Bladen- Gaskins Funeral Home & Cremation Services

03/01/2026

Congratulations to our Employee of the Month, Greg Sykes! 🎉

Greg, a native of Bladenboro, NC, serves as a Funeral Assistant with Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home. He is married to Amanda G. Sykes, and they reside in their hometown of Bladenboro. They have two children, Blake and Kaitlyn, and two grandchildren, Maci and Tyson. Greg attends New Center Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and music leader.

He is a member of the Bladenboro Christmas Parade Committee and the Bladenboro Rotary Club and currently serves as a Bladenboro Town Commissioner. His hobbies include spending time with his family, watching sports, and being the voice of the West Bladen Knights. ❤️

02/27/2026

Choosing a cemetery is often the first and most important step in funeral planning, whether you’re arranging a burial for a loved one or pre-planning your own end-of-life wishes.

From selecting a burial plot, mausoleum crypt, or cremation niche to understanding cemetery pricing, perpetual care fees, location convenience, and memorial regulations, there are several important factors to consider.

Families today can choose from traditional ground burial, natural burial, cremation gardens, veteran sections, and religious or cultural cemetery options — each offering different benefits. Taking time to explore your cemetery options ensures your wishes are honored and provides peace of mind for those you love.

Contact us to learn more about burial, cremation, and pre-planning cemetery arrangements:

If you're planning a burial or assisting someone with future arrangements, several important decisions must be made, starting with selecting a cemetery. This is often the first step, as your choice of location will guide the rest of the process, including the type of burial and memorial. Understandi...

02/20/2026

To non-professional and professional caregivers: What would you want others to understand about the importance of your role?

Whether you’re in the “sandwich generation” or a healthcare professional, you give so much of your time, energy, and resources to support others; and while you often work patiently in the background, we recognize your efforts.

Thank you to all community caregivers. 🩵

02/17/2026

For everyone observing Ramadan, we wish you a peaceful month of reflection and prayer. 🙏

With fasting, fellowship, and care for those in need, this holiday is an uplifting reminder of the importance of service and devotion.

02/17/2026

There are many ways to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, but what’s a great way to participate in honor of a loved one?

💐 If your person loved gardening, you could give a bouquet of flowers to a stranger.

🥞 If they had a favorite restaurant in town, you could purchase a gift card and give it to someone in line.

💌 If you know someone in bereavement, send them a quick text or call letting them know you’re thinking about them. To go the extra mile, you can deliver groceries or lunch to their home.

The options are endless. Share your ideas in the comments, and let’s embrace this lighthearted day with compassion.

02/16/2026

Happy Presidents’ Day! In recognition of this holiday, we’d like to share 3 interesting facts about presidential monuments and memorial wishes:

🪨The Washington Monument is composed of 3 different types of white marble and capped with aluminum.

📝President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s detailed memorial instructions were found in a safe – after his burial (even presidents need to plan!).

❤️‍🔥First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis requested the eternal flame for President John F. Kennedy’s resting place.

🌅President Ronald Reagan requested a private sunset burial in California.

Do you know any presidential fun facts? Feel free to share in the comments!

02/14/2026

A memory of you. ❤️

Valentine's Day is a time to reflect on love, and love does not end with death. It lives on in memories, in the stories we share, and in the hearts of those left behind.

Today, we honor every love that continues beyond this life, forever remembered and forever cherished.

02/14/2026

How can we carry love in bereavement? How can we practice self-love in grief?

In this season of sweets and affection, always remember the most important thing: that love is everlasting for family, friends, and ourselves. 🩷 Wishing a peaceful Valentine’s Day to all our families.

02/05/2026

We encourage everyone to understand when and why to create a will as part of responsible end‑of‑life and estate planning. Taking this step today brings peace of mind for tomorrow — for you and those you love. 💙

A clear, legally prepared will helps protect your loved ones, ensures your wishes are honored, and supports smoother funeral, burial, or cremation planning.

Learn more about the right time to make a will in this helpful guide:

Plan for tomorrow today. Memorial Planning helps you write your Will and secure your legacy with expert guidance from over 450 U.S. locations.

02/04/2026

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus and was subsequently arrested. Rosa’s story – both on that fateful day and in the years to follow – is a reminder that one simple act of courage can spur positive change, and a life of service can be the foundation of a remarkable legacy.

In honor of Rosa’s lifelong commitment to equality and community support, last year, the Daughters of the American Revolution ( Detroit Chapter, NSDAR) commemorated her story 70 years after her arrest and 20 years after she was laid to rest at the Rosa L. Parks Freedom Chapel.

The Daughters partnered with Woodlawn Cemetery (Detroit, MI), another location in our Memorial Planning network, to present a new bronze plaque, establishing an everlasting tribute to the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.

02/01/2026

Congratulations to our Employee of the month, Linda Gaskins! 🥳

Linda is a Bladenboro native. She and her husband, Harvey, opened Gaskins Funeral Home in 2001, which was renamed Bladen-Gaskins in 2008. Linda has two children: Rhonda Gaskins and Dr. Ronald “Ron” Gaskins and his wife, Alexandra Gaskins. She also has five beautiful grandchildren: Emma Eller, Noah, Luke, Jacob, and Benjamin Gaskins.

Linda is currently enjoying traveling and living the semi-retired life. She has a passion for serving her community as a funeral director, but her greatest joy is her faith and her family.

01/29/2026

Due to the anticipated weather conditions this weekend, the Celebration of Life Service for Carl Hester will be postponed until Saturday, February 7, at 2:00pm.