Historic cemetery in Columbus, Mississippi. I love these historic cemeteries and find it peaceful…read moreto wander the grounds.

This cemetery is by far one of the most beautiful and inspiring photographic scenes I have ever…read morecome upon. The "weeping angle" or "the angle of grief" as some people call her, is a site in herself. She is about 6 feet tall (base and all) and she is the grave marker for the Teasdale family. During the Civil War years two lots of the graveyard were set aside for the burial of confederate soldiers. Many of those are unknown soldiers. Friendship Cemetery in Columbus is known for numerous reasons. This is the place where what we know as Memorial Day originated. A year after the Civil War ended, the ladies of Columbus decorated the graves of the Confederate and Union soldiers buried here starting a tradition that has lasted all the way to our time.

I attended a graveside service this week managed by the Northport Funeral & Cremation Service. I,…read morealong with others there, was APPAULED at how unprofessional the staff behaved. The service itself was, by design, short and was completed in 5 minutes. Immediately after the minister ended the last prayer, a representative from the Northport Funeral and Cremation Service made a formal announcement to the crowd that the company was "here to help the family" and mentioned the company name another time for advertising, then she thanked the family for their "business." Then, it was like the vultures descended and men appeared with shovels to cover the grave while the family was literally getting out of their chairs to stand and greet guests. The staff asked attendees closest to the casket area to "please move" as they started lowering the casket into the ground. They took down the tent while the family was still speaking to guests. Keep in mind that there was no other service besides this graveside service so Northport Funeral & Cremation knew this was the only time for everyone to speak and express condolences to the family. But, regardless, this is all happening within 10 minutes after the service began. It was surreal. Before the family could gather all the flowers and the small crowd could walk up the hill, the men were shoveling dirt onto the grave site. The hearse pulled off with it's loud siren on, and then the equipment drove over to finish covering the grave. We timed it, and within 15 minutes, the whole process which should have been completed AFTER the family and friends left the cemetery was completed in front of us all. We were literally standing by our cars in disbelief. This company was rude, tacky, and completely disrespectful. I cannot believe they are still in business with actions like this. There is no way I could recommend them to anyone.

From the owner: As a family owned and operated business, we understand the specific care that our families need…read moreduring their time of bereavement. We are committed to providing superior service to all of our families; therefore we strive for sincere relationships with them. We provide detailed services and maintain complete professionalism at all times. Our mission is to leave a mark in their hearts that cannot be erased. We are The City of Northport's First Board Certified On-site Crematory. Our professionally trained compassionate and knowledgeable counselors are standing by, day or night to speak with you personally. We are there to help you make an unpressured, sensible selection that provides for your loved one. We are here to provide you with funeral and cremation services in Northport, AL.