Writing an obituary for someone you love is an important way to celebrate and honor their life. It acknowledges your loss, informs other family and friends of the death, and provides location details about the funeral home where the memorial service will be held. If you’ve never written this kind of text before, you may wonder where to begin. An obituary can be written any way you like, but here are some tips to help you get started.

5 Elements to Include in an Obituary

1. Death Announcement

The obituary should start off with your loved one’s full name, place of residence, age, and any details surrounding their death that you wish to mention. Some people will specify the cause of death, especially if they want to raise awareness about a specific disease or condition. This is not mandatory.

2. Brief Biography

You may not have room or time to complete a full history of their life, but you should include details about what made them who they were. For example, you might include veteran status, degrees they earned, volunteer work, and philanthropic causes they were passionate about. If you aren’t sure, speak to other friends and family members to gather information that sheds light on the person’s personality.

3. Genealogy

Include a list of surviving family members. Keep this short by specifying only immediate family. Parents, partners, siblings, and children are the most common. If yours is a large family, you can list the number of grandchildren they left behind rather than using names, for example.

4. Funeral Home Information

Mention the location of the funeral home where the memorial or service will be held. This ensures that anyone who wants to attend knows where to go. Include dates and times of the burial or cremation, and any additional locations guests should be aware of. Indicate if the services are private or public, and if you have any special requests for attendees, such as attire, flowers, or donations.

5. Photo

Finally, select a photo that shows your loved one’s personality. Many people use a service photo if the deceased was in the military, police, or other law enforcement positions. Look for a picture that makes you smile, which will help funeral guests recall their own fond memories of the deceased.

To arrange a funeral service for your loved one, contact Sosebee Funeral Home in Canton, GA. This funeral home has served the North Georgia area since 1940, offering compassionate, dignified care for families in their time of need. In addition to funeral work, they provide pre-planning options. Visit their website to read recent obituaries or call (770) 479-2131 to discuss your needs.