J.D. Genero; three great-grandchildren, Navy Mae Martin, Josie Pearl Coffey and Georgia Kate Martin, as well as other relatives.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (EST) at Turner Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. (EST) in the chapel with David Prophater officiating.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook located on the Turner Funeral Home website.
www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com

10/08/2025

Brenda Wooten, 77, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025. She was a proud graduate of Red Bank High School and a longtime resident of Chattanooga, known for her kind heart, strong spirit, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones.

Brenda spent much of her professional life serving others with grace and skill as an office manager. Her career included time with Siskin and Dr. Milan, and she dedicated over 15 years of loyal service to Dr. Holliday.

A gifted athlete throughout her life, Brenda's passion for sports never faded. She continued to compete well into her later years, playing softball in the Senior Olympics — a true testament to her energy, determination, and love for the game. Brenda was also a devoted Atlanta Braves fan.

Above all, Brenda's greatest joy came from her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. Her love for them was unconditional, and she took pride in every moment she spent with them.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and remembered always for her vibrant spirit and the lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Mitchell “Woot” Wooten; parents, Chuck and Leona Grant; sisters, Darlene Perry and Saundra Hall, as well as several aunts.

Brenda is survived by her son, Alfie Dodd (Aleshia); brother, Michael “Mickey” Grant and his close friend, Lynn Donlon; grandchildren, Urijah and Moses Dodd; cousins, Martha Brock, Becca Brock and Carol Dennis; nieces, Alicia Wright, Denise and Jenny, as well as her furry four-legged friend, Betsy.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. in the chapel.

Burial will be private.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook located on the Turner Funeral Home website.
wwww.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com

10/06/2025

Terry Johnson, 78, a proud Vietnam veteran and beloved family man, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025. Born in Salisbury, North Carolina, Terry moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of 16, where he built a life rooted in commitment and community. From 1967 to 1969, he honorably served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division — "Big Red 1" — during the Vietnam War. His bravery, discipline, and dedication to his fellow soldiers remained a defining part of his character throughout his life.

After returning home, Terry began a long and respected career as a flooring technician, working from the 1970s until his retirement in 2012. Whether on a job site or at home, Terry was known for his work ethic, quiet strength, and willingness to lend a hand. More than anything, Terry cherished his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His greatest joy came from time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — sharing stories, offering guidance, and always providing a loving presence. His warmth and wisdom will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Terry’s life was one of service — to his country, his community, and most of all, to his family. He leaves behind lasting examples of honor and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Dorothy Johnson.

Terry is survived by Reida Lunsford; sons, Keith Johnson of Chattanooga; daughters, Kellie Hurst (Bob) of Soddy Daisy and Kristie Spence (Craig) of Ooltewah; brother, Randy Johnson (Debra) of Etowah; sister, Robin Medlin of Ooltewah; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook located on the Turner Funeral Home website.
www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com

10/06/2025

This article entitled "Helping Yourself Heal When Someone You Care About Dies of a Drug Overdose" and written by Dr. Alan Wolfelt is an example of the many resource articles offered on the Turner Funeral Home website (www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com). Some of the articles are directed at self-help, but many are guides to helping others. We sincerely hope that you find the article helpful and informative.
Helping Yourself Heal When Someone You Care About Dies of a Drug Overdose

