Southern Funeral Homes-Durant Obituaries

A Legacy of Compassion and Care: Southern Funeral Homes-Durant

Southern Funeral Homes-Durant has been a pillar of the Durant, Mississippi community for years, providing compassionate and professional funeral services to families in their time of need. Located at 300 West Madison Street, Durant, MS, 39063, this esteemed funeral home has built a reputation for its commitment to excellence, dignity, and respect.

A History of Trust and Tradition

Founded on a foundation of trust, tradition, and community involvement, Southern Funeral Homes-Durant has become synonymous with quality funeral care. The funeral home's experienced staff is dedicated to honoring the memories of loved ones, while providing support and guidance to those who are grieving. With a rich history in the region, Southern Funeral Homes-Durant has earned the trust of generations of families, who have come to rely on their expertise and compassion.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Charles Pickle - March 16, 1961 - June 23, 2019

Departed: 06/23/2019 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Charles Lee Pickle of Durant passed away Sunday 6/23/19 at MS Memorial Hospital in Jackson. He is survived by his mother Patricia Pickle of Durant, his son Charlie Pickle of Pitsview, AL, his daughters Christina Gray and Cheryl Pickle of Vicksburg, his brothers C.D. Pickle, Jr. of Parchman, MS and David Pickle of Durant, his sisters Deborah Wheeler of Durant, Beth Engelmann of Durant and Sue Mills of Pizgah, MS and 6 grandchildren and 1 great grand child. Memorial service will be held at a later date.

View Full Obituary

Marlin Giles - October 25, 1964 - May 10, 2018

Departed: 05/10/2018 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Marlin Giles.

View Full Obituary

Joe Burrell - December 12, 1927 - March 19, 2018

Departed: 03/19/2018 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Joe Burrell.

View Full Obituary

George Thomas - July 16, 1922 - February 12, 2018

Departed: 02/12/2018 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for George Thomas.

View Full Obituary

Hanson Jenkins - March 05, 1932 - September 21, 2017

Departed: 09/21/2017 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Hanson Jenkins, Jr. 85, died at his home on September 21, 2017. A graveside service will be 2 pm Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Seneasha Cemetery in Goodman.

View Full Obituary

James Cade - January 09, 1936 - August 26, 2017

Departed: 08/26/2017 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: James "Knotty"Cade,81,died August 26,2017at Greenwood Leflore Hospital in Greenwood,MS. Visitation will be 9:30 am Monday, August 26, 2017 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Services will follow at 11 am. Burial will be in Smyra Cemetery in Attala County.

Mr. Cade was in construction and a member of Unity Baptist Church. He is survived by his brother, William Cade of West, MS.

View Full Obituary

Katie Green - June 28, 1936 - June 20, 2017

Departed: 06/20/2017 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Katie Louise Parkerson Green, 80, died June 20, 2017 at the Vaiden Community Living Center. A graveside service will be 2 pm Thursday, June 22, 2017 in Mizpah Cemetery - Durant, MS.

View Full Obituary

Thomas Land - December 08, 1953 - May 26, 2017

Departed: 05/26/2017 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Thomas Mitchell ”Mitch” Land, 63, of Durant, MS died Friday May 26th at University Medical Center in Jackson, MS. A celebration of his life was held at First Baptist Church in Durant, MS on Monday, May 29 at 2:00 pm with burial followed at Mizpah Cemetery. Mitch was the son of Arthur and Virginia McLellan Land. He was proceeded in death by first wife Gloria Maddox Land, his parents, brother Tim Land; beloved family friend Beaulah Ladner; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws: Mary Crowe, Irene Pike, Helena Pike, Bobby Pike and Johnny Pike; nieces and nephews: Trae Land, Andy Autry, April Autry McNeal, Eddie Pike and Adam Pike.

