Our Annual Luminary Event
Southern Cremations & Funerals
Annual Luminary Event
A Night of Light, Love and Remembrance
For more than three decades, one tradition has stood at the heart of everything we do: our Annual Luminary Event. Each December, as the year draws to a close and the season of reflection begins, our three cemeteries become places of gentle light, shared memories and quiet connection. This event is not only a tradition, it is the most meaningful way we honor the families we serve and the loved ones they continue to hold close.
A Tradition Spanning More Than Three Decades
The Luminary Event takes place every year on the first Saturday of December in Fairburn and Marietta, and on the first Sunday of December in McDonough. For more than 30 years, families have gathered with us during these evenings to remember, to reflect and to find comfort in community. Many return year after year, often bringing children and grandchildren, turning remembrance into a legacy that spans generations.
Beginning more than 30 years ago as a simple yet heartfelt gesture of remembrance, our Luminary event has grown into a cherished tradition. What started as a modest gathering has become an annual moment of collective reflection, shaped by the families who return year after year. While details have evolved, the purpose has never changed: to honor life, preserve memory and create a space where families feel supported, remembered and never alone.
Our Most Important Tribute to the Families We Serve
Among all the services and events we offer throughout the year, the Luminary Event holds a special place. It is our most important event because it exists solely for one purpose: to honor the families we serve and the lives of those they love.
We understand that the holiday season can be especially difficult for those who are grieving. This evening is intentionally designed to meet families where they are—without expectations, without formality and without pressure. Whether someone attends every year or joins us for the first time, the message remains the same: you are welcome here and your loved one is remembered.
Thousands of Candles, One Act of Love
As night falls, the cemetery grounds are transformed by thousands of candles, carefully placed along pathways, memorial areas and gathering spaces. Each flame represents a life remembered, a bond that endures and a story that continues to matter.
One of the most touching moments occurs quietly each year. Families often step forward to help light candles not only for their own loved ones, but also on behalf of families who were unable to attend. These spontaneous acts of kindness, embody the true spirit of the event. Even when families cannot be present, their loved ones are still honored, remembered and surrounded by light.
Music, Warmth and Simple Comforts
Soft, reflective music fills the air throughout the evening, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere and offering comfort beyond words. The melodies invite families to slow down, reflect and connect with memories in their own way.
To bring warmth to the December night, we offer hot beverages and cookies, small gestures that carry great meaning. Sharing a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or a simple cookie often becomes an opportunity for quiet conversation, connection and mutual support. These moments of hospitality transform the evening into more than a ceremony. It becomes a true community gathering.
The Angel Tree: Names That Live On
At the heart of the event stands the Christmas Angel Tree, one of the most beloved traditions of the night. Families are invited to write the name of a loved one on a paper angel and place it on the tree, creating a collective memorial filled with handwritten tributes.
As the tree fills, it becomes a powerful visual reminder that remembrance is an act of love. Each angel tells a story. For children, it offers a gentle way to participate; for adults, it provides a moment of intention and reflection. An opportunity to honor someone who continues to live in memory.
Carrying the Light Forward
As the evening draws to a close and most families begin to leave, when the cold of the night starts to settle in, the cemeteries remain illuminated for several more hours. Thousands of candles continue to burn quietly, creating profoundly beautiful images in an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
In those final moments, when everything grows still, the light seems to speak for itself reminding us that love and memory endure long after the night deepens.
For more than 30 years, the Luminary Event has reminded us that love does not end with loss, and that remembrance is strongest when shared. Families leave with a sense of peace, connection and reassurance knowing their loved ones are remembered, not just once a year, but always.
It is an honor to continue this tradition and to walk alongside the families who trust us with their memories—lighting the way, together, one candle at a time.
To Learn More About Our Luminary Services:
FAIRBURN:
431 SW Broad Street
Fairburn, GA 30213
(770) 964-7833
MCDONOUGH:
640 McGarity Road
McDonough, GA 30252
(770) 629-0026
MARIETTA:
1861 Dallas Hwy
Marietta, GA 30064
(770) 637-1486