Grief Expert Helps Community Members Prepare for the Holidays

Morris-Baker’s Fourth Annual Gift Supporting Niswonger Children’s Hospital

At Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, we believe in honoring those who serve our community with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. This week, we had the privilege of celebrating our local emergency workers with a special lunch, hosted in partnership with our friends at Firehouse Restaurant. This event is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition rooted in gratitude and memory. We remember with deep appreciation how our local firefighters stood by our former owner, Carson Baker, after the passing of his beloved wife, Dot Baker. Their kindness during that difficult time left a lasting impression on our family and our funeral home. After Dot’s passing, Carson found comfort in the unwavering support of his friends at the fire station. Their kindness went far beyond duty—they offered him companionship, shared meals, and a sense of belonging during one of the hardest times in his life. That generosity and friendship will never be forgotten. Today, we carry on that tradition. By serving lunch to our emergency workers, we honor not only their service but also the legacy of kindness and connection that Mr. Baker cherished so deeply. To all our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and first responders—thank you. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and your compassion will always be remembered. With heartfelt gratitude, Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services Family

We have news to share! We are truly humbled to announce that Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been honored with the 2024 Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association! This award put us among the world’s most distinguished funeral homes, known for delivering extraordinary service while adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards. A big thank you to the NFDA for bestowing this incredible honor on our team!

If you or someone you know could benefit from grief support, please make plans to attend one of our upcoming in-person, grief support groups. We meet the first and third Tuesday of every month at Everlan of Johnson City. Next meeting is November 5th at 5pm.

Preparing their favorite meal is a great way to remember a loved one.

Tomorrow is National Check Your Meds Day, a time to bring your prescription medications to your pharmacist or physician for a comprehensive review. Can’t go today? Call your pharmacist or doctor any time you have questions or need a medication review.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most people know someone who is battling or has battled breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds women (and men ) that monthly breast cancer exams should be a regular part of one's self-care.

When Imelia McAllister was studying criminal justice at East Tennessee State University, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduation. One of the professional fields that interested her was funeral service, so she began exploring it. “I was looking into mortuary school,” Imelia says, “but I didn’t want to rush into it because I wanted to be positive that it was the right step for me.” When Imelia saw the job posting in front office administration at Morris-Baker, she decided to apply. “I liked the fact that it was a family-owned business, and everyone was so nice when I came to interview,” she says. “I started here with reception hoping to see how I would feel about becoming a funeral director.” Imelia did see. As the months passed—and her skills and knowledge deepened—she learned a lot more about the field. “I decided that becoming a director wasn't for me, but I have also discovered that I enjoy working on the administrative side and helping out in that way.” She has also discovered how different a funeral service staff can be in contrast to the stereotype. “You see all these portrayals of people in the funeral business as being very stuffy and strict, but everyone that I have talked to in this business is so kind and funny and just a delight to be around,” she says. She adds, “Everyone here is so helpful. They really make me feel like there are no stupid questions.” There never will be. We’re happy that Imelia came to Morris-Baker and that although path might not have been the one she thought she would be on, that she’s on a path with us.

The GriefPlan Video Program is available on our website . This program includes more than 65 brief videos and 50 activity sheets that answer the most common questions about grief as well as provides a step-by-step guide to heal, remember, and rebuild after loss. Morris-Baker Funeral Home is proud to offer Dr. Troyer's GriefPlan program to our entire community free of charge.