What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written tribute that announces a person’s passing while honoring their life story, relationships, accomplishments, personality, and legacy. It may be published online, in a newspaper, inside a funeral program, or shared as part of a memorial tribute.

A well-written obituary does more than announce a death. It preserves family history, celebrates a life lived, and gives loved ones a meaningful way to remember someone special.

Step 1: Gather the Important Details

Before writing, collect the basic information you will need. This helps make sure the obituary is accurate and complete.

• Full legal name
• Nickname or preferred name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Date of passing
• Age at passing
• City and state of residence
• Education
• Career or profession
• Military service, if applicable
• Church, ministry, or spiritual affiliation
• Community involvement

Step 2: Begin With the Announcement of Passing

Start the obituary by respectfully announcing the passing of your loved one. This opening should include their name, age, date of passing, and a short description of who they were.

Step 3: Tell Their Life Story

The life story is the heart of the obituary. This section gives readers a picture of who your loved one was, where they came from, what they accomplished, and what mattered most to them.

You may include details about their childhood, education, marriage, family life, career, faith, hobbies, service, and personal character.

Step 4: Include Family Members

Most obituaries include family members who survive the deceased, along with loved ones who preceded them in death.

Survived By

• Spouse
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Great-grandchildren
• Parents
• Siblings
• Nieces, nephews, cousins, and close loved ones

Preceded in Death

This may include parents, spouse, siblings, children, grandparents, or other close family members who passed before them.

Step 5: Share Their Personality, Passions, and Legacy

The most meaningful obituaries include personal details that reflect the person’s heart and character.

• Were they known for kindness, wisdom, humor, faith, strength, or generosity?
• Did they love music, cooking, gardening, fishing, sports, traveling, teaching, or serving others?
• What memories will family and friends hold onto most?

These details help the obituary feel personal, warm, and memorable.

Step 6: Add Funeral or Memorial Service Information

If services are open to family, friends, or the public, include the service details clearly.

• Viewing or visitation date and time
• Funeral or memorial service date and time
• Church, chapel, or venue name
• Address
• Interment or burial location
• Repass or reception information, if applicable

Step 7: End With a Meaningful Closing Tribute

The closing should leave readers with comfort, love, and remembrance. You may include a final tribute, scripture, prayer, quote, or family message.

Popular Scriptures for an Obituary

• Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
• John 14:1: “Let not your heart be troubled.”
• Matthew 25:23: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
• 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Obituary Writing Checklist

• Full name
• Birth and passing dates
• Age
• Life story
• Family members
• Career or accomplishments
• Faith, hobbies, or personal interests
• Service information
• Final tribute, quote, or scripture
• Correct spelling of all names

Final Thoughts

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving. Take your time, gather information from family, and focus on honoring your loved one with truth, dignity, and love.

An obituary does not have to be perfect. It simply needs to tell the story of a life that mattered.

Every life has a story. Every family carries a legacy. Every loved one deserves to be remembered with care.