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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

A fact of life: Death is going to cost you

According to a 2015 survey by the National Funeral Directors Association, only 17 percent of people under age 65 make advance funeral arrangements. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/studio-pure)
According to a 2015 survey by the National Funeral Directors Association, only 17 percent of people under age 65 make advance funeral arrangements. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/studio-pure)

An unexpected death can leave family members dependent on donations for funeral arrangements.

Instead of the comfort that comes with knowing final arrangements are made, some family members worry about how they’re going to pay final expenses.

photo Terry McCullough

They hope good Samaritans donate to “go fund me” sites or give to people collecting donations on the street.

Piney Woods/Oak Hills Neighborhood Association President Terry McCullough wants to help people do better.

“Too many of our people are faced with this situation, and it hits them in the face like a sledgehammer,” said McCullough.