Honoring Your Loved One in a Digital Age
In this day and age of social media, it seems only fitting that these platforms are considered when a loved one passes away. While once it was customary to announce their death in the local newspaper, now there are several digital ways to announce the passing and inform others of the details of the services as well as create a lasting digital tribute to your loved one. Directors of funeral homes in Columbia, TN. have these tips and ideas when it comes to honoring your loved one digitally.
Handling Your Loved One’s Personal Social Media Accounts
Nowadays just about everyone has some sort of social media account. While some may just have a Facebook account, others may also have accounts with platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and more.
These are great digital spaces that friends and family can visit to share stories and memories of the deceased as well as post information about services , donations, etc.
There are a few things to note about these accounts. What you can access, and the way you can access the account will differ depending on the platform as well as any settings your loved one might have made.
For example, with Facebook and Instagram it is possible for a user to designate another person as a “legacy”. This person named will have the ability to log in and have full functions of the account. Other platforms may keep the account active and allow people to post to the account, but not allow other functions such as deleting posts, commenting or posting as the user.
To know what functions the social media platform can offer, you will need to contact the specific platform directly. You may also need a copy of the death certificate, your identification, proof of relationship, or other documents.
Creating a Memorial Website for Your Loved One
Another way to memorialize your loved one digitally is with a memorial website. These websites are easy to create and many of them offer free versions. While the options of the free version s may be limited, they are typically enough for most families to create a meaningful tribute. If you would like more features, many offer things such as:
- Guest Book – This is just like a paper guest book but it’s online. Guests visit the site and can write their tribute in the book.
- Virtual Services- You can use the site to livestream the funeral or memorial service so that those who cannot attend physically can still attend virtually. This is also a god option if you ware wanting to save money as hosting a virtual service can be less expensive.
- Invitations- These sites can offer functions that allow you to invite guests and have the RSVP directly on the site. This helps in keeping track with the number of guests.
Final Thoughts
Honoring your loved one digitally just makes sense in this day and age. It is a lovely way to preserve their memory and keep a digital space open for people to visit, connect and support one another while remembering and honoring your loved one.
If you need further help or information about how to create a memorial website or handle your loved one’s social media accounts, reach out to your funeral director of the funeral homes in Columbia, TN. as they will be able to assist you.
Since 1935, our funeral home family has been serving the people of Columbia and surrounding areas during their most difficult moments.