How to Write a Christian Death Announcement
A guide from Cherished Book, where families make a memorial together.
A Christian death announcement shares the news, names the funeral service, and often speaks of hope in the resurrection. This guide covers traditional wording, what to include, and example announcements you can adapt for your church, family and friends.
Traditional wording
Christian death notices have their own familiar phrases: "died peacefully", "at rest", "safe in the arms of Jesus", "now with the Lord". Many draw on the Book of Common Prayer's funeral words, "in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life". These say, gently, that the family grieves with hope.
Churches and families differ, from a formal Anglican or Catholic notice to a short message in an evangelical church's group chat. Use the words that fit the person and the people who will read it. If the funeral is at church, the minister or priest can help with wording too.
What to include
The essentials are the same as any death announcement, with a few additions many Christian families make.
- Their full name, age, and the date they died.
- Who they leave behind, briefly.
- The funeral service: the church, date and time, and whether burial or cremation follows.
- Whether all are welcome, or the service is for family only.
- Flowers, or donations to their church or a charity.
- A short verse or line of faith, if the family wishes, and a request for prayers.
Christian death announcement examples
Adapt these to your family. Replace the words in brackets.
“[Name] died peacefully on [date], aged [age], in sure and certain hope of the resurrection. Much loved [wife, mother and grandmother]. The funeral service will be held at [church] on [date] at [time], followed by burial at [cemetery]. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to [charity].”
“With great sadness, and with thanks for a life lived in faith, we share that [name] has gone home to be with the Lord. Details of the funeral will follow. Please hold our family in your prayers.”
“"I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). Our dear [father], [name], is at rest after a short illness. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held at [church] on [date]. All are welcome.”
Things to take care with
- Assuming everyone shares the faith. — Friends and colleagues may not. A plain announcement with one line of faith speaks to everyone.
- Mixing up the services. — Say whether it is the funeral, a committal for family only, or a later thanksgiving service, so people come to the right one.
- A long verse. — One short line is enough. A long passage can crowd out the details people need.
If a blank page is too much
Tell us their name and a few facts, and Cherished Book drafts a short Christian announcement you can change. If you would rather write it yourself, there is starter text in the same plain style. With Premium, the memorial can also hold the funeral service as an event, so people find the church and the time in one link.
Help with the words
Answer a few questions and we'll draft a first version you can change. Then family and friends can add their own memories to it. Free to start.
Help me write itFrequently asked questions
What is a Christian way to announce a death?
Many Christian families write that their loved one "died peacefully", is "at rest" or has "gone home to be with the Lord", give the funeral service details, and ask for prayers.
Can I include a Bible verse?
Yes. A short verse is common, such as John 11:25 ("I am the resurrection and the life") or Psalm 23. Choose one that meant something to them, or ask the minister or priest for a suggestion.
What is the difference between a funeral and a thanksgiving service?
A funeral service usually takes place with the coffin present, before burial or cremation. A thanksgiving or memorial service can be held later, without the coffin, and gives thanks for their life. Say which it is, so people know what to expect.
Is a Catholic death announcement different?
It often names the Requiem Mass and the church, and may ask for prayers for the repose of their soul. The rest is the same: their name, the date, the arrangements and any wishes about flowers.
Last reviewed October 2026.
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