Funeral Program Wording Examples: What to Write in Every Section

Finding the right words is often the hardest part of making a funeral program. You want to honor someone you love, and you may have only a day or two to write it. This guide gives you ready-to-use wording for every section of the program, from the cover to the thank-you note. Copy what fits, change the names and details, and make it your own.

1Funeral program cover titles

The heading on the cover sets the tone for the whole program. Pick one that matches the kind of service you are holding:

Under the heading, add the full name as it was used in daily life. Include a middle name or nickname in quotes if friends knew them by it, for example Dorothy "Dot" Mae Williams.

2How to write the birth and death dates

There is no single correct format. Choose one style and use it everywhere in the program:

3Opening and welcome lines

A short line inside the front cover welcomes guests and sets a gentle tone. Here are some you can use as they are:

• "Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate the life of someone who meant so much to so many."
• "We gather not only to mourn, but to give thanks for a life full of love, laughter and faith."
• "Your presence today is a comfort to our family. Thank you for being here."
• "Today we remember a kind heart, a generous spirit and a life that touched us all."
• "Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the joy she brought to every room."

4Order of service wording

List each part of the service on its own line, with the name of the person leading it. Here is a complete example you can adapt:

1. ProcessionalClergy and family
2. Opening Hymn"Amazing Grace" · Congregation
3. Invocation and Opening PrayerRev. James Carter
4. Scripture ReadingsOld Testament: Psalm 23 · New Testament: John 14:1–3 · Read by Angela Brooks
5. Musical SelectionPerformed by the Grace Church Choir
6. Reading of the ObituaryRead silently, or aloud by Marcus Williams (grandson)
7. ReflectionsTwo minutes, please · Family and friends
8. EulogyPastor Denise Howard
9. Closing Prayer and BenedictionRev. James Carter
10. Recessional"I'll Fly Away" · Congregation

For a less formal service, simpler labels work well: Welcome, Words of Comfort, Memories Shared, A Song for Mom, Farewell.

5Obituary opening lines

The first sentence of the obituary is the hardest to write. Start with one of these and let the rest follow:

• "John Robert Miller was born on June 2, 1951, in Macon, Georgia, the third of five children born to Robert and Ella Miller."
• "On the morning of September 12, 2026, God called His faithful servant, Mother Ruth Ann Davis, home to rest."
• "Anyone who met Linda knew two things right away: she loved her family fiercely, and she never let anyone leave her kitchen hungry."
• "Charles 'Charlie' Thompson lived a life of service, as a Marine, a mail carrier and a coach who never missed a game."
• "With heavy hearts, we share that our beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Evelyn Grace Porter, passed peacefully surrounded by family."

After the opening, cover where they grew up, school and work, marriage and family, faith and community, the things they loved, and finally who preceded them in death and who they leave behind. For more detail on each section, see what to include in a funeral program.

6Wording ideas by relationship

7Acknowledgement and thank-you wording

A short thank-you from the family usually goes on the back page. Choose the length that fits your layout:

• "The family gratefully acknowledges your prayers, love and support."
• "Thank you for sharing our sorrow and helping us celebrate a beautiful life."
• "A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and caregivers of Grace Hospice for the compassion shown to our father."
• "Our hearts are full of gratitude for our church family, neighbors and friends."

8Pallbearers, repast and closing lines

Pallbearers and flower bearers

Use a simple heading such as Pallbearers or Those Who Carry Him Home, then list the names in two columns. Add Honorary Pallbearers for church members, co-workers or friends who are not carrying the casket.

Interment and repast

• "Interment: Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1200 Oak Street, Macon, GA"
• "Please join the family for a repast immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall."
• "All are welcome to continue the celebration at the family home, 45 Maple Drive, after the burial."

Closing lines for the back cover

• "Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."
• "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)
• "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)
• "Until we meet again, rest in peace."

Put your words into a beautiful program

Once your wording is ready, an editable template does the design for you. Every CraftPik funeral program opens in Canva with sample text already in place for the cover, order of service, obituary and acknowledgements. Just paste in your wording and add your photos.

Black & Ivory Roses Celebration of LifeView template →

Purple Orchid & Gold ProgramView template →

Ivory & Navy Roses ProgramView template →

Emerald & Gold Lights ProgramView template →

Complete the service with matching designs:

Frequently asked questions