A friend or family member has died of a drug overdose. Death and grief are always hard, but when someone dies from drug use, understanding your feelings and knowing what to think and say about the death can be especially difficult. This article offers compassionate guidance for coping with your own grief as well as helping others affected by the loss.
Addiction and the Opioid Epidemic
People of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels are affected by addiction. Addiction is a recognized disease in which the pleasure centers of the brain get taken over by the need for the drug. Addicts cannot control their behavior.
In the United States today, the majority of drug overdose deaths involve an opioid, such as prescription painkillers or he**in. About two and a half million people are addicted to these drugs, and nearly 100 people die each day from an overdose. In fact, opioid use and overdose trends have grown so bad that the Department of Health & Human Services has labeled the problem an epidemic.
You are not alone. Millions of families and friends have lost a loved one to drug use. This doesn’t make the death of the unique person you cared about any less tragic. It does mean that there are resources to help you, and there are many people who may be able to understand and support you.
Coping with the Stigma
Even though addiction is a disease that can affect anyone, there is still a social stigma associated with drug overdose deaths. For you, a person who has lost someone special, this can seem doubly unfair. Not only has someone you cared about died, but others may avoid you or make you feel ashamed about the death.
Remind yourself that your friend or family member died of a common, deadly disease. Learn more about opioid use and how it’s affecting so many. Reach out to others impacted by overdose death. Talk openly about what happened. Shining a light of openness and empathy on overdose deaths will help you and others heal.
A Complicated Grief
Grief is what you think and feel on the inside after someone you care about dies. Your grief will naturally be complicated by the cause of this death.
If the person who died was young and otherwise healthy, that fact will affect your grief. We typically feel a sense of injustice and a stolen future whenever a young person dies.
We also often feel anger when deaths are caused by behaviors. You might be mad at the person who overdosed, at others whom you perceive enabled the behavior (such as a drug dealer), or at medical staff or police who may have been involved.
You might also feel guilty that you weren’t able to help the person stop using drugs before it was too late—even though the behavior was outside your control.
Whatever your complicated thoughts and feelings may be, your task now is to express them in healthy ways.
Mourning the Death
While grief is what you feel on the inside, mourning is what you do when you express your grief on the outside. Crying is mourning. Attending the funeral is mourning. Talking to others about the death is mourning.
Part of your mourning will be about the cause of the death. Over time, the larger part of your mourning will be about the loss of a special, unique person who was loved by you and others.
Openly and actively discussing all your thoughts and feelings about this death will help you cope with the stigma and eventually heal. Mourning helps you acknowledge the reality of the death, embrace the pain of the loss, remember the person who died, consider the meaning of the person’s death, and receive support from others.
Do not let the stigma of the death keep you from mourning fully. Talking about drug overdose and your particular loss will help our society grow more compassionate and work toward solutions.
Learn About Resources
Your community may have resources for people grieving an overdose death. Call your local hospital, health department, or funeral home to find out more about support groups, counselors, and volunteer opportunities. Nothing is better than face-to-face, personal contact with others who walked the same walk.
There are also many resources online. Google “grief support overdose” and you’ll find a number of websites and forums dedicated to helping mourners like you. Reading others’ stories and sharing your own is often a great source of comfort, validation, expression, and healing.
Take Good Care of Yourself
As you grieve this death, remember to practice good self-care. Think of yourself in emotional intensive care. Just as people who are severely physically injured need around-the-clock attention, you need and deserve excellent care for your psychic injury.
Rest often. Eat healthy foods. Drink ample water. De-stress your life as much as possible. Exercise gently but regularly. Spend time with people who care about you. Express your grief whenever you’re feeling it.
Meet Your Spiritual Needs
Most of all, grief is a spiritual journey. You will naturally have questions about why this death had to happen now and in this way, and you might find yourself wondering about the purpose and meaning of life in general. If you believe in God, you may find solace in your faith, or you may be angry at a God who could let this happen.
All of these spiritual responses are normal. Making time each day to feed your spirit will help. Pray, meditate, visit a place of worship, go for a walk in the woods, journal about your spiritual struggle, or speak with a spiritual leader. All of these practices are forms of mourning, and all will help you experience your natural grief and move toward healing.
SIDEBAR:
Explaining This Death to Children
Any child old enough to love is old enough to grieve and mourn. Children affected by an overdose death deserve our compassion, our presence, and our honesty. Never lie to kids or keep difficult truths from them in an effort to protect them.
Start from the child’s place of understanding. Listen to and answer questions with words and ideas that are appropriate to the child’s age and unique development.
If the child was unaware of the person’s habit, you will probably first need to explain drug use and the disease of addiction.
Remember that young children, especially, are literal thinkers. If you tell them only that medicine killed the person, for example, they might end up being afraid to take their own medicine the next time they’re sick.
Young children are also prone to magical thinking. For instance, they sometimes think that something they thought or did may have caused the death. Reassure them that it wasn’t their fault.
Children, too, often sense the stigma of an overdose death. You can help by explaining that addiction is an illness and talking about thoughts and feelings openly and without judgment. Also, it’s never too early to start teaching children about the dangers of drug use.
Children typically grieve in small doses. They may be upset one moment and playing the next. This is normal. Give them brief, frequent opportunities to ask questions or play out concerns (such as drawing or role playing). Be present and ready to talk and offer support. Express your own grief when it arises.
About the Author
Dr. Alan Wolfelt is a respected author and educator on the topic of healing in grief. He serves as Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition and is on the faculty at the University of Colorado Medical School's Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Wolfelt has written many compassionate, bestselling books designed to help people mourn well so they can continue to love and live well, including Understanding Your Grief and Grief One Day at a Time. Visit www.centerforloss.com to learn more about the natural and necessary process of grief and mourning and to order Dr. Wolfelt’s books.

Turner Funeral Home, Inc.

10/22/2025

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