Aikens Funeral Home Obituaries

Welcome to Aikens Funeral Home

Aikens Funeral Home has been a notable establishment in Tampa, Florida, offering compassionate and professional funeral services to the community. Located at 2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, this family-owned business provides a comforting environment for those going through one of life's most challenging times. With a history of serving the Tampa area, Aikens Funeral Home combines traditional values with modern comforts to ensure that each service is personal and memorable.

Our History and Commitment

For generations, Aikens Funeral Home has been dedicated to supporting families in mourning. As a cornerstone of the Tampa community, we carry a legacy of commitment, ensuring that every family receives the highest level of care and respect. Our compassionate staff understands the importance of honoring each life uniquely and takes pride in guiding families through their choices with sensitivity and regard for every detail.

Services Tailored to Your Needs

We understand that every individual is unique, and their final tribute should reflect that uniqueness. Aikens Funeral Home offers a range of services to accommodate different needs, cultures, and preferences. From traditional funerals to more contemporary celebrations of life, we are here to assist you in crafting a service that honors the essence of your loved one. We also offer pre-arrangement services for those who wish to alleviate their family’s burden in the future.

Facilities Designed for Comfort

Our facilities at Aikens Funeral Home have been thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and serenity to families during their time of loss. With spacious viewing rooms, a peaceful chapel, and private areas for family meetings, our premises invite calm reflection and remembrance. Accessibility and convenience are hallmarks of our design, ensuring that all guests feel welcome and at ease.

Experienced and Caring Staff

Nothing is more crucial than having a supportive team by your side during a time of grief. Aikens Funeral Home's staff is comprised of experienced professionals who hold a genuine commitment to serving families with dignity and compassion. Our funeral directors are well-versed in a variety of funeral customs and will work closely with you to ensure your loved one's wishes are honored in every aspect of the service.

Pre-Planning Services

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, which is why many people choose to pre-plan with Aikens Funeral Home. Pre-planning alleviates the emotional strain on loved ones and ensures that your wishes are carried out. Our staff provides guidance in making these important decisions well in advance, allowing for peace of mind and financial benefits for you and your family.

Grief Support and Resources

At Aikens Funeral Home, we recognize that the journey of grief does not end with the funeral service. We provide ongoing support and resources to assist you in the days and months following your loss. From grief counseling referrals to support groups and educational materials, we are committed to being a source of comfort and healing for our community.

Community Involvement

Having been a part of the Tampa community for so many years, Aikens Funeral Home prides itself on our community involvement. We understand the importance of giving back and are actively engaged in various local initiatives and programs that help strengthen and support our neighbors. Our connection with the community is at the heart of everything we do.

Contacting Aikens Funeral Home

When the time comes to seek funeral services, know that the doors of Aikens Funeral Home are open to you. You can reach us by phone, our website, or by visiting us in person at our convenient Tampa location. Our caring staff is prepared to assist you with your immediate needs or to answer any questions you may have about planning a future service. We stand ready to provide the compassionate care and service that you and your loved ones deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written announcement of a person's death, often published in a newspaper or online. It typically includes a brief biography of the deceased, information about the funeral or memorial service, and details about the surviving family members. Obituaries serve to inform the community of the loss and to celebrate the life of the individual who has passed.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a shorter announcement that serves to inform the public of someone's passing, often with just the bare facts such as the name, age, and information about the funeral services. An obituary is longer and more detailed, usually including a biography and personal anecdotes to pay tribute to the deceased's life and legacy.

Who typically writes an obituary?

Obituaries can be written by family members, friends, or the funeral home staff. In some cases, individuals may even write their own obituaries prior to their passing. When published in newspapers, obituaries can also be composed by journalists.

How do you begin writing an obituary?

Begin by gathering the essential facts about the deceased, such as their full name, date of birth and death, and a list of close surviving relatives. Next, add details about their life, accomplishments, and qualities that made them unique. It's also important to include information about the time and place of any services for the deceased.

What should be included in an obituary?

An obituary should include the full name of the deceased, age at death, date of birth and death, birthplace, family information, career highlights, educational achievements, hobbies, and interests, as well as details about the funeral or memorial services. It may also contain special messages of thanks or requests for charitable donations in lieu of flowers.

Is it okay to add personal anecdotes in an obituary?

Yes, personal anecdotes can add warmth and individuality to an obituary. They provide a way to share the essence of the deceased's personality and life with the community, helping to paint a fuller picture of who they were.

Should an obituary include a photo?

Including a photo is optional but often recommended. A picture can make the obituary more personal and recognizable to those who knew the deceased. Choose a photo that captures the essence of the individual and how they wish to be remembered.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary greatly. It could be a short paragraph or a comprehensive recounting of a person’s life. Newspaper obituaries might be limited by space and thus shorter, while online obituaries can be longer and more detailed.

Are there any typical phrases or language used in obituaries?

Common phrases include "passed away," "surrounded by family," or "after a long battle with [illness]." The language is typically respectful and may include phrases that reflect religious or cultural customs regarding death and mourning.

Can obituaries be published online?

Yes, obituaries are commonly published online on various platforms, including social media, memorial sites, and the online versions of newspapers. Online obituaries have the advantage of being easily accessible and can also allow for interactive elements, such as memory-sharing and condolences.

What are the potential costs associated with publishing an obituary?

Publishing an obituary in a newspaper can incur costs based on the length of the obituary and any additional features like photos or special formatting. Online obituaries can sometimes be published for free, but some websites may also charge for more elaborate listings or for hosting the obituary for an extended period of time.

Who should be listed as survivors in an obituary?

Survivors typically include immediate family members such as spouses, children, and parents, followed by siblings and other relatives like grandparents, nieces, and nephews. It is often at the discretion of the family to determine whom to include.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or website?

Each publication has its own process, but generally, you would contact the newspaper's obituary department or submit through their website. Be prepared to provide the written obituary, any desired photos, and verify your identity as well as the death with a death certificate or through the funeral home.

What is proper obituary etiquette regarding privacy?

It is important to respect the privacy and wishes of the deceased and their family. Only include information they would have been comfortable sharing and obtain consent from close family members when writing and publishing the obituary.

Can I mention the cause of death in an obituary?

It's a personal choice whether to include the cause of death in an obituary. While some families prefer to be open about the circumstances of a loved one's passing, others might choose not to disclose this information for privacy reasons.

How do you handle different family dynamics in an obituary?

It's important to approach complex family situations with sensitivity and diplomacy. Focus on honoring the deceased and consider the feelings of all family members. When in doubt, it's generally best to keep the information simple and uncontroversial.

Is it acceptable to humor in an obituary?

Humor can be appropriate if it reflects the personality of the deceased and is done in good taste. It’s important to consider the tone and ensure it's respectful and in line with how the family wants their loved one to be remembered.

Can I edit an obituary after it has been published?

For newspapers, revisions might not be possible after print publication. However, for online obituaries, you may be able to edit the content or update the post, depending on the website’s policy.

What should I do if I find a factual error in an obituary?

If you find an error, contact the publication or website to request a correction. Provide them with the accurate information, and they will let you know what revisions can be made.

Is it necessary to include a request for charitable donations?

This is completely optional. Some families choose to include a request for donations to a charity that was important to the deceased or related to the cause of death, while others may not.

How can I offer help with writing an obituary?

If you wish to offer help with writing an obituary, approach the family respectfully and offer your assistance. Be sensitive to their grief and only contribute if they welcome the support.