Irby Funeral Home

09/26/2025

️ Who Should Speak at a Funeral?

Choosing who will speak at a funeral can feel like a big decision. The right voices can bring comfort, share cherished memories, and honor your loved one’s life in a meaningful way.

Those who often speak include:

Clergy or officiants – to provide spiritual comfort and lead the service.

Family members – children, grandchildren, siblings, or other relatives who want to share personal stories.

Close friends – those who knew your loved one in a special way and can highlight their character and legacy.

Colleagues or community members – if your loved one made a strong impact through work, service, or volunteering.

Remember, there is no single “right” answer. Some families prefer just one or two speakers, while others invite several voices to share. What matters most is that the words spoken reflect your loved one’s life and bring peace to those gathered.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re here to guide you in creating a service that feels personal and meaningful.

09/25/2025

🌸 What to Do with Funeral Flowers After the Service 🌸

Funeral flowers are a beautiful expression of love and support, but many families are unsure what to do with them once the service is over. Here are a few meaningful options:

Take them home – Many families choose to bring arrangements home to continue enjoying their beauty and comfort in the days following the service.

Share with others – Smaller arrangements can be gifted to friends, relatives, or even nursing homes, hospitals, or churches (with permission).

Preserve the memories – Some flowers can be pressed, dried, or even turned into keepsakes like bookmarks, jewelry, or ornaments.

Leave them at the cemetery – Placing arrangements at your loved one’s gravesite is a thoughtful way to honor their memory.

No matter what you choose, funeral flowers can continue to bring comfort and serve as a lasting reminder of the love shared.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re here to help guide you through all the little details that come with saying goodbye.

09/24/2025

Choosing Pallbearers

Selecting pallbearers is an important part of planning a meaningful service. These are the people who will walk alongside your loved one on their final earthly journey, and their role carries both honor and responsibility.

When choosing pallbearers, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Meaningful relationships: Pallbearers are often close family members or trusted friends who shared a deep connection with your loved one.

Physical ability: Because carrying a casket requires strength, consider age, health, and physical capability.

Number of people: Traditionally, six to eight pallbearers are chosen, but this may vary depending on family wishes.

Honorary pallbearers: If someone is not physically able, they can still serve as an honorary pallbearer, walking alongside or being recognized in the service program.

It’s never an easy task, but choosing pallbearers allows you to give others a meaningful way to take part in honoring your loved one’s life.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re here to guide you through every detail with compassion and care.

09/23/2025

“Moving On” After a Loss

After losing someone we love, people often wonder: When will I feel normal again? The truth is, grief doesn’t have a timeline—and there is no such thing as “moving on too quickly.”

Everyone heals at their own pace. For some, it takes months to find a new rhythm. For others, years. And that’s okay. Healing isn’t about forgetting your loved one—it’s about learning to live in a new way while carrying their memory with you.

If you ever feel pressured to “get over it,” remember this: love doesn’t end, so grief doesn’t have an expiration date. Give yourself grace, and let your heart lead the way.

Tips if you feel rushed to move on:
✅ Set boundaries – It’s okay to tell others you need more time.
✅ Honor your loved one – Keep their memory alive with a photo, ritual, or tradition.
✅ Take small steps – Focus on one day at a time; healing is not a race.
✅ Seek support – Talking with friends, family, or a grief group can ease the pressure.
✅ Practice self-compassion – Allow yourself to feel what you feel without judgment.

If you need someone to talk to, Irby Funeral Home is here for you.

09/22/2025

The Year of Firsts After a Loss

Grief doesn’t follow a calendar, but many people find the first year after losing a loved one to be especially hard. It’s a year filled with “firsts”—the first birthday without them, the first holiday, the first family gathering where their chair is empty.

These moments can bring a wave of emotions, even when you think you’re doing okay. And that’s normal. There’s no right or wrong way to feel during this time.

Here are a few ways to cope with the “firsts”:
✅ Acknowledge the day – Don’t feel like you have to pretend it’s just another day. It’s okay to name the loss.
✅ Create a small ritual – Light a candle, share a favorite memory, or visit a meaningful place.
✅ Plan ahead – If a holiday or special date is coming up, decide what will help you feel most supported.
✅ Give yourself permission to say no – If an event feels too overwhelming, it’s okay to decline.
✅ Reach out for support – Family, friends, or a grief support group can make a big difference.

