Our Process & Ethics

Cremation is an increasingly popular choice for many families who have lost a loved one. Many choose cremation for concerns for the environment; the flexibility offered to families in regards to disposition, or for some others, financial reasons.

Regardless of your reasons, there are a few things concerning the cremation process that all families should know. Because cremation is irreversible the State of Virginia has requirements that all crematories and funeral homes must adhere to.

All bodies cremated in the State must have a signed death certificate acquired prior to cremation. A licensed Medical Examiner for the State must view the body, the family has to sign the authorization for cremation, and a visual identification must be done, either by a family member or a designated representative of the family.

Once all administrative and financial obligations are satisfied the cremation is scheduled. Our goal is to complete all aspects of the process as quickly and efficiently as possible for those we serve, on average taking 6 to 10 days. In extreme cases our time frame may be delayed, most often due to complications concerning death certificates.

All families we provide services for are given detailed paperwork with disclosures concerning every aspect of the cremation process. If you would like to receive a copy of this paperwork prior to your need for services simply use our Contact Us form or call one of our professionals at 757-623-9928 on the Southside or 757-229-3164 on the Peninsula.

Arrangements with Colonial Crematorium, Inc. are handled either through the internet via this website, or for an additional charge, at your home. Our staff is on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week and we are always available for questions regarding our services or procedures.

Our services are limited to the removal of the deceased, filing and securing of the death certificate, and return of the deceased's ashes either by hand delivery or via the US Postal Service. We do not provide staff for memorial services, acknowledgement cards, register books, nor do we place or assist in placing obituaries or death notices in local newspapers or online. By limiting our services we are able to provide our cremation services at the most affordable cost to the families we serve.

We limit our urn and keepsake selection to just a few to keep our inventory costs low and not overwhelm our families with dozens of choices.

All costs are due at the time of arrangements without exception and can be handled with any major credit card or by check or cash.

Please feel free to give us a call or email us with any questions.

757-623-9928 (Southside) or 757-229-3164 (Peninsula)