When you’re in need: New exhibit honors funeral homes as unsung heroes

MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) — Everything is history, but little history is as personal as how we care for our loved ones when they pass.

The staff at the Harrison County Historical Museum had that in mind when forming their new display, ‘Preserving History: A Funeral Home Exhibit’.

Three long-serving funeral homes in Marshall contributed memorabilia. The exhibit features items from Rains-Talley Funeral Home, Sullivan Funeral Home, and Peoples Funeral Home.

The goal is not only to display the tools used by funeral homes but to honor the people who care for the community in times of loss.

They do more than prepare bodies. They also support grieving families at their most vulnerable, while dealing with the stresses and traumas in their own lives.

Dr. Rubye Williams Jones of Peoples Funeral Home shared a story about her family’s efforts to care for their community while their three sons were serving overseas in the military.

The family kept providing services and comfort while fearing the call that one or all of their sons may never return home.

That type of strength is common in the funeral business. Seeing and dealing with death in a way so many people could not.

People often credit others who see terrible things in their line of work; funeral workers tend to be left out.

This exhibit exists in large part to acknowledge what they do for the community.

The free exhibit is on display at Marshall Mercantile at any time during regular business hours.