How to Write an Obituary

Before you start

Give yourself permission to write an imperfect first draft. An obituary doesn't have to be literary; it has to be accurate and it has to sound like the person. It helps to gather a few things first: the full legal name and any nickname, dates and places of birth and death, the names of close family members (and the correct spelling of each), schools, jobs, military service, faith community, and the details of the service.

Ask two or three relatives for a favorite memory or a word that describes the person. These small details are what make an obituary feel alive.

Step 1: Write the announcement

Open with the essential facts in one or two sentences: name, age, where they lived, and when they died. You can add a gentle phrase about how they passed.

"Eleanor Mae Brooks, 91, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, surrounded by her family."

Step 2: Tell the story of their life

Share where and when they were born and to whom, then move through the major chapters: school, work, marriage, children, moves, military service. You don't need every detail – choose what mattered most to them.

"Born in Macon to Henry and Lillian Carter, Eleanor graduated from Spelman College and spent 32 years as a pediatric nurse, where she was known for remembering the name of every child she cared for."

Step 3: Capture who they were

This is the heart of the obituary. What did they love? What were they known for? A specific detail is worth more than a list of adjectives. "She never missed a grandchild's ballgame and always brought lemon pound cake" says more than "she was devoted to her family."

Step 4: List family members

Traditionally, you list those who died before them ("preceded in death by") and then those who survive them, starting with the spouse, then children (with their spouses in parentheses), grandchildren, siblings and others. You can name grandchildren or simply give a number.

"She is survived by her children, Marcus (Denise) Brooks and Angela Brooks-Hill; seven grandchildren; and her sister, Ruth."

Step 5: Add service details and wishes

Include the date, time and location of the funeral, memorial or celebration of life, and any visitation. If the family prefers donations instead of flowers, say so and name the charity.

Step 6: Close warmly

A short final line can be a quote, a favorite saying, or a simple farewell: "She will be missed beyond words and loved forever."

What to leave out

You don't have to mention the cause of death. Avoid publishing the home address, the exact time of the service at an empty home, or full birth dates where identity theft is a concern. Leave out family conflicts – an obituary isn't the place to settle them.

How long should it be?

For newspapers, 150–400 words is typical, and many charge by length. For a funeral program or online memorial, 300–600 words works well.

Let us draft it with you

Our free obituary writer asks these questions one at a time and writes the paragraphs for you in your chosen tone. You can edit every word, copy it for free, and add it to a matching funeral program. For inspiration, read our obituary examples.