How to Publish an Obituary with Sechrest Funeral Home

If you're looking to place a Sechrest Funeral Home obituary, the process is more personal than it might appear at first glance. Families often wonder where to start, what details to include, and how long the notice will remain visible. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that demystifies the entire workflow, from the initial phone call to the final online posting.

While each family’s needs are unique, the core steps remain consistent across most cases. Knowing the timeline, the required information, and the options for customization can make a difficult moment a little smoother.

Understanding the Role of an Obituary

An obituary is more than a simple death notice; it’s a brief biography that honors a loved one’s life, informs the community, and often serves as a record for future generations. At Sechrest Funeral Home, the obituary can appear in the printed newspaper, on the home’s website, and in partner archives. This multi‑platform approach ensures that friends, distant relatives, and even casual acquaintances can receive the news and share their condolences.

Because the obituary reflects the personality and values of the departed, families are encouraged to treat it as a collaborative storytelling exercise rather than a mere formality.

Steps to Set Up an Obituary at Sechrest Funeral Home

1. Make the Initial Contact

• Call the funeral home’s dedicated obituary desk during regular business hours. A staff member will walk you through the basic paperwork and answer any immediate questions.
• Ask about any deadlines for newspaper submissions if you plan a printed notice; local papers often require a lead time of 48–72 hours.

2. Gather Essential Information

• Full legal name, nicknames, and any maiden or married names.
• Birth and death dates, including the time of passing if desired.
• Key life milestones: education, career, military service, community involvement.
• Names of surviving relatives and, optionally, those who predeceased the individual.

3. Choose a Format and Length

Sechrest offers both short “death notices” (under 150 words) and longer obituaries (up to 500 words). Short notices are ideal for quick newspaper entries, while longer versions allow for anecdotes, poems, or favorite quotes.

4. Submit the Draft

After drafting the text, you can send it via email, fax, or hand it in person. The staff will review it for compliance with newspaper guidelines (e.g., no promotional content, appropriate language) and may suggest minor edits for clarity.

5. Approve the Final Proof

Before anything goes live, you’ll receive a proof copy—either printed or as a PDF. This is your chance to double‑check spelling, dates, and any special symbols. Once you sign off, the obituary is scheduled for publication.

6. Arrange for Online Posting

Sechrest Funeral Home maintains an online memorial page where the obituary can be posted alongside photos, a guestbook, and donation links. If you’d like a memorial video or a slideshow, the staff can embed those as well.

What to Include in Your Obituary

While there is no one‑size‑fits‑all template, most obituaries follow a similar structure. Here are the most common elements, presented in a logical order:

• Header: Full name, age, and dates of birth and death.
• Biographical Sketch: Brief overview of early life, education, career highlights, and hobbies.
• Family Section: List of surviving relatives (spouse, children, grandchildren) and mention of those who have passed.
• Service Details: Date, time, and location of visitation, funeral, or memorial service.
• Memorial Contributions: Preferred charities or causes for donations, if any.
• Personal Touches: A favorite quote, poem, or a short anecdote that captures the spirit of the deceased.

Feel free to add a photo—most families choose a portrait from a meaningful moment, such as a family gathering or a hobby they loved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned writers slip up. Below are pitfalls that can cause delays or require costly revisions.

• Overloading with Details: While it’s tempting to include every life event, long obituaries risk being trimmed by newspapers. Focus on the most impactful moments.
• Missing Deadlines: Forgetting the 48‑hour newspaper window can push publication to the next edition, which may affect attendance at the service.
• Inaccurate Names or Dates: Double‑check spellings and dates; a single typo can cause confusion for relatives trying to locate the service.
• Inappropriate Content: Avoid promotional language, political statements, or overly graphic descriptions of the cause of death.

FAQ

How soon after a death can I place an obituary?

Most families submit within 24–48 hours. Sechrest Funeral Home can expedite the process if you need a rapid notice for urgent services.

Can I edit the obituary after it’s published?

Yes, minor edits (spelling, contact info) are usually possible within 24 hours of publication. Larger changes may require a new notice and could incur additional fees.

Do I need to provide my own photograph?

While not mandatory, a clear, high‑resolution photo enhances the memorial page. Sechrest can help resize images to meet print requirements.

Is there a cost associated with online posting?

The basic online obituary is included in the funeral service package. Extras like video slideshows or premium layout designs may carry an additional fee.