How to Write a Memorable Obituary for Oklahoma City Publications?

An obituary is a meaningful way to honor a loved one’s life and share their story with the Oklahoma City community. To write a memorable obituary, gather essential information, including the full name, dates of birth and death, and age. Summarize the person's life story, acknowledge surviving family members, and provide service details. Suggest memorial contributions and choose an appropriate photo while adhering to publication guidelines and thoroughly reviewing the content.

 8 Steps to Write a Memorable Obituary?

An obituary is a published notice of a person's death, providing a brief biographical sketch and funeral details. So, here’s how to write one.

Step 1: Gather Essential Information

Begin by collecting fundamental details about the deceased:

• Full Name: Include first, middle, and last names, as well as any nicknames or maiden names.

• Birth Date and Place: Add where and when they were born. 

• Date and Place of Death: Indicate when and where they died. 

• Age at Death: Give their age. 

This basic information sets the stage and helps readers connect with the individual’s story.

Step 2: Summarize Their Life Story

Provide a summarized account of your loved one's life:

• Early Life: Share their upbringing, education, and significant childhood experiences.

• Career: Outline their professional journey, significant accomplishments, and impact on their profession.

• Personal Life: Facts about marriages, children, and other important relationships. 

• Hobbies and Interests: Illustrate their passions, hobbies, or activities that they are fond of. 

Share anecdotes or stories that show their character and how they made a difference in others' lives. This personal aspect makes the obituaries in Oklahoma City more than just an announcement of death but a tribute, too. 

Step 3: List Surviving Family Members

Acknowledge close family, living and predeceased:

• Survived By: Surviving spouse, Children, Grandchildren, and other siblings.

• Predeceased By: Names of close family members deceased before them.

Listing family members adds a personal touch and helps readers feel connected.

Step 4: Provide Service Details

Notify the public of the scheduled services.

• Funeral or Memorial Service: List dates, times, and locations.

• Visitation: Give details if there is a visitation.

• Burial or Interment: Mention if applicable.

Stating funeral service details allows those who want to pay their respects.

Step 5: Suggest Memorial Contributions

You can include the deceased memorial contributions.

• Charity Name: Give the name of the organization.

• Contact Information: Provide an address or website for where the deceased made contributions.

This enables the community to appropriately pay tribute to the person's memory, given that the charity may mean something special to them.

Step 6: Choose an Appropriate Photo

Pick a photo that captures their essence, whether it’s a recent portrait or a cherished moment from their life.

• Recent Photo: Helps in recognition by the community.

• High-Quality Image: Ensures clarity in print and online obituary publications.

Step 7: Adhere to Publication Guidelines

Every publication will have certain rules.

• Word Limit: Know the word count.

• Submission Deadlines: Make sure to submit before or on the publication deadlines.

• Formatting Preferences: Use the specific formatting provided by the publication.

Contact the obituary editor or check the publication website for a detailed guide to ensure proper submission and avoid delays.

Step 8: Review and Edit

A well-written obituary shows care and respect for the person’s memory. Before submitting to newspapers, online memorial sites, or other platforms, here’s what you should do.

• Proofread: Check for spelling and grammatical mistakes.

• Verify the Information: Let the family members read the obituary to gather extra insights or make corrections.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Obituary

Do not make mistakes such as:

• Don’t just list facts—share stories that give readers a glimpse into their personality.

• Keep it brief. Seek balance- too much will overwhelm even the strongest reader, while too little fails to do justice.

• Avoid using typical words such as “departed this world.” Use unique descriptions that depict the character of the person who has left this world.

• Ensure all essential information is provided, including full name, age, date of death, and details on surviving family members.

• Always include information about memorial or funeral services to let family and friends know what arrangements have been made.

• Ensure dates, names, and relationships are correct to prevent errors that may discredit the obituary.

• Failing to proofread can lead to typos or grammatical errors. Consider having another family member review it for perspective.

• Match the tone of the obituary to their personality—whether light-hearted or serious.

Conclusion

Writing memorable Oklahoma City obituaries requires attention to detail and a personal touch. Start by gathering essential information, summarizing the individual's life story, and acknowledging surviving family members. Provide service details and suggest meaningful memorial contributions. Choose an appropriate photo and adhere to publication guidelines. Avoid common mistakes, such as excessive length and factual errors, while maintaining the right tone. Finally, review and edit the obituary to ensure a respectful and fitting tribute to honor the deceased’s legacy.