Carothers Funeral Home

02/16/2026

My name is Gary Rankin and I am Lead Funeral Assistant at Carothers Funeral Homes. I am a retired Pastor after serving 38 years at Craig Memorial Baptist Church. I currently am Care Pastor at my church, Salvation Church at Rankin Lake. I have always had a heart for working with families at a time when they have a need.

02/13/2026

Here is a great article that explains what happens when someone passes away without a will. Do you have a plan?

What happens if you die without a will in NC? Here’s who gets your property
READ MORE: bit.ly/4csxKBX

02/09/2026

As winter begins to loosen its hold and spring edges closer, many of us find ourselves in that quiet in‑between — carrying grief that doesn’t follow the seasons, even as the world starts to bloom again. If this time of year feels complicated for you, you’re not alone. It’s okay if the longer days feel heavy, or if the first signs of spring stir up more emotion than excitement. Healing doesn’t have to match the calendar. You’re allowed to move gently, to honor what you’ve lost, and to let new light in at your own pace.

01/22/2026

Do you know the benefits to preplanning a funeral for yourself or a loved one?
Let us help guide you through your options at your own pace.

01/20/2026

January really does carry that fresh‑air energy, like the world hit a soft reset and handed you a blank page.

"January doesn’t ask you to be healed.
It only asks you to keep opening the curtains,
letting in a little more light
than you did yesterday."

11/27/2025

~ Tanya Lord

11/25/2025

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, it’s natural to feel the empty chair and the silence where laughter once was. Missing someone special is a sign of the deep love you carry—and that love never fades. May you find comfort in cherished memories, strength in the bonds that remain, and hope in the promise that love endures beyond time and distance. Even in grief, gratitude can shine through: for the moments shared, the lessons learned, and the love that continues to guide your heart. You are not alone, and your loved one’s presence lives on in every story told, every tradition kept, and every smile that breaks through the tears.

11/05/2025

November marks National Children's Grief Awareness Month, a time to recognize the profound impact that loss can have on a child’s emotional well-being. Grieving children often feel isolated, misunderstood, or unsure of how to express their pain — and this month reminds us of the importance of compassionate support, open conversations, and safe spaces for healing. By raising awareness, we empower families, educators, and communities to better understand the unique ways children process grief and to offer the tools and empathy they need to navigate it. Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported as they journey through loss.

Here are some thoughtful tips to help:

Encourage open expression: Let children talk, draw, or write about their feelings. Validate their emotions without judgment.

Maintain routines: Familiar schedules and activities can provide a sense of stability and comfort during uncertain times.

Use age-appropriate language: Be honest about death and loss, but tailor explanations to their developmental level.

Offer reassurance: Remind them they are loved and not alone. Reassure them that it's okay to feel sad, angry, or confused.

Model healthy grieving: Show your own emotions in a healthy way. This teaches children that grief is a natural process.

Create memory rituals: Encourage activities like making a memory box, lighting a candle, or sharing stories to honor the person who died.

Seek support when needed: If grief seems overwhelming or prolonged, consider involving a counselor or support group specializing in child bereavement.

Every child grieves differently, and your gentle presence can make all the difference in helping them heal.

10/26/2025

“Embrace your grief. For there, your soul will grow.” — Carl Jung

10/22/2025

Whether it’s a familiar scent, a song on the radio, or a phrase they used to say, their presence lingers in the folds of everyday life.

10/19/2025

Here at Carothers Funeral Home, we understand that grief has no timeline. It doesn’t follow rules or schedules. It shows up in waves - sometimes gentle, sometimes overwhelming. And while it may feel like the world has moved on, we want you to know: we haven’t.

We’re still here. 💛

Here to listen. Here to hold space. Here to remind you that healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means learning to carry love forward in new ways.

Whether today feels heavy or hopeful, your feelings are valid. Your story matters. And you don’t have to walk this path alone.

If you need support, a kind word, or just someone to sit with you in silence - we’re here. Always.

09/08/2025