If you’ve ever wondered what to post on Facebook when someone dies, or if you’ve debated whether to announce the death of a loved one on Facebook or other social media platforms, you’re not alone. Not knowing what to say when someone dies is a common feeling. Not only do we not know what to say to tell others about the loss of our loved one, but we’re all often unsure of how to offer comfort to those who have experienced the death of someone they love. Even though we’ve been serving the residents of Brookhaven and surrounding areas for more than fifty years, we continue to learn and grow with the community. We’d welcome the opportunity to help you navigate grief when you experience the loss of a loved one. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and can be reached at 610-876-5237.
Announcing a Death on Facebook
Some generations might feel that announcing the death of a loved one online is impersonal or even taboo. But the truth is, it’s common and expected now to share news via social media platforms. It can also be a way to inform more people with less effort; rather than making personal calls to everyone you can think of, a Facebook post can share the same information in a fraction of the time.
That said, you may feel unsure of what and how to post. There is no guidebook for this; everyone has to decide what information they want to share, and how much they want to engage with others in a public form. We’re happy to talk through this with you in person, but here are a few things to consider:
The person who makes the post should be someone who understands the Facebook platform and has an active account. This way, they can easily respond to private messages that people may send, or respond publicly to comments that might ensue in the post itself. Having one person post can also alleviate the stress others might feel to be on social media at all as they are grieving the loss of their loved one.
Timing can be important when announcing a death on Facebook. It might seem to be a good idea to share as soon as possible, but first consider your goal. If it’s to share information about services, wait until you know the details before posting. If the goal is to create a space for family and friends to connect and share memories or stories of the deceased, then sharing early might be helpful. No matter when you choose to post, remember that there is no perfect time. Choose a time that works best for you.
Remember a few basic social media rules. This means that it’s important to remember that communicating on Facebook is different from communicating in person. The person who reads your post cannot see your face to know that you are sad, nor do they know what you do as you’re posting. It can be kind to start the post with a warning that you’re posting sad news, just as it can be important to include information about how to interact with immediate family members.
Facebook Post About the Death of a Loved One: Example
If you’re at a loss for words, consider using the following as a jumping off point, and personalize to suit your needs:
Be advised that this post contains sad news, so please read when you’re in a safe physical and emotional space. It is with great sadness that we relay that our beloved mother, Mary Jane Smith, died after a lengthy battle with cancer on September 1st, 2022. We invite family and friends to join us at her funeral (insert information here). We will post her obituary and other pertinent information as it becomes available. Please feel free to engage in this post, but calls and visits to our homes should be postponed until a later date. Thank you for your understanding.
You might notice a few things about this example:
It’s short. A death announcement on Facebook isn’t an obituary, though it’s a good place to post the link to an obituary if there is one. It also lets people know what the family needs right now (to not call or visit immediately). An example like this is also quite business-like. It relays pertinent information without sharing personal feelings or grief.
That’s ok. But it’s also ok to be more personal if you so choose. If that’s the case, you might opt for something like this:
Sad news: I am overwhelmed with grief that my sister, Erma Johnson, died in her sleep on September 1, 2022. She was my favorite person and while I’m not sure what the world looks like without her, I do know I will miss her smile, her laugh, and her apple cobbler. A celebration of life service is being planned in the near future. In the meantime, please reach out if you’d like to share a memory or help plan the service. We’ll be working with Bateman-Allen Funeral Home. More info to come as I have it.
Let Others Help You
It might feel overwhelming to manage a social media post after the death of a loved one. The most important thing is to use Facebook if it has already been part of your life and if it will save you time and energy. If it does not, there is no reason to post.
We understand how difficult it is to manage daily tasks when you’re overcome with grief, and our goal is to be here for you as you navigate this experience. Please reach out to ask questions, to learn more about pre-planning services, or to suggest topics you’d like to read about. We’re here to serve you and our community.
Recent Comments