Twenty-two years ago, a local funeral home, in an empathetic, compassionate, and kind act, started an event for the families of individuals whose loved ones had perished throughout the preceding year. Hutchins-Maples Matherly Funeral Home continues that tradition annually, hosting its Tree of Remembrance Ceremony in its on-site chapel. This year’s ceremony was held last Sunday, December 15, at 2 p.m.
Kim Tankersley of Hutchins-Maples Matherly described the ceremony in detail, explaining that the ceremony opened with a welcome for all in attendance with an emphasis on comforting grieving family members. She noted that they emphasize the event’s focus on surviving family members and their loved ones who have perished, saying, in part, “We recognize that while most people find the holidays happy and joyful, the families we serve often face holidays lacking the happiness and joy of previous seasons. … We want them to know that we see them and stand with them.”
Following the welcome, special music and a short devotional were presented. This year, Brent Matherly’s mother, Pat Matherly, and sisters, Patti McBride and Angie Greer, all of Cushing, sang a Christmas song for attendees. Funeral home Chaplain Brent White gave the devotion. Tankersley said the devotion was designed to be touching in acknowledgement of families’ grief and loss but brief in respect of their time. Further, the devotion offered hope and encouragement for families’ healing during the holidays.
As the ceremony closed, a memorial video of everyone for whom the business had cared throughout the preceding year played, showcasing loved ones’ photos, names, and dates of birth and passing. From December 1, 2023, through November 30, 2024, the funeral home served 128 individuals.
Following the ceremony, Hutchins-Maples Matherly conducted a drawing for poinsettias it purchased and which adorned the chapel throughout the ceremony. Those poinsettias were given to 5 present families. At that time, families also received their complimentary, handmade ornaments in memoriam of their loved ones. Families could also order additional ornaments if they so chose. Finally, the funeral home offered attendees a time of fellowship with refreshment, including cookies, coffee, and lemon- ade, in their meeting area.
While next of kin were notified by letter of the upcoming ceremony each year, public notices were also made via newspaper advertisements and social media posts as members of the public were also welcomed to attend.
Tankersley caringly summarized the business’ sentiment and purpose for the annual event, saying “We’re not just a funeral home that addresses funeral needs. We want to be there for families after their loss and during the holidays, which is why we have a chaplain who reaches out to check on them. That’s our purpose in hosting the Tree of Remembrance Ceremony: We want families to know we care. While many people move on and go back to their lives after the funeral ends, some families find themselves stuck in their loss and grief, unable to move forward with life. That’s a very lonely place to be. We want them to know that we’ve not forgotten them. We care. We still remember their loved one. They are not alone.”