How to Write a Biography for a Funeral Program with Examples

When someone dies, there are a number of practical details to handle, and writing their obituary or funeral biography is often one of them.

This responsibility usually falls to a family member or close friend, though funeral directors may help with writing or placement. The biography may be shared in a funeral program, posted online, or submitted to a local newspaper. If your loved one was a veteran, you may want to start with our obituary writing guide specifically for service members.

No matter how or where you choose to share it, a well-written biography offers others a sense of who your loved one was and the legacy they leave behind. Below, you’ll find a simple framework and examples to help you begin.

What Is a Funeral Biography?

Think of a funeral biography (or obituary) as a brief news article announcing a death. While you may feel emotional during the writing process, this isn’t typically the space for deep personal reflections – those can be saved for a eulogy or private letter.

That said, the biography can include any details the family agrees upon. The length and type of content will vary depending on whether it’s read aloud, printed in a program, or published in a newspaper.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Funeral Biography

Step 1: Start with the Basics

Begin by identifying the deceased: use their full name (including maiden name in parentheses), age, and any nickname they were commonly known by.

Including these details helps avoid confusion, especially if your loved one had a common name.

Step 2: Add Key Dates

Some families choose to include both the birth and death dates. These can be listed in various ways. If privacy is a concern, you might write something like, “She was born to Bob and Mary Smith in October 1982.”

Step 3: Decide Whether to Share the Cause of Death

While many readers will wonder what happened, it's entirely up to the family whether to include the cause of death. Some prefer to keep it private, while others view it as meaningful context. A middle ground might be: “Mary Frankie Jones, 65, passed away after a long illness.”

Step 4: Highlight Early Life

Consider including the names of the deceased’s parents, place of birth, and educational background. You may also note military service if applicable.

Again, only include what the family is comfortable sharing, especially for privacy reasons.

Step 5: Share Family Information

List spouses, marriages, and children. Survivors are often mentioned at the end of the article as “survived by…”

This section can be complex, especially when deciding whether to include or exclude estranged family members, stepchildren, or long-term partners. Generally, most etiquette guides recommend being inclusive and thoughtful to maintain family harmony.

Step 6: Mention Professional Life

While a funeral biography is not a resume, it is appropriate to include an overview of the person’s career or lifelong work.

If they worked at the same place for their entire career, include that detail. If they changed jobs but stayed in the same field, you can describe their profession more broadly.

Step 7: Include Community Involvement

Mention any civic or volunteer organizations the deceased was involved in, such as a church, local clubs, or charitable work. If they held leadership roles or received awards, consider noting that as well.

Step 8: Add Unique Personal Details

This is where your loved one’s personality can shine. Did they collect Star Wars memorabilia, love camping, or constantly tell great stories?

If space allows, consider writing a short section or paragraph that shares the quirks, interests, and passions that made them unique. This content can also inspire a eulogy.

Funeral Biography Examples

Use these short, fictional obituary snippets as inspiration:

For a Parent or Grandparent

Douglas Richard Schrute, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 23, 2020. His wife of 53 years was by his side. Douglas was born on December 22, 1938, to Richard and Mary (Sullivan) Schrute in Elmwood, Illinois. He was the fourth son born to the couple.

After graduating from Elmwood High School, he served in the U.S. Army in Korea.

For a Child or Grandchild

Mary Kate is survived by her parents, Michael and Patricia Carmichael, and her brother, Cole. Other survivors include her maternal grandparents, John and Tawnya Crabtree, and paternal grandparents, Frank and Louise Carmichael.

For a Partner or Spouse

Peter worked in the telecommunications industry his entire life. He began at Southwestern Bell in 1973 and retired from AT&T in 2018 as a technical salesperson.

For an Adult Without Immediate Family

Michael will always be remembered by friends as “the man of 1,000 stories.” He’d begin every conversation with, “Stop me if you’ve heard this before,” which no one ever did. He brought joy and laughter wherever he went.

For Someone Who Died After a Long Illness

Jack passed away on Friday, December 8, after a long battle with lung cancer.

The family thanks the Elmwood Hospice team for their compassion and care during Jack’s final days.

A Thoughtful Way to Begin Saying Goodbye

Writing a funeral biography can feel like a big task, especially when you’re grieving. But it’s also an opportunity – a chance to honor your loved one in your own words and help others remember who they were.

If you’re not sure where to start, we offer a free online obituary tool to help guide you through the process. You can save your work, share it with family, and publish it when you’re ready.

Start writing or explore more helpful resources when you’re ready.