Mitch attended First Baptist Church in Durant where he served his Lord through many ministries. He was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. With his love for music and singing, he was both a church choir member and a soloist. He was called upon frequently to render “Beulah Land” at funerals. Mitch was a retired Dietary Manager from the Holmes County Hospital and Long Term Care. He was a member of the MS Dietary Manager’s Association and Mississippi won the National Distinguished Service Award during his tenure as state president. He was on the school board for the Durant School District serving many years as the president. He was also a Gideon in the Holmes County Camp. Some people only knew Mitch as the “McAdams” Auctioneer and he was well known for his cooking skills, He was also a talented painter, Dolly Parton fan, and a firm believer in wearing a hat . He enjoyed fishing and bird hunting as a young man. During the last weekend of July he was fixture at the Neshoba County Fair enjoying cabin life and particularly loving the horseraces.

He was survived by his wife, Betty Pike Land, children: Ginny Land Hill (Danny), Timothy Land and Lamar Land; Grandsons: Thomas Maddox Hill and Levi Collins Hill; Siblings: oldest brother Art Land and wife Anne, sons Jeff and Bobby; sister-in-law Kathy Land and son Ben; and youngest, kidney donor brother Sandy Land, wife Carol and children Amy, Ashley, Erin, Mandy and Dain; “play daughter” Lindsey Netherland Killebrew and beloved friend and honorary family member Patricia Frizell Seamster.

View Full Obituary

Kenneth Kyzer - August 22, 1952 - November 13, 2016

Departed: 11/13/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Ross Kyzer, 64, died November 13, 201 at his daughter's home in Bogue Chitto, MS. Funeral services will be 2 pm Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Visitation will begin at 12 noon prior to the service.

Ross was a retired mechanic for Phil's Body Shop and a member of Bowlin Baptist Church.

View Full Obituary

Walter Young - October 06, 1930 - August 22, 2016

Departed: 08/22/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Walter Young.

View Full Obituary

Pamela Rucker - August 07, 1963 - August 20, 2016

Departed: 08/20/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Pamela Nanette Alexander Rucker, 53, was granted her angel wings on August 20, 2016. Her final days were spent with her family and loved ones by her side.

Born on August 7, 1963 in Lexington, Mississippi, Pam was a lifetime resident of Durant, Mississippi.

Pam was many things to many people, touching their lives in various ways. She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to all in her short life. Her devotion to her husband and children was evident in the time she spent supporting and caring for them. Through the years, she loved watching her son and daughter participate in multiple sports. She found pure joy in attending her children’s sporting events. Pam was an alumni and supporter of Mississippi State University. She loved cheering on the Bulldogs.

Pam was a dedicated employee of the USDA Farm Service Agency, proudly serving area farmers for thirty years.

Also important to Pam, was her church family. She was a member and pianist at the First United Methodist Church in Durant, MS, where she served the Lord with gladness.

She is survived by her husband, Steven Anthony “Duck” Rucker of Durant; her son, Steven Kyle Rucker and wife, Megan, of Starkville; her daughter, Kelly Rucker, of the home, and friend, Austin Pritchard; her loving parents, Louis and Lucy Alexander of Durant; sister, April Marrone and husband, Guy Marrone; nieces, Olivia Grace and Cecilia Marrone of Bentonville, AR.

Arrangements are with Southern Funeral Home. Visitation will be at First United Methodist Church of Durant, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, Monday, August 22nd, service to immediately follow. Burial will be at Mizpah Cemetary in Durant.

View Full Obituary

Lisa Edwards - December 14, 1966 - August 06, 2016

Departed: 08/06/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Lisa Edwards, 49, went to be with the Lord on August 6, 2016. She is originally from Clarksdale, MS but lived the last several years in Brandon, MS before moving to Jonesboro, AR 5 months ago.

Funeral services will be held at Southern Funeral Home in Durant, MS on Thursday, August 11th at 11:30 a.m. Prior to the service, visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held at West Cemetery in West, MS immediately following the service.

Lisa is survived by her mother, Ann Edwards; 3 sisters La’Raye Luckett (Homer), Angela Jolly (William), Lana Gillon (Hugh); nephew Hunter Gillon; nieces Corley Mullins, Ashley Jolly, Haley Jolly, Katie Gillon; great niece and nephew, Lucy and Will Mullins; and special family pet, Socks.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ray Edwards; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Bishop; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards; and nephew Will Luckett.

She was a member of the former Cherry Street Baptist Church in Clarksdale, MS. She graduated from Clarksdale High School and attended Phillips Community College in West Helena, AR.

