Grief Resources

Holding a funeral or memorial service for your loved one is a positive first step in the grieving process. Family members and friends get a chance to say their goodbyes, and at the same time, they get to share strong feelings with one another.

In the days, weeks and months following the service, people continue to need others to lean on for understanding, encouragement and guidance. For that reason, many local and national support groups have formed. These groups provide a common place and a comforting environment for expressing emotions through each phase of the grieving process. To learn more, click on the links below, or discuss grief counseling and support options with your funeral director.

The Oakey Collection – Resources for End-of-Life Issues

The Oakey Collection at Roanoke Public Libraries offers resources for bereaved families and bereavement caregivers dealing with end-of-life issues. The collection, in memory of Samuel G. Oakey, II, includes materials for children and adults in both English and Spanish. Though primarily books, readers will also find videos, books on cassette and a magazine. Topics covered by the collection include: 

• Psychology of death
• Grief and loss, funeral rites and customs
• Afterlife & spirituality
• Dealing with chronic illness
• Caregiving & Hospice Care
• Pain management
• Suicide
• Death of a child
• Helping teens & children to cope with the loss of a loved one
• Living wills & Ethical wills
• Legal issues 

Those interested in The Oakey Collection may contact the Reference Department at the Roanoke City Library. The telephone number is (540) 853-2477.