Legacy Worthy Life Stories: Professional Obituary Writers

Society of Professional Obituary Writers Celebrating the Art of Life Stories

The Society of Professional Obituary Writers: Celebrating the Art of Legacy Worthy Life Stories

When you think of obituary writers, you might imagine a dull paragraph in the newspaper — a simple notice that someone passed away. But in reality, obituary writing is a fascinating blend of journalism, storytelling, and respect. It’s an art form that takes real skill and heart. And behind the scenes, there’s an amazing community of writers dedicated to making these stories shine: the Society of Professional Obituary Writers, or SPOW for short. They’re the quiet heroes preserving lives one story at a time.

What Is the Society of Professional Obituary Writers and Why Does It Matter?

Let’s start with the basics. SPOW was founded in 2007, and it’s a professional group made up of obituary writers from all over — journalists, freelancers, and even editors. You might be wondering, “Why do obituary writers need their own society?” The answer is pretty simple: obituary writing is a unique kind of journalism that requires special skills and ethical considerations. It’s not just “who died, when, and where” — it’s about telling a person’s story in a way that’s respectful, insightful, and engaging. To make the life a legacy worthy story.

SPOW helps writers sharpen their skills, connect with others who “get it,” and celebrate the best in the field. They offer workshops where writers can learn how to craft compelling narratives and handle sensitive subjects with care. It’s also a space where members discuss the challenges of the job — like balancing privacy with the public’s interest, or how to write about controversial figures respectfully.

The Grimmies Awards: Celebrating the Best of the Best

A play on Grammy Awards, one of the coolest things SPOW does is host the annual Grimmies Awards. Think of it as the Oscars for obituary writers. The awards recognize excellence across several categories — like Best Celebrity Obituary, Best Local Obituary, and even Best Humor in an Obituary. Yes, humor! Because sometimes the best way to honor someone is with a touch of wit or lightheartedness.

Winning a Grimmie isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s about setting a high standard for obituary writing and inspiring others to tell life stories that truly matter. Past winners have included pieces that made readers laugh, cry, and reflect — all within a few hundred words. A legacy worthy life can bring on the tears.

Real-Life Obituary Writers Who Are Changing the Game

Obituary writing might be niche, but the writers behind these stories are often as fascinating as the lives they chronicle. Here are a few of the biggest names in the field who’ve transformed obituary writing into something extraordinary:

Kay Powell: The Storyteller Who Brought Obituaries to Life

Kay Powell, who wrote for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for decades, is often called one of the greatest obituary writers of her time. What set Kay apart was her ability to turn a simple life story into a vivid, emotional narrative. She didn’t just list facts; she painted pictures with words. Readers didn’t just learn about the person who died — they felt like they knew them.

Kay’s writing was so impactful that her obituaries were often read by people who didn’t even know the deceased. Her work showed that obituary writing could be moving, insightful, and deeply human.

Margalit Fox: The Wordsmith of The New York Times

Margalit Fox took obituary writing to an art form at The New York Times. Known for her poetic style and deep research, she crafted obituaries that read like short biographies or mini-memoirs. Her pieces didn’t just announce a death — they celebrated a life’s achievements, quirks, and complexities.

Margalit’s work helped elevate the obituary section from a routine newspaper feature to a beloved part of the paper that readers looked forward to. She made it clear that obituaries can be a form of literary journalism.

Paul Vitello: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Obituary Expert

Paul Vitello’s career spans decades, primarily at Newsday, where he’s known for his empathy and sharp storytelling. In 1997, Paul won a Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Reporting, and his obituary writing is just as celebrated. His obituaries strike a balance between accuracy and emotional resonance, often capturing the essence of a person’s life in a few paragraphs.

His ability to handle sensitive topics with grace has made him a respected figure in the field.

Other Notable Names

Of course, there are many others who have made significant contributions: Robert McG. Thomas Jr., who wrote witty and revealing obituaries for The New York Times; Hugh Massingberd, a British writer credited with changing the tone of obituaries in the UK; and Claudia Levy, known for her dedication to telling the stories of ordinary people with extraordinary care.