Lisa loved animals, music, computers, and reading. She suffered from complications with her heart, diabetes, and many other illnesses that plagued her most of her life. Several years ago, she lost her eyesight due to diabetic retinopathy.

View Full Obituary

Pauline Horne - July 23, 1924 - August 04, 2016

Departed: 08/04/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Pauline McLellan Horne, 92, retired postal service employee, died August 4, 2016 in Greenwood, MS. Graveside services will be 3 pm Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Seneasha Cemetery in Attala County. Visitation will be from 1:30 until 2:30 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Burial will be in Seneasha Cemetery.

View Full Obituary

Kala Keith - June 22, 1958 - July 15, 2016

Departed: 07/15/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Kala Darlene Keith, 58, died July 15, 2016 at the Baptist Hospital in Jackson. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Interment will be at a later date in White Oak Cemetery in Clay, Kentucky.

Kala was a member of Durant First United Methodist Church and the owner of the Pink Flamingo Flowers and Craft Shop.

View Full Obituary

Dora Parkinson - January 11, 1932 - July 15, 2016

Departed: 07/15/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Dora Bunch Parkinson, 84, went home to be with her Lord on July 15, 2016 at Highland Home in Ridgeland surrounded by her beloved family.

Visitation will begin at 1:30 with services to follow at 3:00 on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at First United Methodist Church Durant. Interment will follow at Mizpah Cemetery.

Mrs. Parkinson was born January 11, 1932, in Benton, MS to the late Jack and Maude Bunch. After graduating high school she attended Holmes Jr. College in Goodman, MS. While there she met the love of her life Boyette S. Parkinson, Jr. when he returned from the Korean Conflict. They married and remained in Holmes County where she had a long career in banking and shared in her husband’s farming and cattle operation. In 1999 she retired from Holmes County bank after many years of service.

Momma D loved to read, sing in the choir, serve in her church, and cook for her family. During retirement she was devoted to volunteering and serving as an Alderwoman for the City of Durant. Along with her career and raising a family, she had a deep devotion to First United Methodist Church where she served in many aspects of the church.

She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend Boyette S. Parkinson, Jr., infant daughter Debbie, son Steve and her brothers Jack Lee Bunch and James Paul Bunch. She is survived by son Terry and wife Toni Parkinson of Pickens, MS, son Jeff and wife Juanita Parkinson of Durant, MS, eight grandchildren Jennifer Parkinson Cantrell, Lacy Parkinson Cunningham, Sloan Parkinson, Hanna Parkinson, Abbie Parkinson, Allie Parkinson, Ashleigh Parkinson and Collin Parkinson; four great grandchildren, Finley and Lottie Cantrell and James and Mattie Cunningham

Her family is so grateful for her compassionate caregivers Shirley Hughes, Lou Della Banks, the staff at Highland Home and PAX Hospice. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Durant, 213 West Madison, Durant, MS 39063 or to PAX Hospice, 359 Towne Center Blvd., Ridgeland, MS 39157

View Full Obituary

Madeline Gallagher - April 17, 1996 - May 12, 2016

Departed: 05/12/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Madeline Grace Gallagher, 20, died May 12, 2016 in Grenada County. Visitation will be Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 5 pm til 7 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Funeral services will be Monday, May 16, 2016 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Durant. Burial will be in Brister Cemetery in Durant.

View Full Obituary

Warren Burrell - February 02, 1938 - May 06, 2016

Departed: 05/06/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Warren Burrell, 78, died May 6, 2016 at his home. Visitation will be Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 5 pm til 7 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Funeral services will be 11 am Monday, May 9, 2016 also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Seneasha Cemetery in Goodman.

Mr. Burrell was the owner of Vaiden Piggly Wiggly for 13 years and a member of Vaiden Baptist Church.

View Full Obituary

Rev. Walter Hughley - October 28, 1943 - May 05, 2016

Departed: 05/05/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Rev. Walter C. Hughley, 72, went to his Heavenly home Thursday, May 5, 2016.

Walter was born October 28, 1943 in Meridian, MS to Walter Henderson and Evelyn Camp Hughley.

Walter graduated from Meridian High School in 1961, and continued his education at Asbury College, Kentucky, earning his B.A. degree in 1965. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 1969 from Asbury Seminary.

