When you're driving through the historic streets of Jonesborough, Tennessee—the oldest town in the state—you can't really miss the sense of permanence. It is everywhere. The brick sidewalks, the storytelling vibe, the way people actually stop to talk. Right in the middle of that community fabric is Dillow Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough. It isn't just a building with a chapel. For most locals, it’s a landmark of collective memory.
Death is weird. Honestly, it’s the one thing we all face but no one wants to plan for until the 2:00 AM phone call happens. When that call comes in Washington County, Dillow-Taylor is usually the first name that pops up. They’ve been at this since the late 1800s. Think about that for a second. That is a staggering amount of local history contained within one business.
Why history matters in a modern funeral home
It’s easy to think that a funeral home is just a funeral home. You get the casket, you have the service, you go to the cemetery. But in a place like Jonesborough, the "who" behind the service matters almost as much as the "how." Dillow-Taylor has stayed rooted in a way that many corporate-owned funeral conglomerates simply can't replicate. They are a fixture of the community.
You’ve likely seen the classic architecture of their facility on West College Street. It fits the Jonesborough aesthetic perfectly. But the interior isn't just about looking old-fashioned; it’s designed to handle the logistical nightmare that grief often becomes. Most people don't realize that a funeral director is basically a part-time event planner, part-time therapist, and full-time legal navigator. They handle the death certificates, the social security notifications, and the obituary placements while you're still trying to remember how to breathe.
Services and the shift toward personalization
The days of the "one size fits all" funeral are basically over. While Dillow Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough still does the traditional viewings and church services that the South is known for, they’ve had to adapt.
- Traditional Burials: This is still the bedrock. It involves the visitation, a formal service, and the procession to a local spot like Maple Lawn Cemetery.
- Cremation: It’s becoming way more common, even in traditional areas. They offer direct cremation or cremation with a memorial service.
- Military Honors: Given the high veteran population in East Tennessee, they are deeply experienced in coordinating with the V.A. for honors.
I’ve talked to people who were surprised by how much paperwork is involved in a "simple" service. It is a lot. From choosing between a vault or a simple grave liner to deciding if you want a video tribute played on the screens, the decisions come fast.
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Dealing with the cost of saying goodbye
Let’s get real about the money. Funerals are expensive. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial is now well over $8,000. That doesn't even include the cemetery plot or the headstone.
At Dillow-Taylor, they tend to be transparent about their general price list (GPL). You have to ask for it—that's Federal Trade Commission law—but a good funeral home makes that conversation less awkward. They offer pre-planning services, which, honestly, is the kindest thing you can do for your kids. Nobody wants to be arguing about mahogany versus cherry wood while they’re crying in a selection room.
The Jonesborough connection
Jonesborough is a tight-knit place. If you go to a service at Dillow-Taylor, you’re probably going to see half the town. This communal aspect of grieving is something that big cities have lost, but Jonesborough keeps it alive. The staff there—folks like the late owner Jerry Taylor, who was a staple of the community for decades—understand that they aren't just serving a "client." They're serving a neighbor.
People often ask about the "Taylor" in the name. The Taylor family has been synonymous with funeral service in this region for generations. That kind of legacy creates a level of accountability. If they mess up, they don't just lose a customer; they have to face that person at the grocery store or at the International Storytelling Center.
Navigating the first 24 hours
If you are reading this because you just lost someone, take a second. Just one.
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The first step is always the same: call the funeral home. They handle the transport from the hospital or home. After that, you'll set an arrangement conference. You will need to bring clothes for your loved one, a photo for the obituary, and any discharge papers if they were a veteran.
Common misconceptions about the process
One thing people get wrong is the "embalming is required" myth. It actually isn't required by law for every situation, though most funeral homes require it if you’re having a public viewing. It’s a preservation thing. Another misconception? That you must buy the casket from the funeral home. You don't. You can buy one online and have it shipped there. However, most people find that the logistics of doing that during a crisis are just too much to handle, so they stick with the in-house options.
Practical steps for the immediate future
If you're in the middle of this right now, or just planning ahead because you're responsible, here is what you actually need to do next.
First, check for a "pre-need" contract. Many people in Jonesborough have already paid for their services years in advance. Check the filing cabinets. Check the safe deposit box. If there is a plan with Dillow Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough already on file, 90% of your stress just evaporated.
Second, gather the biographical info. You’ll need full legal name, social security number, parents' names (including mother's maiden name), and a list of surviving relatives. This goes into the permanent record and the obituary.
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Third, think about the "why" of the service. Is it for the person who passed, or the people left behind? Usually, it's both. Don't feel pressured into a massive, expensive production if a small, intimate gathering fits the personality of your loved one better.
Lastly, lean on the expertise of the directors. They have seen every possible family dynamic—the good, the bad, and the complicated. They are there to be the "adult in the room" when everything feels like it's falling apart.
Stop by the office on College Street if you have questions. They’re used to people just wanting to talk through the options before the need actually arises. It’s better to have those answers now than to guess them later when you're exhausted and grieving.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Locate Essential Documents: Find the social security card and any military discharge papers (DD-214) immediately.
- Request the GPL: Call or visit to get the General Price List so you can see a line-item breakdown of costs without any pressure.
- Designate a Point Person: If you're part of a large family, pick one person to be the primary contact for the funeral home to avoid communication meltdowns.
- Draft a Basic Obituary: Even a rough outline of life events can save you hours of stress during the arrangement meeting.