Beyond the Headstone

A headstone gives a name and two dates. It does not say that she sang in the church choir, kept the family Bible, or made the best pie in the county. Beyond the Headstone is a free column where families tell the life story in their own words.

How it works

• Families write it. A relative sends a short remembrance in their own words, with photographs they own.
• No copying. Nothing is taken from social media or other memorial sites.
• No imitation. No artificial voice or chatbot speaks as the person who died.
• Families choose. The family decides what is printed and what stays private.
• Free. A remembrance story in the column is free.

Remembrance listings

Separately from the free column, families may later be able to place a short paid remembrance listing. Any paid listing will be clearly labeled as paid. Prices have not been set, and nothing can be bought yet.

How to write a remembrance

1. Start small: one detail only family would know, such as a laugh, a recipe or a saying.
2. Name the places: towns, streets, churches and workplaces help other relatives find the same person.
3. Be gentle with hard parts: some things can stay private.
4. Say who remains: children, grandchildren and cousins.

See Reader Submissions for how to send one.