Death Records
Genealogists usually start their ancestor research with a death record, then move back in time. If you can’t find a death certificate for a relative, there are solutions. Even if you’ve found one death record, look for others. After all, different types of records might have different details, and they provide additional documentation that you have the correct death date and place.
State death certificate—Once statewide death recording began (in the early 1900s for most states), counties created standard-format death certificates and sent copies to the state vital records office. Mississippi began keeping death records in November 1912.
Burial permit—Cemeteries and funeral homes are good places to look for these records. As the name implies, burial permits are simply formal permission for a deceased person to be interred at a specific place.
Probate records—Probate records were created after a person passed away and their estate was distributed. In addition to relatives’ names and relationships, probate records can also include birth, marriage, and death dates.
Church death record—Churches often kept death and burial records, especially if the church had its own burial ground. Church records aren’t always easy to find, however, online tools have made the process much easier.
Cemetery Research
Discover where your ancestor is buried. Ask family members for information. Order a death certificate. Search the newspapers for an obituary. Use an online research website such as www.findagrave.com.
Take photographs of any and all signage around the cemetery, especially the name of the cemetery. Look for a caretaker's sign with rules and regulations or a Church sign indicating the cemetery may be linked to the Church
Find your ancestor’s burial site. Most times you just have to take off on foot to locate the burial site. Be prepared for lots of walking and take bottles of water with you. (NEVER LEAVE ANY LITTER IN THE CEMETERY)
Take photographs of your ancestor's tombstones and those buried surrounding your ancestors. As family members could be buried close by, this may be useful later in your research if you are related to some of those buried there.
Pay attention to the discrepancies in the names listed for your ancestors. For instance, my grandfather is listed on every record I have as L. J. Smith. Someone has listed him on www.findagrave.com as Louis J. Smith. Pay Attention to everything. Once you have visited the cemetery, you are ready to record the information in your family research.
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