Weekend event included prayer service, ribbon cutting

A project that began with planning in late 2020 was finally wrapped up on East Elm Street in downtown Rockmart, and the community was able to come out and visit on Saturday to see all the work that has been completed at a newly rededicated Freeman Harris Funeral Home.

Victory Baptist Pastor Barry Snapp and First Baptist of Rockmart Pastor Jason Odom both offered prayers for the funeral home staff to continue to offer their help to families during times of grief in Rockmart and the surrounding area during a service on Saturday that was part of a three-hour open house of Freeman Harris Funeral Home.

Now serving customers in their 80th year as Freeman Harris, the offices and chapel went through a complete renovation inside and out during the past months. Manager Nathan Womack noted that it came after finding repairs that needed to be completed, and hearing from families about what they would like to see after they used Freeman Harris Funeral Home Services in the past.

“We decided to do a complete remodeling project,” he said. “The way we always looked at it is, whatever hotel you go to whether it be a Hilton or a fly-by-night hotel, you go in and pay your fee and the carpet is vacuumed, the sheets are changed, and the like… We want people to feel like they are being taken care of in the same kind of environment, one that you would call home.”

Mayor Sherman Ross also offered up his appreciation for the funeral home’s makeover on East Elm Street during the service, where he also provided a proclamation honoring Freeman Harris Funeral Home’s longevity in the serving the community, and for hopes of many more years to come.

“To see our gateway streets improved and beautified coming into the central downtown district, and this is a great impetus for others to follow here on Elm Street,” Ross added.

Following the service Saturday, the Chamber joined with the Freeman Harris Funeral Home family for a ribbon cutting ceremony on the front steps, and the public was invited in for refreshments and to tour around and see all the changes that have been made.

Anyone interested in learning more about the improvements at Freeman Harris Funeral Home, or just want to learn about the services they offer families, can do so by calling 770-684-6551 or visiting their website.