While every funeral is unique, a family requesting that services and burial be conducted within twenty-four hours presents an unusual challenge. Elizabeth “Liz” Jimenez was the funeral director on duty that evening when we received the call that a family had suffered a loss near five o’clock and that the family wanted to meet immediately with us. During that meeting, Ms. Jimenez was able to schedule services, coordinate with the minister, and found the family the perfect casket for their loved one. While she handled the meeting, Johnny Mosely went to pick up the recently deceased and bring her into Meadowlawn’s care.
Ms. Jimenez also highlighted the importance of the recent Lewis Funeral Home and Meadowlawn Funeral Home partnership as Lewis staff were an important part of making the event a success; Lewis staff assisted Ms. Jimenez and Kassi Quintanilla with preparing the deceased for the visitation within three hours of her arrival to Meadowlawn. The combined teams also ensured the service ran smoothly, greeting guests, assisting with directions, and providing a comforting presence wherever they were needed.
Teamwork is no less important to the cemetery as grounds crew and family service counselors worked together to prepare for the burial. After Brian Rankin met with the family and completed the necessary cemetery paperwork with them, the grave selected was measured by Daniel Hernandez in preparation to be dug. Brian Kramer, the cemetery superintendent, checked the grave measurements and confirmed that the paperwork had been completed. After that confirmation, Rick Hull and Marlin Davis verified the interment location and that everything was in place for the burial later that day. With the grave confirmed by all necessary parties, digging of the grave commenced and the gravesite was prepared for the interment.
When asked about the service, Ms. Jimenez acknowledged that while it was challenging to pull everything together in such a short time period, she appreciated seeing the team work well together to create and fulfil the service the family envisioned. She and the staff offer our condolences to all those affected by a loss and please know that we are available to assist any family in whatever way we can.
Author: Brian Rankin
Published: October 1, 2025