P.S. I actually first heard about the Society of Professional Obituary Writers (SPOW) from Harrison Smith, who’s a standout obituary writer himself. I was looking up the obituary for Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx. Harrison’s bio included Professional Affiliations: Society of Professional Obituary Writers. If you want to check out his work or learn more about him, here’s his Washington Post profile:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/harrison-smith/   

See Jeffrey Klein Obituary by Harrison Smith: https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2025/03/19/jeffrey-klein-dead-mother-jones/

Harrison Smith standout obituary writer Washington Post

TV Shows About Obituary Writers That Actually Make Death Interesting

If you think obituary writers don’t get their moment in the spotlight, think again. A handful of TV shows and documentaries have put obituary writing front and center — often with a twist.

“Not Dead Yet” (ABC)

This one’s a gem. “Not Dead Yet” stars Gina Rodriguez as a woman who returns to her old newspaper job to write obituaries — and suddenly starts seeing the ghosts of the people she writes about. It’s part comedy, part supernatural drama, and totally charming.

The show dives into themes of life, death, and second chances, all while showing what it’s like to write obituaries that truly capture a person’s spirit. It’s a fun reminder that obituary writing is about celebrating life, not just mourning loss.

“Obituary” (Irish Dark Comedy)

This Irish series takes a darker, more comedic approach. The protagonist is a socially awkward obituary writer who finds himself involved in a bizarre series of accidental deaths. It mixes humor and drama in a way that highlights the unexpected adventures (and misadventures) of an obituary writer.

It’s a quirky take on the profession, showing that even those who write about death can have lives filled with surprises.

“Obit.” (Documentary)

For something real and raw, the 2017 documentary “Obit.” offers a rare glimpse inside The New York Times obituary desk. Featuring interviews with writers like Margalit Fox and Paul Vitello, the film reveals how much work and care goes into every obituary.

The documentary is both informative and emotional, showing how obituary writing is as much about honoring the living as it is about the dead.

“The Holiday” (2006)

 In this romantic comedy, the main character Iris, played by Kate Winslet, is an obituary writer. The film explores how telling someone’s story can connect you to life and love in unexpected ways.

Why Obituary Writing Is More Important Than You Think

You might wonder, “Why should I care about obituary writing?” Well, these tiny life stories do a lot more than you’d expect.

Crafting a Whole Life in a Few Paragraphs

Obituary writers face a huge challenge: how do you tell the story of a whole lifetime in a few hundred words? It’s like writing a mini-biography that captures the essence without losing the details.

Good obituary writers dig deep — they research, interview family and friends, and gather stories. The goal is to create something truthful and moving that honors the person’s life.

Balancing Fact and Feeling

There’s a delicate balance to strike. Obituaries need to be accurate and respectful, but they also have to resonate emotionally. Writers have to decide what to include and what to leave out, how to mention sensitive issues without causing pain, and how to celebrate the person’s unique qualities.

Preserving Culture and History

Obituaries do more than announce deaths — they preserve history. Future generations can learn about the past through obituaries, which record lives, relationships, and societal changes. They’re a vital part of public memory and culture.

How SPOW Keeps the Obituary Craft Alive and Kicking

Without SPOW, obituary writers might feel pretty isolated. The society builds community, provides resources, and sets standards for excellence.

They organize annual conferences where writers swap stories, learn from editors and experts, and support each other. SPOW’s workshops cover everything from ethical dilemmas to narrative techniques.

The Grimmies Awards give writers goals to strive for, shining a spotlight on the best work and encouraging everyone to raise their game.

SPOW Society of Professional Obituary Writers

The opening lines exemplify how obituaries can encapsulate a person’s life, achievements, and the impact they had on the world.
Here are 10 impactful opening lines from obituaries of notable individuals who passed away in the last year, each capturing the essence of the person’s life and legacy:

1. Willie Mays (1924–2024)

“They invented the All-Star Game for Willie Mays.”
— A tribute to the baseball legend’s unparalleled career and charisma, echoing Ted Williams’ famous praise. Statesman+1Wikipedia+1

2. James Earl Jones (1931–2024)

“His stentorian tones enriched classic films ranging from Star Wars to The Lion King.”
— A nod to the iconic voice that defined generations of cinema. NPR+1LAist+1

3. Phil Donahue (1935–2024)

“Phil Donahue, who made daytime television his kingdom.”
— Recognizing the talk show pioneer who transformed daytime TV with thoughtful discourse. LAist+1NPR+1NPR

4. Michaela DePrince (1995–2024)

“Trailblazing ballerina and humanitarian.”
— Celebrating the inspiring journey from war orphan to international ballet star. NPR