During his many years of ministry, Walter reached and influenced many lives. He participated in several mission trips, and taught in several colleges, including teaching Bible classes at East MS Community College-Scooba and classes at Wesley Seminary in Jackson. He loved serving his Lord, sharing his faith, and fellowshipping, creating new friends far and near. Walter received great joy from the countless number of Bible studies he led over his ministerial career.

Funeral services will be 2 pm May 10, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Visitation will begin at 1 pm. Burial will be in Harttown Cemetery in Pickens.

Survivors are his wife, Janis Floyd Hughley; sons, David Andrew Hughley of Virginia and Robert M. Cain of Arkansas; daughter, Sharon H. Tanner of Alabama; brother, David Henderson Hughley of Georgia and 7 grandchildren.

View Full Obituary

Lura Burrell - August 05, 1931 - May 01, 2016

Departed: 05/01/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Lura K. Burrell, 84, died May 1, 2016 at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. Visitation will be 5 pm til 8 pm Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Funeral services will be 1 pm Wednesday, May 4, 2016 also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bowlin Cemetery in Durant.

Mrs. Burrell was a retired seamstress at Durant Sportswear and a member of Bowlin Baptist Church.

Survivors are sons, Leonard (Anne) Keith of Goodman and Calvin (Angela) of Florence; daughters, Patsy Blaylock (William) of Kosciusko, Barbara Shelton of Kosciusko, Kathy King of Durant and Sue Thornton(Charles) of Durant; brothers, Willie Lee Keith of Kosciusko and Jimmy Clayton Keith of Sallis; sisters, Lillie Mae Cochran of Durant, Sara Jane Roberts of Vaiden and Daisy Ann Guess of Durant, 21 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Keith is preceded in death by her first husband, J O Keith in 2002; her son, Tommy Keith in 2005 and her second husband, Eugene Burrell in 2012.

View Full Obituary

James Busby - February 14, 1936 - April 22, 2016

Departed: 04/22/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: James L. Busby, 80, died April 22, 2016 at the University Medical Center in Jackson. Funeral services will 3 pm Sunday, April 24, 2016 at the Durant United Pentecostal Church in Durant. Visitation will begin at 11 am prior to the service. Burial will be in Bowlin Cemetery in Durant.

Mr. Busby was a member of Durant United Pentecostal Church and a retired factory worker.

Survivors are wife, Diane C. Busby, sons, Jimmy Busby of Natchez, Joe Busby of Natchez, Emerson Busby of Jonesboro, AR, and James Edward Grant of Gulfport, MS; daughters, Mary Lee Arnold of Lawrenceburg, TN and Annie Lou Floyd of Natchez, MS; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

View Full Obituary

Josie Newsom - November 08, 1931 - March 27, 2016

Departed: 03/27/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Josie Mabry Newsom, 84, died March 27, 2016 in Grenada. Funeral services were 11 am Saturday, April 2, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Durant. Visitation was 6 pm til 8 pm Friday, April 1, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Burial was in Mizpah Cemetery. Bro. Ed McDaniel officiated.

Mrs. Newsom worked in the family upholstery business, Newsom Upholstery. She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors are sons, David Newsom (Anne) of Grenada and Glen Newsom (Cindy) of Sandy, Utah; daughter-in-law, Anita G. Newsom of Baldwyn, MS; sisters, Rose McCrory (Louis) of Houston, Texas, Dena Childress of Brandon and Kerry Henderson (Jim) of Hudson, Florida; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

View Full Obituary

Christine Covington - January 31, 1927 - March 24, 2016

Departed: 03/24/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Christine Vianna Covington, 89, died March 24, 2016 at the Attala County Nursing Home in Kosciusko. Funeral services will be 11 am Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant, with visitation beginning at 10am. Burial will be in Seneasha Cemetery in Goodman.

Ms Covington was a teacher at Holmes Junior College in Goodman and a member of Shrock United Methodist Church.

