Planning Ahead

Why Should I Plan Ahead?

At Johnston & Williams, we understand that having a conversation about death can be difficult. That is why we want to help you have a conversation about life. We approach advance planning using the following guiding principles:


  • We are here to help you tell your story
  • We are here to build a plan that can tell your family how you want to be remembered
  • We are here to give you our best possible guidance to allow you to make the decisions that are best for you and your family


We feel that sharing your story is so important that we have designed our advance planning process to help you make decisions that are best for you and your family.


To help you understand the process, we have broken it down into three basic tasks:


  • Set an Appointment & Tell Us Your Story -- We love to sit down with folks and have them tell us about their life and story. Whether done in advance, or at the time of death, funeral homes need to collect some basic information that allows us to perform specific tasks after a person dies, including filing the death certificate and assisting in writing an obituary. Providing us with this information in advance will allow your family to focus on your story and relieve them of the burden of collecting this information in a rush. But don’t stop at the basic information . Tell us your story – what’s important to you and what you want your family to remember.


  • What You Want -- Everyone approaches death differently and there is no "one size fits all" option for what happens after you die. We will visit with you about your options to select services that are meaningful to you and your family and we can help your build a service that is specific to your needs. Whether you choose to be buried or cremated, there are many different service options . We can help you share your story in a way that is important to you.


  • Discuss Funding Options -- As part of our pre-planning process, we will provide an itemized quote (or quotes) and will also give you time to consider all your options. And whether you choose to prepay in advance or choose to fund your services in a different way, your we will help guide you, based on our many years of experience, as to what your best course of action might be. The only time money will change hands is when you choose to pay for all or part of the services and merchandise that you have selected. 


To start the process with us, please click the button to the right and complete the advance planning form.

Secure Online Preplanning Form

CLICK HERE TO START A PLAN TODAY

All of our pre-planning services are completed in a pressure-free and no-obligation manner. 



You will not incur any expense simply for our time to have a conversation. 


We are always here to help answer any questions you may have. 

Benefits of Preplanning

Planning Ahead Lets Your Wishes Be Known

The death of a loved one often brings about unwarranted stress and turmoil among families. One family member wants one thing, while another family member wants something different. By planning ahead, you help prevent those disagreements by letting your family know what your wishes are and how you want your funeral service to be carried out and your business handled.

Planning Ahead Offers Peace of Mind

Our staff guarantees we will carry out the arrangements you want, just as you directed. Once the plans have been arranged, you and your family can rest easy knowing at the time of death, those uncomfortable decisions have been made. In a time when a family should be able to easily grieve, preplanning allows for that to happen.

Planning Ahead Offers Flexible Funding Options

When you preplan your funeral arrangements, there are more options when it comes to funding the funeral. A preneed insurance policy, life insurance policy or other payment options can all be arranged before the time of death. At the time of death, services must be paid in full, so having options ahead of time can also reduce other stress related to losing someone.

Planning Ahead Relieves The Burden From Family

Following the death of a loved one, there are more than 150 decisions that have to be made within the first day or two following the death. Those stressful decisions on top of the stress of grieving a loss can be eliminated by arranging your final wishes ahead of time. If those decisions are made, your loved ones aren’t left wondering what you would have wanted and how they should proceed with funeral plans. With those decisions out of the way, your loved one can begin the healing process sooner.

Common Questions about Preplanning

  • What steps are involved in prearranging a funeral

    The first step would be to write down your wishes. Indicate if you would prefer burial or cremation. Write down your ideas for the service you would like, cemetery choice, etc. If you've made those choices, or even if you're unsure, schedule a time to meet with one of our funeral directors who can explain the different service options, merchandise choices, as well as the different ways to pay for the funeral.

  • What information do I need to prearrange a funeral

    You'll need basic information about yourself or the person you are planning for, such as date of birth, marital status, parent's full names, etc. Besides the biological information, you'll need to choose burial or cremation, what type of service you'd like, what cemetery to use, etc. Our caring staff will help you with this process.

  • Do I have to pay in advance

    Preplanning is merely making your wishes known; however, most families who do this also choose to pre-fund their funeral. Doing so will relieve the financial burden on your family and offer peace of mind to you.

  • Can I transfer my plans to or from another funeral home

    If you have plans at another funeral home and would like to move them here, we will help you do that. If you move from the area and would like to transfer your arrangements to another funeral home, we will assist you with that as well.