When someone we love passes away, one of the first written tributes created in their honor is the obituary. It may appear in a newspaper, a funeral program, a church bulletin, or online. But beyond the announcement of death, an obituary serves a deeper purpose: it tells a life story.
Whether you are writing for a funeral program, a newspaper, a family reunion book, or a historical archive, understanding what a typical obituary should include can make the process clearer and more meaningful.
The Purpose of an Obituary
An obituary does three important things:
- Announces a passing
- Summarizes a life
- Preserves memory
It is both practical and personal. It informs the public, but it also reflects the character, values, and legacy of the person who has died.
Essential Elements of a Typical Obituary
While styles vary by region, culture, and family preference, most traditional obituaries include the following sections:
1. Full Name and Dates
Start with the person’s full name, including maiden name if applicable, along with:
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Age at death
Example:
Mary Elizabeth Johnson (June 3, 1945 – February 12, 2024)
This opening establishes identity clearly and respectfully.
2. Birth and Family Background
This section usually includes:
- Place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Early upbringing
For historical or genealogical purposes, including parents’ full names is extremely valuable. In modern newspaper obituaries, this section is often shorter.
3. Education
Education may include:
- Schools attended
- Highest grade completed
- Degrees earned
- Certifications or special training
For earlier generations, even noting completion of elementary school can be significant, especially in communities where educational access was limited.
4. Marriage and Children
A traditional obituary lists:
- Spouse(s)
- Date of marriage (if known)
- Children (often in birth order)
Many obituaries also separate:
- Those who preceded them in death
- Those who survive them
Example phrasing:
She was preceded in death by her parents and one son.
She leaves to cherish her memory…
5. Occupation and Life’s Work
This section may include:
- Career or primary occupation
- Military service
- Community service
- Church membership
- Civic involvement
For many families, especially in rural or close-knit communities, church affiliation and community roles are central to a person’s identity.
6. Personal Qualities and Character
This is where the obituary becomes more than a record—it becomes a tribute.
You may include:
- Personality traits
- Hobbies
- Passions
- Favorite sayings
- The way they impacted others
Even a simple sentence like “She was known for her kindness and unwavering faith” adds warmth and humanity.
7. Cause of Death (Optional)
Including the cause of death is a personal choice.
- Modern obituaries often omit it.
- Historical or genealogical records may include it.
- In earlier eras, newspapers frequently listed causes of death.
Families should decide based on comfort and relevance.
8. Funeral and Burial Information
A typical obituary includes:
- Date and time of service
- Church or funeral home
- Cemetery location
In historical writing, the burial site is especially important for preserving family records.
Variations in Style
Obituaries generally fall into three categories:
1. Newspaper Obituary
Brief, factual, and structured for public announcement.
2. Funeral Program Obituary
Longer and more personal, often read aloud during services.
3. Historical or Genealogical Biography
More detailed, including social context, census references, occupations, land ownership, and health conditions of the era.
Each serves a different purpose, but all honor the same life.
A Simple Obituary Template
If you are unsure where to begin, this format works well:
- Name and Dates
- Early Life and Parents
- Education
- Marriage and Children
- Career and Community Involvement
- Death and Burial
- Closing Tribute or Legacy Statement
Why Obituaries Matter
An obituary is often the most accessible historical document about a person’s life. Generations later, it may be:
- The only written summary of their story
- A source of genealogical information
- A reflection of community values
When thoughtfully written, an obituary becomes more than an announcement. It becomes a bridge between generations.
It says: This life mattered. This story deserves to be remembered.
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