View Full Obituary

Barbara Dickerson - July 26, 1928 - February 24, 2016

Departed: 02/24/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Barbara Poole Dickerson, 87, died February 24, 2016 at Atwood Personal Care Home in Kosciusko. Funeral services will be 1 pm Friday, February 26, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant with visitation beginning at 11 am. Burial will be in Jenkins Cemetery in Sallis. Rev. Charles Moore will officiate.

Mrs. Dickerson was a homemaker and a member of Goodman United Methodist Church.

Survivors are son, Ralph Hunt (Barbara) of Thomastown; daughters, Linda Perry of Sallis, Retta C. Goss (Walt) of Montgomery, AL, Roberta Rutherford (Billy) of Kosciusko and Cindy Donald (Mark) of Diamond City, AR; 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Dickerson was preceded in death by her parents, Rayford E. Poole and Era Bridges Poole and husband, Charles Noel Dickerson.

View Full Obituary

Clydie Dickerson - January 19, 1916 - February 10, 2016

Departed: 02/10/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Clydie Lucille Burrell Dickerson, 100, was greeted in Heaven by her Lord & Savior on February 10, 2016, at Atwood Personal Care Home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Durant on Saturday, February 13, at 11:30 A.M., with visitation to the public from 9:30 to 11:30.

Mrs. Dickerson was a native of Durant, MS. She was a member of First Baptist Church and enjoyed her Sunday School Class, JOY Group, and all fellowship activities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Cephas Allen Dickerson. She is survived by her sons, Glyn Allen Dickerson, (Inez), Clyde Kenneth Dickerson, (Annis), both from West, MS, and her daughters, Lucy Alexander, (Louis) of Durant, MS and Sara Middleton, (Robert), Gwen Herring, (Wardell), and Carol Holley, (George, "Bubba") from Madison, MS. She was a proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Mrs. Dickerson is remembered as a "Lady cut from a special cloth". She was the oldest of 12 children to Oliver Calhoun and Ada Lula Burrell. Her surviving siblings are Bess Stauch, (Jack), Houston, TX, and Trent Burrell, (Francis), Canton, MS. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

View Full Obituary

Evelyn Greenfield - January 24, 1922 - January 29, 2016

Departed: 01/29/2016 (Durant)

Obituary Preview: Evelyn Virginia Greenfield, 94, died January 29, 2016 at the Vaiden Living Community Center. Funeral services were held Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Durant. Burial was in Mizpah Cemetery in Durant. Pallbearers were Terry Ables, Brooks Ables, Chad Bishop, Ryan Horne and Patrick White. Bro. Gene Richardson officiated.

Mrs. Greenfield worked in childcare and formerly lived in Durant.

Survivors are daughter, Pat Dodd of Sallis, sister, Gloyce Taylor of Debary, Florida, 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

View Full Obituary

123

A Comprehensive Range of Funeral Services

Southern Funeral Homes-Durant offers a wide range of funeral services designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of each family they serve. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and pre-planning arrangements, their experienced team will work closely with you to create a personalized tribute that celebrates the life of your loved one. Their services include:

• Traditional funerals with viewing and visitation
• Cremation services with optional memorial gatherings
• Pre-planning and pre-funding options
• Monument and marker sales
• Grief counseling and support resources

A Facility Designed for Comfort and Convenience

The facilities at Southern Funeral Homes-Durant are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families and friends to gather. The funeral home features spacious visitation rooms, a chapel for services, and ample parking for guests. Additionally, their facility is fully equipped with modern amenities, including audio-visual equipment for personalized tributes and memorial presentations.

A Team Dedicated to Excellence

The staff at Southern Funeral Homes-Durant is comprised of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service and care. From licensed funeral directors to administrative personnel, each team member is committed to ensuring that every family receives the highest level of attention and compassion. Their staff includes:

• Licensed funeral directors with years of experience
• Embalming and restorative arts specialists
• Administrative personnel trained in customer service
• Grief counselors and support staff

Community Involvement and Outreach

Southern Funeral Homes-Durant is deeply rooted in the Durant community, actively participating in local events and organizations that benefit the region. Through their community outreach programs, they strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them. Some of their community initiatives include:

• Sponsoring local charities and fundraisers
• Participating in community health fairs and educational events
• Collaborating with local hospices and healthcare providers
• Offering grief support groups and counseling services

Pre-Planning: A Gift to Your Loved Ones

Pre-planning your funeral arrangements can be a thoughtful gesture to your loved ones, sparing them from having to make difficult decisions during an emotional time. Southern Funeral Homes-Durant offers pre-planning options that allow you to specify your wishes, lock in costs, and ensure that your final arrangements are carried out according to your desires.

