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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Death and Dying > Funerals > Natural Burial in Mississippi
Funerals - Natural Burial in Mississippi
Expert: Lisa Carlson - 11/5/2009
Question
I live in rural Mississippi and want to be buried on my own land, with no embalming and no casket. I basically want them to dig a hole by the woods and stick me in it. I'm young and in good health, but want to go ahead and find out everything I need to know in case something happens. I'm worried that if I don't find out for them, my family will decide to have a 'normal' funeral for me (especially since I'd have to be buried quickly). If I have a signed and witnessed document stating how I want to be buried, would my family have to honor that statement, or would I have to have an official will? My parents are extremely conventional, and I think the idea of such an unusual burial would turn them off to the point of disregarding my wishes. What should I do?
Answer
If you have a lot of land outside the village or city limits, then home burial is likely permissible. Draw a map of the land showing where the family burial ground will be and pay to have it recorded with the deed. A good practice is 150 ft. from a water supply and 25 ft. from a neighbor's boundary or power line. Perhaps when your parents see that, they'll get interested. You might look for some other family cemeteries and show how much they are a part of a great American tradition. You can order the DVD "Family Undertaking" from Netflix. Maybe that would help, too.
E-mail me directly and I can send the MS chapter from the '98 edition of my book. I don't think a lot has changed. lisa@funeralethics.org
You could also work to have a new law passed permitting one to name a designated agent for body disposition. About half the states already have such a law. That would allow you to name someone you trust to handle your after-death funeral affairs.
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