Creative obituary examples

When we think of obituaries, the first thing that comes to mind is a standard, formulaic announcement of someone’s passing. However, obituaries can also be a celebration of someone’s life and accomplishments, and can be written in a creative and personalized way. In this article, we will explore some creative obituary examples and provide tips for writing an obituary that honors the life of the person who has passed away.

• Use Humor

Humor can be a great way to celebrate someone’s life and personality. For example, the obituary of Harry Stamps, a Mississippi man who passed away in 2013, went viral for its humorous tone. The obituary, which was written by his daughter, included lines such as "He despised phonies, his 1969 Volvo (which he also loved), know-it-all Yankees, Southerners who used the words ‘veranda’ and ‘porte cochere’ to put on airs, eating grape leaves, Law and Order (all franchises), cats, and Martha Stewart. In reverse order." The obituary also included a quote from Stamps himself: "I am not leaving any money to Harvard University. God knows they don’t need it."

• Tell a Story

A great way to celebrate someone’s life is by telling a story that illustrates their personality and accomplishments. For example, the obituary of Wilma O. Jones, who passed away in 2021, included a story about how she went from being a high school dropout to earning her GED, attending college, and becoming a teacher. The obituary also included a quote from Jones: "I learned early on that you can’t let your past dictate your future."

Including quotes from the person who has passed away can be a great way to honor their personality and beliefs. For example, the obituary of David W. Reed, who passed away in 2017, included a quote from Reed: "When I die, don’t call it a death. Call it a graduation."

• Use Poetry or Song Lyrics

Poetry or song lyrics can be a great way to capture the spirit of the person who has passed away. For example, the obituary of Jackie L. Thorne, who passed away in 2020, included the lyrics to the song "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole. The obituary also included a quote from Thorne: "Life is too short to be anything but happy."

• Highlight Achievements

Highlighting someone’s achievements can be a great way to celebrate their life and accomplishments. For example, the obituary of Edna Griffin, who passed away in 2003, highlighted her role in desegregating a restaurant in Iowa in 1948. The obituary also included a quote from Griffin: "I wasn’t trying to be a hero. I just wanted a cup of coffee."

While obituary programs are often solemn and respectful in tone, there are several ways to add creativity to them to celebrate the life of the person being remembered. Here are some ideas:

1. Use visuals: Consider incorporating photos or videos of the person throughout their life, or incorporating artwork or graphic design elements to the program.
2. Incorporate music: Music can be a powerful way to evoke emotions and memories. Consider adding the person’s favorite songs, or songs that have special meaning to their life.
3. Add personal touches: Consider adding quotes, poems, or anecdotes that capture the essence of the person’s personality and accomplishments.
4. Use unique formatting: Rather than a traditional booklet-style program, consider using a more creative format, such as a folded card, a pamphlet, or even a small book.
5. Get input from family and friends: Ask loved ones to contribute memories, stories, or photos to the program. This not only adds a personal touch but also helps others to feel connected and involved in the celebration of the person’s life.

Nitin Chaudhary Former Software Engineer