5. Matthew Perry (1969–2023)

“When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned—I want helping others to be the first thing.”
— Reflecting the actor’s desire to be remembered for his advocacy and support for those battling addiction. Profits House

6. Barry Humphries (1934–2023)

“Farewell, Possum.”
— A playful goodbye to the creator of Dame Edna Everage, capturing his comedic legacy. Sky News

7. Harry Belafonte (1927–2023)

“Reluctantly nicknamed ‘The King of Calypso’, he was largely responsible for bringing Caribbean music to an international audience.”
— Honoring the singer and activist’s cultural and social contributions. Sky News

8. Robert Boehm (1949–2023)

“Charles Boehm wrote a humorous obituary for his father, Robert Boehm, who passed away at 74, to ensure he wouldn’t be forgotten.”
— A son’s heartfelt and humorous tribute that resonated widely. People.com

9. Megan Marshack (1953–2024)

“Journalist Megan Marshack, known for her association with the death of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, passed away at age 70.”
— Acknowledging her unique place in political history. New York Post

10. Janet Watts (1945–2024)

“Janet Watts, a distinguished journalist, has passed away at the age of 79.”
— Remembering a career marked by insightful interviews and literary contributions. The Guardian

Why Obituary Writers Deserve More Love

Obituary writers don’t just report facts — they craft stories that help us remember what makes a life unique. Thanks to the Society of Professional Obituary Writers and the incredible talents of writers like Kay Powell and Margalit Fox, this craft is alive, thriving, and more important than ever.

And with TV shows and documentaries bringing this work to life for wider audiences, maybe it’s time we all appreciate obituary writing a bit more. Because every life deserves to be told with care, respect, and a touch of storytelling magic.

See More:

See Jeffrey Klein Obituary: https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2025/03/19/jeffrey-klein-dead-mother-jones/

Addendum: Obituary Article Template

  1. Headline:
  1. Introduction (Lead Paragraph):
  • Content: Announce the death, including the person’s full name, age, and date/location of passing. Briefly reiterate their key roles or accomplishments that made them well-known.
  • Example: [City, State] – [Full Name], a dedicated philanthropist, community advocate, and mother to actor Brad Pitt, passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age].
  1. Elaboration on Life and Legacy:
  • Content: This is the core of the story. Dedicate several paragraphs to detailing the person’s life and impact.
    • Early Life & Background: Briefly mention their upbringing, education, and early career.
    • Key Accomplishments: Detail their most significant contributions. In the example, this was Jane Pitt’s philanthropic work, including the specific organizations she supported (e.g., Care to Learn, the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks).
    • Personal Philosophy/Mission: Describe their driving values or the “why” behind their work.
  • Example: Known for her tireless dedication to children’s health and education, [Last Name] was the founder of the [Organization Name]… Her work was driven by a deep belief that…
  1. Personal Connections and Family:
  • Content: Shift from public achievements to personal relationships.
    • Famous Connections: If applicable, detail their relationship with a well-known person (e.g., being Brad Pitt’s mother). Explain how they influenced or supported that person.
    • Family: Mention their spouse, children, grandchildren, and other close family members. This section humanizes the individual and acknowledges their personal life.
  • Example: While the world knew her son, Brad, as a global superstar, [First Name] was a guiding force in his life, instilling in him the values of… She is survived by her husband, [Spouse’s Name]; her children, [Children’s Names]; and [Number] grandchildren.
  1. Quotes and Tributes:
  • Content: Include quotes from people who knew them well. This adds a personal and emotional dimension to the article.
    • Seek quotes from family members, colleagues, community leaders, or friends.
    • These quotes should reflect the person’s character, impact, and what they meant to others.
  • Example: “[Quote about their impact],” said [Name], [Title/Relationship]. “We will remember her for her…”
  1. Concluding Remarks:
  • Content: Summarize their legacy and the lasting impact they will have on their community or field. End on a note that encapsulates their life’s meaning.
  • Example: [Last Name]’s legacy extends beyond her family and philanthropic achievements; she leaves behind a community inspired by her generosity and a standard for service that will endure for years to come.
  1. Funeral and Memorial Information (Optional but Recommended):
  • Content: If available, provide details about public services, memorials, or where people can send condolences or donations in their memory.
  • Example: A public memorial service will be held at [Location] on [Date]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity Name].
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