It's an understatement to say that losing a loved one is distressing. It's especially stressful when you're also tasked with any of the funeral arrangements. In today's world, because of how most people interact, part of this now involves making announcements on social media. Although it's still a challenging thing to do, here are a few ways to make the process less complicated. 

How to Tell Others of a Loved One's Passing Online

1. Inform Family & Close Friends in Private

When notifying people of someone's passing, start with close family and friends. Ideally, this should be done in person or on the phone whenever possible. For those who knew the deceased personally, learning about the death is already shocking, so out of respect for them and their relationship, it's best to make it as private as possible. Furthermore, certain people, particularly family members, may want to help with the funeral arrangements, so they should be the priority. 

2. Wait for a Bit

At the very minimum, waiting a day or two before posting anything announcing the death is ideal. This dovetails with the previous tip, as you'll be preoccupied with telling family and friends. If you post something online too quickly, those people could inadvertently learn about the death from an acquaintance instead of someone in their close circle. Alternatively, you don't want someone being asked about the funeral arrangements before they're even aware of the death. 

3. Focus on the Basics

When making a post, make it as simple as possible. You can share a fond memory of them, but don't get into too many personal details. Avoid divulging things like the cause of death or convoluted family histories. You can use their online presence as a guide for the brevity of the post; if they weren't online much, a tweet or update might suffice. However, if they had many contacts online or a business, then something like a long-form blog may be better. 

When seeking a funeral home that understands your needs, trust Brown Funeral Homes & Cremations. Located in Martinsburg, WV, they've faithfully served their community since 1880. Their experienced and caring team will help you every step of the way while you're working on the funeral arrangements. Whether you want something traditional or innovative for the deceased, they can make it happen. For more information about their services, visit their website or call (304) 263-8896.