Bladen- Gaskins Funeral Home & Cremation Services

04/05/2026

We would like to wish a Happy Easter to all who celebrate! 🌷

This season of renewal is a beautiful reminder to embrace fresh starts, brighter days, and the simple joys of spring. Whether you're spending time with family, enjoying traditions, or just soaking in the sunshine, we hope your day is filled with warmth and happiness.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Easter. 💛

04/03/2026

Honoring a life doesn’t end with cremation—it begins a journey of meaningful remembrance. 💙

From personalized urns and cremation jewelry to cemetery inurnment, cremation gardens, memorial benches, and custom tributes, there are many heartfelt ways to honor a loved one’s memory.

Our latest guide shares creative and traditional ideas for cremation services, cemetery memorialization, and lasting remembrance, helping families choose a tribute that feels meaningful today—and for generations to come.

Learn how cremation can offer flexibility, personalization, and peace of mind as you plan a memorial that truly tells their story.

👉 Read more:

Discover cremation memorial options, including urns, cremation jewelry, cemetery inurnment, and memorial gardens to honor your loved one’s memory with meaning.

04/02/2026

Congratulations to our employee of the month, Ecwood Lancaster! 🥳

Ecwood aka “Woody” Lancaster, a 20-year Funeral Attendant of Bladen Gaskins, resides in Elizabethtown, NC. He is the husband of Carolyn Lancaster, father of one son, Chase Lancaster (wife Amanda), and proud “Poppy” to granddaughters Bailee, Layken, and Hartlee. Woody has been a long-time active resident of Bladen County.

He has served his community in multiple capacities, including the Elizabethtown Fire Department, White Lake Fire Department, and White Lake Water Rescue. His family was the proud owners of The Corner Café for many years and enjoyed catering to the citizens of Elizabethtown as well as the many visitors who came through their doors.

Woody is a loyal and familiar face for the folks who come in at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home. He has served in multiple capacities over the years, and folks often ask for him by name and look forward to his witty camaraderie and interesting conversations.

If anyone ever needs to know who someone is related to, “just ask Woody,” for he knows everyone most of the time. When asked what his title is, he will reply, “I’m the Janitor, "but truth be told, he does much more than that.

03/27/2026

When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, understanding hospice care can make all the difference. 💙

Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life—providing compassionate support not only for patients, but for their families as well.

In this article, we break down:
• What hospice care includes
• Coverage options (including Medicare and private insurance)
• In-home vs. facility-based care
• Support available for caregivers
• Bereavement services for families

Whether you're planning ahead or navigating a current situation, this guide can help you feel more informed and supported.

Read more here:

Understanding hospice care: coverage, services, and support options to help families navigate end-of-life decisions with clarity and compassion.

03/20/2026

When someone we care about passes, it can be difficult to know what to expect—or even which service to attend.

Understanding the difference between a wake, viewing, and funeral can help you feel more prepared and confident when showing your support to family and friends.

Each plays an important role in honoring a life, offering comfort, and bringing people together during a time of loss.

If you’ve ever wondered what sets them apart, this guide walks you through what each service means, what to expect, and how to choose what feels right for you.

👉 Read more:

Learn the differences between a wake, viewing, and funeral, what to expect at each, and how to choose which service to attend when honoring a loved one.

03/20/2026

🌼 With spring, a new day comes – one of growth, hope, and the gentle promise of nature’s renewal.

To our families who are beginning the season with loved ones in their hearts, we wish you warm memories and brighter days ahead.

03/17/2026

Whether you’re celebrating with friends, honoring Irish heritage, or sporting your best green, we wish everyone a cheerful St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

03/14/2026

Everyone has a story, and everyone comes from a long line of stories – but do you know yours?

In honor of this day, we encourage everyone to visit a local library, cemetery, or the national archive online to learn about your family tree. 🌳

Happy Genealogy and Write Your Story Day, from the keepers of rich, family histories.

03/13/2026

There can be comfort and kindness in selecting your own memorial tribute, because when designed with your family in mind, it becomes a meaningful symbol of love and remembrance.

To help you create a special, lasting gift for your loved ones, we’re offering 25% off pre-need memorials, including markers, monuments, benches, and cremation tributes through March 31.*

Contact your Family Service Counselor for details or visit our website to explore your options: https://www.memorialplanning.com/25-percent-off-memorials-2026/

03/11/2026

Today, on National Funeral Director & Mortician Recognition Day, we pause to honor the compassionate professionals who guide families through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Funeral directors and morticians serve with quiet strength, dignity, and deep care—helping families celebrate lives, preserve memories, and find comfort in times of loss. Their dedication often happens behind the scenes, but the impact they make in their communities is immeasurable.

To the funeral directors, embalmers, and care teams across our network: thank you for the compassion, professionalism, and respect you bring to every family you serve.

Your work truly makes a difference. 🤍

03/06/2026

When planning a funeral service or memorial gathering, many families choose to host a funeral reception with food to bring loved ones together after the service. Sharing a meal can provide comfort, encourage conversation, and create space to remember and celebrate the life of someone special.

Our newest resource highlights funeral food menu ideas for receptions, including:

• Finger foods and light refreshments
• Traditional casserole dishes
• Luncheon or potluck-style gatherings
• Buffet-style meals for larger memorial receptions

These ideas can help families create a meaningful space for connection during a time of grief.

Read the full guide to funeral reception food planning here:
👉

Organizing a funeral involves many moving parts. One element you want to make sure you don't let slip off your list is arranging food for those who attend. If this is on your to-do list, don't worry - we've got some easy funeral food menu ideas to help with organizing the reception. Let's dive in. W...

03/01/2026

Congratulations to our Employee of the Month, Greg Sykes! 🎉

Greg, a native of Bladenboro, NC, serves as a Funeral Assistant with Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home. He is married to Amanda G. Sykes, and they reside in their hometown of Bladenboro. They have two children, Blake and Kaitlyn, and two grandchildren, Maci and Tyson. Greg attends New Center Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and music leader.

He is a member of the Bladenboro Christmas Parade Committee and the Bladenboro Rotary Club and currently serves as a Bladenboro Town Commissioner. His hobbies include spending time with his family, watching sports, and being the voice of the West Bladen Knights. ❤️