Memorials received well by public

The recent deaths of celebrities Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson spurred the funeral home to set up tribute pages on its website for the fallen stars.

"We've gotten several candles lit and several comments on our website," French told The Brazil Times. "I think it's been well received."

This is not the first time the funeral home has set up tributes for celebrities.

French said the funeral home had put together register books for Princess Diana and for Dale Earnhardt Sr.

"People were offered to come in to the funeral home and sign a register book," French said. "This time, we opted to leave it open on the Internet so it's more accessible for everybody. It's more convenient."

French said the funeral home opted to set up the pages on its website for people in the community to offer condolences to the fallen stars.

"Someone, whether it be someone local or a national celebrity, they've touched the lives of a lot of people," French said. "A lot of times, people feel they have to do something, whether it be a comment or something more personal than that.

"It's just human nature to have a desire to try to do something to help."

French said the register books that were signed for Princess Diana and for Earnhardt were sent to their families. French said the funeral home intends to send comments for McMahon, Fawcett and Jackson to their families as well.

"We want to let those people know people in our community offered condolences," French said. "People feel the need to express their concern to the families and this gives them an opportunity to do that."

To leave comments or to light candles for McMahon, Fawcett or Jackson, those interested may visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com and click on memorials.