Life is precious, and we must do what we can to make it worthwhile. However, the time will come when a loved one will pass, making us feel lost. They won’t know what it will look like, but as the deceased’s loved ones, it’s up to us to ensure they get a proper send-off. There’s no better way of doing this than writing an obituary.
In any funeral service, an obituary lets the mourners know what their loved one was like and what they took with them. It’s a way of saying goodbye and letting people see the life they created. However, not many people know how to write one, especially since they’re in the process of grieving. For this reason, we’ve gathered some tips to help you write the best obituary for a deceased loved one. These include:
#1 – Start by Announcing the Death
Any good obituary will start with an announcement of death. It will give some basic demographic information, such as the deceased’s name, date of birth, and place of birth. This lets the reader know more details about the circumstances regarding the deceased’s death. For example, you can write something like “Stephen Nelson, aged 59, died yesterday, April 13, due to a fatal accident.”
#2 – Discuss the Deceased’s Interests and Achievements
A good obituary will discuss the accomplishments and interests of the deceased. This lets the reader know how the deceased lived, offering insight into their character. For example, you can write something like, “Stephen Nelson was a devoted husband who worked tirelessly for most of his life out of love for his family. He also enjoyed watching movies, especially the science fiction genre.”
#3 – List Their Family Members
Family is important, and grieving people need to feel loved and supported. Therefore, a good obituary will list the family members of the deceased. This gives your loved ones a feeling of closure, making it easier for them to accept the loss of their loved ones. For example, you can write something like “Stephen Nelson is survived by his wife, Christine, and his three children, Stephen Jr., Mary, and Lois.”
#4 – Include Funeral Information
Many readers may be thinking about attending the funeral of the deceased. Therefore, it’s essential to let them know the details, such as the time and place of the funeral. For example, you can write something like, “The funeral service for Stephen Nelson will be held today, April 14, at the First Baptist Church of Ohio at 2:00 PM. The family and friends of Stephen Nelson are cordially invited.”
#5 – Inform People of What to Send
This may seem like a weird piece of advice, but it’s essential to inform people who write an obituary to let the readers know what to send. This will ensure that people will get everything they need to send to the deceased’s family. For example, you can write something like, “In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the American Heart Association.”
#6 – Choose Their Best Photo
As with any obituary, you should include a photograph of the deceased. This will let the readers remember the deceased as they look in their photo. They’ll tell you to use a recent photo of the person, but you’ll want to make sure to use the photo that shows them at their happiest. It’s not just a reminder of their life, but a reminder of the kind of person they were.
Conclusion
If you’re a loved one of the deceased, it’s important to remember that writing an obituary is a way of saying goodbye. As such, even if you’re grieving, you want to ensure that the obituary is well-written. All that matters is celebrating the life of the deceased and the impact they had on other people.
If you’re looking for cemeteries in Jacksonville, FL, Evergreen JAX is the place for you. We understand how precious life is, so we ensure they will get the send-off they deserve when you work with us. Call (904) 353-3649 and see how we can help!
