Obituaries are more than just death announcements. They mark the end of a life, certainly, but they also offer a space for remembrance, mourning, and even celebration.
In a city as steeped in history and culture as Savannah, Georgia, local customs often deeply influence funeral arrangements and the tone of the published notices. Therefore, the obituaries for Savannah, GA, offer a unique window into the lives and legacies of its residents.
This guide will explore the key elements, resources, and cultural considerations involved in both writing and understanding obituaries in Savannah.
Key Elements of a Savannah Obituary
When you’re writing an obituary, it can be helpful to follow a template to make sure you hit all the important points. Here are some of the key elements to include.
Biographical Information
- Full Name and Aliases: Use the deceased’s full name, along with any nicknames or maiden names if applicable.
- Date and Place of Birth: Include the date and location where they were born.
- Date and Place of Death: Note the date and location where the death occurred.
- Age at Death: Clearly state how old the person was when they died.
Life Narrative
- Early Life and Education: Briefly describe their childhood, schooling, and any early achievements that were important to them.
- Career and Accomplishments: Share details about their work life, career milestones, and any notable contributions they made.
- Hobbies and Interests: Mention what they loved to do in their free time—their passions, hobbies, and other activities that defined them.
- Community Involvement: Highlight any volunteer work, community service, or groups they were a part of.
Family Information
- Surviving Relatives: List their immediate family members, including their spouse, children, grandchildren, and siblings.
- Predeceased Relatives: Acknowledge any family members who died before them.
Where to Find Savannah Obituaries
When you’re searching for obituaries in Savannah, GA, there are several avenues you can explore, both online and offline.
Online Resources
- Savannah Morning News: The main local newspaper is a go-to source. They often publish obituaries on their website.
- Funeral Home Websites: Most funeral homes in Savannah have their own websites where they post obituary listings.
- Genealogy Websites: If you’re looking for older obituaries, sites like Ancestry.com or Find a Grave can be helpful.
Print Resources
- Savannah Morning News Archives: The physical archives of the newspaper might have older obituaries.
- Local Libraries: Libraries often keep collections of local newspapers and historical records.
Funeral Homes
Here are a few of the more prominent funeral homes in the Savannah area. Checking their websites directly can often provide the most up-to-date information.
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors
- Adams Funeral Services
- Bonaventure Funeral Home
Cultural Considerations in Savannah Obituaries
Savannah, Georgia, has a unique and storied culture. When writing an obituary for someone who lived in Savannah, it’s important to consider the local traditions, religious influences, and historical context.
Southern Traditions
In the South, family and community ties are deeply valued. When writing an obituary, be sure to emphasize the importance of these connections in the deceased’s life. The language may also include traditional Southern euphemisms for death or “passing away.”
Religious Influences
Faith often plays a significant role in the lives of Savannah residents. Obituaries may mention the deceased’s religious beliefs and involvement in a church or religious organization. Scripture verses or religious quotes that reflect their faith may also be included.
Historical Context
Savannah’s rich history and cultural heritage may have influenced the deceased’s life and values. Be mindful of historical events and social issues that may be relevant to the person’s life, and be sensitive to topics that may be considered painful for family members or community members.
Etiquette and Tone
Always use respectful and dignified language throughout the obituary. Refrain from including any information that could be considered controversial or insensitive. The overall tone should be one of reverence and respect for the deceased and their loved ones.
Tips and guidelines for writing an obituary
Writing an obituary is a way to publicly acknowledge the life of someone who has died and to inform the community of their passing. Here are some tips to help you craft a fitting tribute.
Gathering information
- Collect accurate details. Double-check all dates, names, and biographical details to make sure they’re correct.
- Talk with family members. Get input from loved ones to ensure you’re presenting a complete and accurate picture of the deceased’s life.
Structuring the obituary
- Follow a logical order. Organize the obituary in a clear, chronological order, starting with the basics and moving to more personal details.
- Use clear and concise language. Write in a style that’s easy to understand. Avoid jargon or overly complicated sentences.
Choosing the right tone
- Balance grief and celebration. Acknowledge the sadness of the loss while also celebrating the person’s life and accomplishments.
- Personalize the obituary. Include stories, memories, and personal details that capture the essence of the deceased’s personality and character.
Proofreading and editing
- Review for errors. Carefully proofread the obituary to catch any grammatical errors, typos, or factual mistakes.
- Seek feedback from others. Ask a friend or family member to read over the obituary before it’s published to make sure it’s accurate and reflects the tone you’re aiming for.
Costs and submission process for Savannah obituaries
If you’re arranging to publish an obituary in Savannah, here’s a quick look at what it might cost and how to submit it.
Obituary costs
There are typically two types of fees you may encounter when publishing an obituary:
- Newspaper fees. Check with the Savannah Morning News for current pricing. Often, they charge by the line or by the word.
- Funeral home packages. Many funeral homes offer packages that include writing and submitting the obituary.
Submission guidelines
Here are a few ways you can submit an obituary for publication:
- Savannah Morning News submission. Make sure you follow their guidelines exactly.
- Funeral home assistance. Your funeral home can handle the submission process for you.
In Summary
Obituaries preserve memories and honor lives, giving lasting recognition to those who have passed away and the contributions they made to their communities.
Because of its history, traditions, and values, Savannah, GA, obituaries reflect the unique culture of the area.
Let’s cherish the memories of loved ones and celebrate the lives they lived.