Video: EMCC Mortician Program

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SCOOBA, Miss.(WCBI)–Thirty-One new students and others returning to the campus of East Mississippi Community College are preparing to receive instruction from a very important program we often forget about. Since 1975 Funeral Services Technology has been producing a large number of the morticians in North Mississippi.

If all goes well, some of the students are hoping to be among the 40th graduating class of EMCC’s rigid Funeral Services Technology Program.

“We do have some that don’t return even after one semester. They don’t realize how intense this program is,” said Octavia E. Dickerson/Program Director.

In addition to academics, they can expect to be called upon to consol a family in their time of loss of a loved one.

“Yes sir we are well prepared and well taught to handle any grief process that we may encounter,” said Keith Haynie/Corinth.

“You know everybody doesn’t go through the same stages and they are not in a particular order but you know people go through different stages of grief when they have a love one that passes,” said Octavia Dickerson.

Not all, but for some this means taking over the family business. A student from Florida’s father has been in the business of burying the dead for about 30 years. Smooth transition for her.

“I lot of experience cause he has been doing it for a long time so I’m pretty you know like well known with the business and the school and the program and everything,” said Tayler Jennings/Florida.

“I’ve been here now six months and I’ve been working in the funeral business. And I hope to be able to one day run it so I’m looking forward to getting my license and learn all the things my dad has learned to further our business,” said Kenny Cheek/Okolona.

A stable well respected and financially sound profession, that alone is motivation for the students to complete their course of study.

“That is not the reason I got into it. That has nothing to do with it. Its just something God led me to do I believe. Never even thought about the money part,” said Amanda Eaves/EMCC Student.

“This is not for everybody you know you just got to have a certain type of heart. You know when we are in the prep room we see a lot of things and you got to have a heart to take that also. But you got to also go out there and be compassionate with that family,” said Octavia Dickerson.

EMCC Funeral Services also sponsor a golf tournament at Lion Hills in Columbus as a fundraiser for the program. To find out more call 662-386-3233.