A Commitment to Quality and Excellence

Southern Funeral Homes-Durant is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in all aspects of their funeral services. They continually evaluate their practices and procedures to ensure that they remain current with industry developments and best practices. This dedication to excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the most trusted funeral homes in the region.

Contact Us: Your Trusted Funeral Home Partner

If you're seeking a trusted partner to guide you through the funeral planning process, look no further than Southern Funeral Homes-Durant. Their compassionate staff is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer support during your time of need. Contact them today to learn more about their services or to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and funeral or memorial services.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to notify friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased, preserving their memory and legacy for future generations.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the obituary is written by the family of the deceased, often with the assistance of a funeral home or obituary writer. In some cases, a close friend or colleague may also write an obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services, charitable donations in lieu of flowers, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the family's preferences. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs. Online obituaries often have more flexibility in terms of length and content.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary, on the other hand, provides more detailed information about the person's life and legacy.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, it is possible to write your own obituary in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise that allows you to reflect on your life and legacy. However, it's essential to keep in mind that your loved ones may still need to make changes or additions after your passing.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

The submission process varies depending on the publication or platform. Typically, you'll need to provide the written obituary text, along with any required payment or documentation. Some funeral homes may also assist with submitting the obituary on behalf of the family.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, word count, and other factors. Online platforms may offer free or low-cost options, while print newspapers may charge by the word or line.

Can I include photos or other multimedia in an obituary?

Many online obituary platforms allow you to upload photos, videos, or audio clips to accompany the written text. Print newspapers may also offer photo inclusion options for an additional fee.

How long will an online obituary remain available?

The duration of online obituary availability varies depending on the platform. Some websites may archive obituaries indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period.

Can I edit or update an existing obituary?

In some cases, it may be possible to edit or update an existing obituary, especially if it was published online. However, this depends on the publication's policies and procedures.

What is a living obituary?

A living obituary is a biographical sketch written about someone who is still alive. This can be a unique way to celebrate a person's life achievements and milestones while they are still with us.

Can I use an obituary as a eulogy?

While an obituary can serve as a starting point for a eulogy, they are not interchangeable. A eulogy is typically a more personal and emotional tribute delivered during a funeral or memorial service.

How do I find an old obituary?

You can try searching online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites. Local libraries or historical societies may also have access to archived newspapers or records that can help you find an old obituary.

Can I reuse an existing obituary template?

Yes, you can reuse an existing obituary template as a guide. However, be sure to customize it to fit the unique life and personality of the deceased.

What is the purpose of an obituary headline?

An obituary headline serves as a brief summary of the person's life and identity. It should be concise yet informative, helping readers quickly understand who the person was and what they were known for.

How do I handle sensitive or private information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive or private aspects of the person's life that you wish to exclude from the obituary, it's essential to discuss these concerns with your family members and decide together what information to include or omit.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor and anecdotes can help bring the person's personality to life and make the obituary more engaging and memorable.

What is the role of social media in sharing an obituary?

Social media platforms can be used to share an obituary with a wider audience, providing friends and acquaintances with information about funeral services and ways to pay their respects.

Can I create a video obituary?

Yes! Video obituaries are becoming increasingly popular as a way to celebrate a person's life through images, music, and spoken tributes.

How do I ensure accuracy when writing an obituary?

To ensure accuracy, verify facts with multiple sources whenever possible. It's also essential to proofread carefully before submitting the obituary for publication.

What is the significance of including funeral service details in an obituary?

Including funeral service details allows friends and family members to attend and pay their respects. It also provides important logistical information for those who wish to participate in celebrating the person's life.

Can I include charitable donations information in an obituary?

Yes! Including charitable donations information in an obituary can help honor the person's memory while supporting a worthy cause.

How do I cope with writing an obituary during a difficult time?

Writing an obituary can be a challenging task during a time of grief. Consider enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member to support you in this process.