Do You Know the Secrets to Writing the Perfect Obituary?

By: VGFS
Monday, February 22, 2021

The obituary represents an opportunity to immortalize your loved one’s life story.

When a cherished person passes away, this task usually falls to bereaved family members. You may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility or you might be concerned that you won’t say the right things. These feelings are not uncommon, but in truth, drafting an obituary is a wonderful opportunity to capture your loved one’s memory in a beautiful and special way. Think of it as a chance to pay homage to your beloved with a meaningful final farewell. Read on for some tips to help you create a touching written tribute.

Start by compiling pertinent information. Common details that are woven into an obituary include:

  • Name of the departed (including maiden name and nicknames)
  • Dates and locations of birth, marriage, and passing
  • Schools attended
  • Place of employment and position held
  • Military service and status
  • Organization affiliations or membership (religious, civic groups, etc.)
  • Interests and hobbies
  • Cause of death (if you wish to include this information)
  • Family members who are predeceased and names of surviving loved ones (typically immediate family and partners or companions only)
  • Funeral or memorial service details if open to the public, including the date, time, and location
  • One or two charities people should donate to in honor of the deceased instead of sending flowers if you wish. You can use the phrase "in lieu of flowers" when memorial donations are requested. State the charity’s name and address or include a link to the organization’s website.
  • Special messages, such as a beloved bible verse or a meaningful line from a favorite poem
  • A photo of the departed

Accuracy matters.

Correctness and completeness when drafting your loved one’s obituary cannot be stressed enough. You only have one chance to write your loved one’s final tribute so check and double-check your facts. Names can easily be misspelled, dates can be incorrect, and key information can be missed. The best way to ensure accuracy is to proofread your document carefully several times. It’s also a good idea to have at least one other family member review the obituary before submitting it.

Tell a story.

While you need to include basic relevant information, you also want the obituary to be an engaging narrative. A long list of boring facts isn’t going to do much to generate interest in your loved one. Take time to think about favorite stories and fond memories you could share to shed light on your beloved’s personality and interests. You want readers to see who your loved one was, how they lived, and what they enjoyed.

Don’t be afraid to request input from others.

Ask family members, friends, and others who were close to your loved one for favorite memories or anecdotes that may be worth including in the obituary. In your grief, you may forget crucial details that should be included, so involving others can be a wonderful way to make sure no important information is overlooked. 

Write from your heart.

The most honest and potent impact you can make when drafting an obituary is by writing the way you speak. Skip the flowery language and clichés. Instead, keep it real. If you make your obituary open, honest, and respectful, you can’t go wrong.

Obituaries are an important way of remembering the people who meant the most to us.

They also pay tribute to the departed by sharing with the world the unique attributes and characteristics that made them so special. While many templates and step-by-step guides exist for writing an obituary, feel free to use your creativity. The most moving obituaries are often the ones that are the most original.

If you need help with the details related to a loved one’s passing or have funeral planning needs, our compassionate funeral directors are here to assist you. Please reach out to us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Military Funeral Traditions: Seven Ways to Remember America's Heroes on Veterans’ Day

Veterans’ Day presents an opportunity to express gratitude for those who have selflessly served in the United States armed forces. To ensure that the memory of these heroes lives on, it's fitting ...

The Best and Worst Sources of Protein, According to Nutritional Experts

From plant-based to animal-derived, sources of protein range from exceptional to the less-than-ideal. In the world of nutrition, protein is an undisputed superhero. It is essential for building mu...

Coping With Grief After Sudden Loss? Here are Seven Important Things to Know

Grief can engulf us when we least expect it, especially after the sudden loss of a loved one. This kind of grief is uniquely intense, plunging us into a confusing world where everything feels unfa...

Plan a Memorable Final Farewell with these Smart Fall Funeral Considerations

Surrounded by autumn's beauty and serenity, fall funeral planning offers special solace to the grieving. With its vibrant leaves and crisp air, autumn brings a sense of comfort, reflection, and no...

Experts Say These Eight Things Can Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol is a common health concern, but the good news is that there are ways to tackle it naturally. Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and maintaining heal...

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...

Do You Know the Signs of Dehydration? Seven Sneaky Symptoms That Might Surprise You

We pay close attention to the signs of dehydration we've grown accustomed to, but these less-apparent indictors are just as important. We all know staying hydrated is critical for good health, esp...

Planning Your Own Funeral? Here's Why That's a Smart Way to Go

Planning your funeral is an act of compassion that alleviates the stress on your family, allowing them to focus on healing and cherishing your memory. There are few things in life as poignant as c...