If you know someone grieving, a simple call, card, or invitation can mean more than you realize.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re here to support you through every season of grief.

09/21/2025

09/19/2025

How to Drive in a Funeral Procession (and Show Respect on the Road)

Participating in or encountering a funeral procession is a solemn and meaningful experience. To help ensure safety and uphold respect in Arkansas, here are essential tips:

If You Are In the Procession:

*Turn on Headlights, Tail Lamps, & Flashing Purple Lights: Per Arkansas law, each vehicle in the procession must display its lighted headlamps, tail lamps, and the specially permitted flashing (purple) lights during the procession.
*Follow Closely—but Safely: Vehicles should stay together, following as reasonably and prudently as possible to maintain unity.
*Proceed Through Intersections Together: Once the funeral es**rt vehicle (e.g., hearse or designated es**rt) lawfully enters an intersection, the rest may proceed through—even if the light changes to red—unless impeded by safety concerns or other legal exceptions.

Know the Exceptions: The procession must yield to:
*Emergency vehicles with flashing lights
*Directions from law enforcement
*Approaching trains
*Oncoming traffic posing an immediate hazard

If Separated, Follow Regular Traffic Rules: Vehicles that fall out of formation must obey traffic signals and rules to reach their destination.

If You Are Not in the Procession:
Arkansas law also protects the procession by requiring other drivers to:
*Not drive between vehicles in the procession while they are in motion.
*Not join a procession merely to gain the right-of-way.
*Not pass a procession on the right unless it is in the leftmost lane.
*Not enter an intersection against a red signal if the procession is passing through it—unless doing so would not cross the procession’s path.
*Violators may be fined up to $250.

By following these guidelines and honoring Arkansas law, we show compassion, ensure safety, and preserve the dignity of those commemorating the lives of loved ones.

Irby Funeral Home- "Where Service To Our Families...Is Our Greatest Concern"
(870)-595-3569

09/18/2025

What Clothing and Accessories Do You Need for Your Loved One?

When preparing for funeral arrangements, one common question families ask is: “What clothing should we bring for our loved one?”

Here are a few helpful guidelines:
✅ Clothing: Choose an outfit that reflects their personality or something they would have loved to wear. This could be a favorite dress, suit, or even something casual if that feels right.
✅ Undergarments: These are often overlooked, but please include them.
✅ Accessories: Jewelry, glasses, religious items, or other meaningful keepsakes can be included if you wish. Just let us know if you’d like these returned after services.
✅ Shoes: Optional – many families choose to include them, but it’s not always necessary.

Our staff is here to guide you through every step with care and compassion. If you have any questions about preparing clothing or personal items, please reach out to us.

📞 870-595-3569
📍 713 East 9th Street, Rector, AR 72461
💻 irbyfuneralhome.com

09/17/2025

Can Your Spouse Make Changes to Your Funeral Plan?

Funeral plans are considered legal agreements, so who can make changes depends on how the plan was set up.

If the plan is prepaid and fully executed, changes usually require the signature or consent of the person who made the plan.

If the plan allows a spouse or family member as a contingent decision-maker, they may be able to make certain adjustments.

Some plans are flexible, letting loved ones make minor changes, but major changes typically require legal authority.

At Irby Funeral Home, we can help answer questions, review your plan, and guide families through any necessary updates—ensuring your wishes are respected. 💐

📍 Irby Funeral Home | Rector, AR
📞 870-595-3569

09/16/2025

Joey Delano Cox, a revered former State Trooper and cherished family patriarch, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, in Jonesboro, AR. Born on November 29, 1932, in the small communities of Blue Cane / Lone Holly, Joey's life was a testament to service, dedication, and love.

Joey's ...

View Joey Delano Cox's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

09/16/2025

The Purpose of a Funeral Register Book

A register book is a special book kept at a funeral or memorial service for guests to sign. Its purpose goes beyond simply noting attendance:

A record of support – It shows the family who was present to honor and remember their loved one.
A keepsake – Families often keep the book as a lasting memento of the people who shared in their grief.
A way to send thanks – The entries make it easier to write thank-you notes or acknowledge expressions of sympathy.

At Irby Funeral Home, we provide register books as a meaningful way for families to remember those who came to celebrate and honor their loved one’s life.

📍 Irby Funeral Home | Rector, AR
📞 870-595-3569