In my husband's family, especially his mother's side, all her brothers and brother in laws were ministers 12 siblings] and several of their sons are ministers. There were some who had fulltime jobs and were still ministers - older uncles would later become deacons. So, when you read their obits - usually several family members - nephews etc. were part of the service. I imagine it would be considered an honor to be part of the service. As for "special nieces/nephews" I have no idea -