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Charles S. Childs is literally feeling the pain caused by the crisis at Burr Oak Cemetery. The current director of A.A. Rayner & Sons Modern Funeral Service on Chicago’s South Side , Childs has family buried at the historic cemetery. His business has come to a stand-still as he and his staff respond to thousands of families inquiring about the status of their loved ones.
“I personally have family [buried there], so we know what you’re feeling,” Childs said at a recent press conference at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters. “From here on out, I would suggest that everybody do due diligence — take the time to go and visit. Make sure that what you’re purchasing is what you’re getting.”
After meeting with Rev. Jesse Jackson and other funeral directors in the community on how to handle Burr Oak, Childs sat down with Rolling out to offer our readers three important factors to take into consideration when protecting a life after death. –gavin philip godfrey
Find the Right People for the Job
“Pick a funeral director and funeral home that has established guidelines. [You want] someone with a reputation that isn’t just here [to] fly by night and that has had a connection to the community.”
Make Your Wishes Known Before Death
“Pre-arrange the services that you want, so that the family isn’t burdened with what your choices are and what your wishes are. Myself and the other directors will accommodate any families’ wishes —that’s an important aspect of what’s going on. Don’t leave the guess work to the family that you leave behind. Take care of your business.”
Visit Potential Burial Sites
“I wish that people would take the time to visit the locations that they’ll end up being at, and … make sure that they’re buying [something] that belongs to them.”
