What’s the importance of an obituary notice?

An obituary notice is one of the first public ways a family tells the wider community that someone has died.

It can be brief or detailed, printed or digital, formal or deeply personal.

But at its core, an obituary serves three purposes. It informs, remembers and guides.

1. It lets people know what has happened

Not everyone who knew the deceased will hear the news directly.

An obituary helps inform:

• relatives
• former colleagues
• church members
• neighbours
• schoolmates
• business associates
• friends who may live far away

This is especially useful when the deceased had a wide social or professional network.

2. It gives important funeral information

A well-written obituary can tell people:

• when the death occurred
• when the funeral or memorial service will take place
• where the service will be held
• where burial will take place
• whether there is a viewing or prayer meeting
• who to contact for further information

Clear details reduce repeated phone calls to the immediate family.

3. It creates a public record

An obituary becomes part of the family’s record of the person’s life.

Years later, children, grandchildren or relatives may return to it for:

• dates
• family history
• career information
• places lived
• achievements
• photographs
• memories

For some families, it becomes one of the few written summaries of a loved one’s life.

4. It gives the deceased a proper introduction

A good obituary does more than list names and dates.

It can briefly tell readers:

Who was this person?

Were they a teacher, farmer, parent, pastor, businessperson, public servant, grandmother, mentor or friend?

What mattered to them?

What did people know them for?

Even one or two true details can make the notice feel more human.

5. It helps people know how to support the family

An obituary can also explain whether the family is receiving visitors, holding prayer meetings or accepting funeral contributions.

Where necessary, it can give the correct contact person or contribution channel.

This helps prevent confusion and reduces the risk of people relying on unofficial information.

6. Printed and digital obituaries can work together

A newspaper obituary can reach a formal or national audience.

A digital obituary can be shared quickly through WhatsApp, Facebook and family groups.

Many families now use both.

The printed notice may be shorter, while the digital version carries more photographs, tributes and funeral updates.

7. Accuracy matters

Before publishing, check:

• full names
• spelling
• age or dates
• family relationships
• funeral date
• burial location
• contact numbers
• photograph

An error in a public obituary can be painful and difficult to correct once widely shared.

What makes a good obituary?

A good obituary is not necessarily long.

It should be:

accurate, clear, respectful and true to the person being remembered.

The best notices help people understand both what has happened and who has been lost.

One thing to remember

An obituary is not just a funeral announcement.

It is often the first written piece of a family’s final tribute.

A few carefully chosen words can preserve a life far longer than the funeral day itself.

Need help preparing a funeral programme or obituary?

Executive Funeral Services can help families coordinate funeral programmes, photography, video, livestreaming and the wider farewell.

📞 0798 994 015, available 24/7
🌐 executivefunerals.co.ke
💜 Dignity in death. Compassion in grief. Hope beyond the grave.