The Dos and Don’ts of Writing Obituaries

Writing obituaries in Shawnee, Oklahoma, is both an honor and a meaningful way to remember someone. When writing an obituary, remember to include essential details: start with the person's basic information, highlight significant life events, and mention their passions. Always list close family members, provide details of the services that should be done, and suggest donations to a preferred charity. Avoid too many personal details or bad stories. Avoid sensitive material and proofread carefully to ensure clarity and simplicity.

What are the Dos of Writing Obituaries in Shawnee, Oklahoma?

Here are the points to consider:

Start with Basic Information

For example, begin with the full name, age, and city of residence. The obituary should include the date of death and, if appropriate, the cause. This gives readers a way to identify who the obituary is about.

Share Their Life Story

Mention the most important moments of their lives. For instance, it may include where they were born, such as their birthplace, education, career, and major achievements. You might highlight their dedication to their profession or any special recognition they received. Details such as these are to depict more of their journey, thus making them more relatable and memorable.

Highlight Their Passions and Hobbies

What did they truly enjoy doing? Did they have a passion for gardening, playing a musical instrument, or volunteering in the community? By including hobbies, you indicate what made them happy and give others insight into the richness of their personality and the joy they brought to those around them.

List Close Family Members

Share the closest family members, including their spouse, children, grandchildren, or siblings. This commemorates those significant relationships and indicates who was important in their life. It also helps friends and community members understand where they place themselves in the person's world.

Provide Funeral or Memorial Details

If there will be a service, let readers know when and where it will happen. Include specific details about the location and time. This way, people who want to pay their respects and say goodbye have the information they need to attend.

Suggest Ways to Honor Their Memory

Sometimes, families prefer donations to a favorite charity instead of flowers. If this is something you'd like, include that information. It helps others know how they can contribute and reflects the values the deceased held dear.

Don’ts When Writing Obituaries

Here’s what you should avoid:

Avoid Sharing Too Much Personal Information

While it's good to share about the deceased's life, be careful not to include very private details. For example, avoid sharing exact addresses or overly private details. This focuses on honoring the individual while protecting the family's privacy and dignity.

Steer Clear of Negative Stories

Even if there were tough times in the person’s life, an obituary is a place to celebrate their life and the good memories. Focus on their positive contributions to their family, friends, and the community. Remembering that this piece is meant to honor their legacy is important.

Be Mindful of Sensitive Information

Think before disclosing sensitive information. For instance, though it is all right to share the cause of death, there is no need to go into details if they are too private or painful. Keeping some info private can make people feel all the more respectful to those in grief.

Avoid Using Complicated Language

Write in simple, clear words. This will ensure that everyone can read and understand the obituary easily, regardless of their reading level. Using straightforward language makes the message come through warmly and allows more people to connect with the content.

Don’t Ignore the Importance of Proofreading

Always run a grammar and spell check over an obituary before it is printed. Errors distract the reader from your message and from honoring the memory. A nicely crafted obituary demonstrates how much respect you have for that person.

Avoid Lengthy Jargon

Remember that not everyone will know complex terms or historical references. Using plain language and avoiding jargon will help your message reach people from all walks of life, making the obituary more accessible to a bigger audience.

Obituary Traditions Across Cultures

Obits vary from religion to religion, showing specific customs and faiths:

• Christianity: Often mentions faith and involvement in the community.

• Judaism: Usually bury people as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours, with simple notices.

• Islam: Burials are preferred as soon as possible, focusing on prayer.

• Hinduism: Obituaries may highlight family connections and life events, reflecting beliefs in reincarnation.

• Buddhism: They emphasize life’s impermanence and the deceased's good qualities.

Conclusion

Writing an obituary in Shawnee, requires careful attention to detail, including basic information and significant life stories while honoring family connections. Focusing on positive memories and passions is essential without sharing too much personal information. Additionally, customs around obituaries can vary across religions, reflecting diverse beliefs like Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Ultimately, creating a meaningful tribute fosters connection and comforts those grieving.