This was the first time I had to make final arrangements for a family member and didn't know what to expect. This was for my disabled sister, daughter of a retired Veteran. Gayla Howington and Elizabeth Brandenburg had taken the time to understand my situation and were so helpful. Gayla helped secure approval from the V.A. to have my sister interred at Jacksonville National Cemetery, which was a blessing for our family. Elizabeth was there for me when Gayla was out of the office, helping me along the way. Robert Dean was assigned to conduct the services. Everything went so smoothly and he was incredible. So glad they were there for me in this most difficult time of my life.

I have had two of my relatives Go through this funeral home. They were the worst looking dead people I've ever seen. This place doesn't know how to prepare dead people for viewing both of their faces look the same. Their faces look like they were melting. I have never seen dead people look like this in all my life and I'm 60 years old. I would never send another relative through this funeral home. It's the worst presentation I've ever seen of a dead person. My father paid for his funeral in advance. Had he known he would look like the joker from Batman, I'm sure he would have went somewhere else. My father and my aunt were prepared for viewing by this funeral home and whoever prepares the dead people here and dresses them are amateurs. I should have sued these people. I've been to many funerals in my life from small towns in Georgia to funerals here in Jacksonville, but this is the first time any of my relatives has been through this facility . I don't think they know how to handle dead people because their lips are stretched out like a clown and their ears are falling down , like I said, they look like their faces were melted. I've never seen anything like it. It's very disturbing to look at a dead person from heritage gidden's funeral home. I can't believe this place is still in business the way they prepare the dead people. I was very disturbed. Looking at my father. He didn't look natural at all. His face looks like it was melting. Save yourself. Unwanted grief. Do not send any of your loved one through this place. Believe me this place is full of amateurs .

I recently had the experience of working with Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home in Mandarin, and I can't thank their entire staff enough for their incredible support. Special mention to: Nick who was incredibly sweet, helpful and kind and made the process easy and handled so many details so our family had no stress during the preparation. Dean who was an absolute rock on the day of the funeral and made sure everything went perfectly. He went above and beyond and it was such a comfort having him there to make sure everything was perfect. Elizabeth was there for us to make sure we had all the tools we needed and showed us such compassion and kindness- a true professional. They made a tough time a lot easier for my family and me and I will be forever grateful.