Shuford-Hatcher Funeral Home manager Preston Peterson holds a picture of the funeral home's building on Frederick Street in its original form when completed in 1925. “For many people, rooms in this building were the last place they were able to spend time with a loved one; they will forever remember that moment and this place because of it.”

– PRESTON PETERSON, Shuford-Hatcher Funeral Home Manager F amilies are never more fragile than after the loss of a loved one.

Providing a small taste of home can help expedite the healing process, though the void is never truly filled.

One of the oldest funeral operations in Cherokee County, Shuford- Hatcher Funeral Home has assisted thousands of families since opening as both a furniture store and undertaking service in 1925. For years the business was synonymous with downtown Gaffney, its original building located on the 200 block of Frederick Street.

The newly renovated Shuford-Hatcher Funeral Home on Frederick Street includes a special room where families and friends can find a place of refuge and comfort during their time of grief. While technological innovations and the constant desire for newer and better drove the local funeral home to build another branch at Frederick Memorial Gardens in 2004, the want has always been there by certain people within the organization to restore life to the old building, which is rich in history to families and the business alike.

“For some, rooms in this building served as the last place they were able to spend time with a certain loved one; they will forever remember that moment and this place because of it,” said Shuford-Hatcher Funeral Home Manager Preston Peterson. “I have always loved this building. Some newer buildings may have all the modern technology a man can buy, but there is something about these older ones. They are landmarks laden in character.”

Wanting to make families as comfortable as possible during their time of grief, management at Shuford- Hatcher has spent the past few months renovating its Frederick Street location. The structure’s new look was revealed Thursday during an afternoon tour.

“When families come in, we want them to be as comfortable as possible. It is our job to help relieve whatever stresses and burdens they may be carrying during their time of grief,” Peterson said. “In many cases for them, this is home. This place is not one they will soon forget. We must ensure that though this is a difficult time, they are taken good care of.”

Placing new carpet on the home’s floors and a fresh coat of paint on its walls were primarily what the job entailed, trying to add flair to the building’s public areas, where families will spend most of their time during and after viewings and funeral services.

In addition, several reading chairs and couches were added to provide a comforting setting.

A family gathering room and private sitting area – which families can use when wanting to be secluded – also were part of the renovation project.

“We used to see chairs lining the walls, and people basically lining up and waiting for several minutes before having the chance to offer words of comfort. Now we have enough space to let them mingle a bit, which we have found works much better,” Peterson said. “Comfort is our goal.”

In the future, Shuford-Hatcher plans to do an overhaul of the sound system in the building’s chapel as well as complete a state-of-the art selection room in which families can look at all the necessary components in planning a funeral.

Services will soon begin at the funeral home, with the building’s open house scheduled to take place in September. Shuford-Hatcher has no plans to close its branch at Frederick Memorial Gardens, however.

“We’re still keeping the other place, but there is nothing like being here (at the Frederick Street location),” Peterson said. “I’m so glad we’re back.”