Writing an Obituary

A simple checklist for making sure your obituary honors and informs.

When a loved one has passed away, writing an obituary that honors their life can seem overwhelming. Don’t worry - your obituary will honor their life simply by the act of you writing it. You want to celebrate your loved one’s life and offer happy or enjoyable memories. You are helping to ease the pain of others simply by telling a story about your loved one.

We hope that this list will take the stress and pressure off of you and allow you to honor your loved one simply. Remember, your funeral arranger is an experienced professional, and he/she is a valuable resource for writing the obituary.

Part One: Biographical information

This is the person's birthplace, parents, education, and career.

  • John Davis Doe, 88, or Knightdale passed away on May 23, 2016 at Hock Family Pavillion. John was born April 20, 1928 to Harold and Maude Doe in Hillsborough, NC. He graduated from Ridgemont High School in 1945. He was a napkin salesman for the majority of his career and retired for Dunder Muffin Paper Company.

Part Two: Personalization

This includes hobbies, special interests, personality.

  • John was an avid reader and his hobbies included duck hunting and volunteering at the local animal shelter. John would travel to Alaska every two years to whale watch.

Part Three: Family

This includes the survivors, closest family members, even friends that meant a lot)

  • John is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Jane Anne Doe of Knightdale; son Calvin and his wife Taylor Doe of Raleigh; daughter Jackie and husband Ronald Smith of Wendell; brothers Carlos and Hobbs of Bahama; grandchildren Bobby and Minnie Doc Michael, June, and Sharon Smith.

Part Four: Services

This pertains to the date, time, place, any details of the funeral and related services.

  • Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, May 26, 2020 at Capital Funeral Home, 2205 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. Visitation will be held for friends and family will be held at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

Part Five: Donations

If the family prefers contributing to any charities rather than receive flowers or sympathy gifts.

  • In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity in John's Honor.

Things to remember:

  • Photo
  • Plan to publish several days prior to services