Cremations
We provide a full range of cremation services.
Cremation Service or a Memorial Service
The choice between burying or cremating your deceased loved one is often a very personal one. Decisions may be influenced by family, tradition, religion or the wishes of the person who has died.
If you decide on cremation, Sonja Smith Elite Funeral Group can help you through all the options and decisions available to you. We ensure that you receive the best cremation services, and that you are aware of any cremation cost that might be applicable. We provide the full range of cremation services that you would need to honour your deceased loved ones and respectfully cremate their mortal remains. You can choose to have a full cremation service or a memorial service (with or without the ashes present).
Some Things to Consider
Many churches today have a Wall of Remembrance. It may be a good idea to postpone your memorial service until after the cremation, in order to have the interment of ashes taking place straight after the service. You can discuss your wishes with your Funeral Planner.
You may wish to have the deceased in a casket present at a church/chapel service or another location before the actual cremation will take place and dressed in clothes that you provide for the deceased. The service is then concluded with all family members, friends, and other attendees leaving the church at the end of the service, to gather outside around the casket/hearse. A final committal is done outside, and an opportunity is given for paying your last respects. This is the final moment for saying your goodbyes, and as the hearse leaves the premises with all those attending watching, it brings a sense of closure to the ceremony.
Whatever you decide, we can take care of the necessary arrangements for you.
The cremation is then done privately, normally not attended by family members. We make use of the services of private crematoriums, Waterberg Crematorium situated in Modimolle and Cremos Cremations CC in Randfontein. It is of utmost importance that you inform us of medical devices implanted into the deceased, such as a pacemaker, etc.
At Sonja Smith Elite Funeral Group, we can let you write goodbye messages on the casket. This is a good way of personalising the funeral service and it does bring comfort to those left behind when reading the messages.
What to do with the Ashes of the Deceased
You may choose to scatter the ashes in a favourite place, inter them in an existing grave, or place them in a Wall of Remembrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is cremation?
Cremation is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.
What services are available with cremation?
Any traditional funeral service with the body present can take place prior to the actual cremation. Alternatively, a memorial service can be held before/after the cremation.
Is a coffin required for cremation?
Yes, a coffin is required for cremation.
Can the body be viewed before cremation?
Yes, immediate family members may view the deceased prior to cremation in our private viewing room. The deceased is first prepared for viewing, i.e. washed and dressed.
Can the family be present during the cremation?
Some crematoriums allow family members to attend the cremation, but at others there are no facilities for this.
Is cremation accepted by all religions?
Today most religions allow cremation. Some people believe that cremation is against the teachings of the Bible, but it remains a very personal matter. Those who wish to be cremated should communicate their wishes to family members.
What happens when the body is presented for a cremation?
- The officials responsible ensure that:
- The cremation has been reserved.
- The cremation documents submitted comply with all legal requirements.
- The details on the coffin correspond with those on the documents.
What do such legal requirements entail?
1. The cause of death (if Death by Natural Causes) must be confirmed by two independent medical practitioners. Then a Medical Referee assigned by the Council grants consent that cremation may take place. This is done after he/she has ascertained that :
- No foul play is suspected; and
- The cremation is not contrary to the expressed wishes of the deceased.
2. In the event of an Unnatural Death, the Medical Referee will consent to cremation as soon as he/she has received the Schedule D, completed by the Pathologist who performed the autopsy.
Are all bodies cremated simultaneously at the crematorium?
No, the crematorium furnace can only accommodate one coffin at a time during the cremation process.
Possessions, clothing, and decoration of the coffin:
There are some restrictions on what can be included in a coffin. Your Funeral Director can advise you on this.