Love is eternal - extract by Philip Pullman

In the final book of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, Lyra realizes she is in love with Will. This is how he describes love as being eternal.

funeral reading, Funeral ServiceDavid WillisFebruary 14, 2023love poem, funeral celebrant, funeral celebrants near me, funeral, funeral celebrant training, sheffield funeral celebrant, sheffield funeral, sheffield

The Dash by Linda Ellis

There are many poems to celebrate a life well lived. This poem, The Dash by Linda Ellis, is a favourite.

funeral poemDavid WillisNovember 16, 2021funeral celebrant, funeral service, funeral poem, funeral, funeral directors, civil celebrant, celebrant, sheffield, sheffield funeral flowers, sheffield funeral, sheffield funeral celebrant, sheffield funeral director, celebrant training, funeral celebrant training

A Funeral Service for someone under 40

I have recently had a number of funeral services to write & deliver for people who have died under the age of 40. This is very unusual. The tone & content of the funeral service is often, although not always, different from a service for someone who has died after a long life in their 70s, 80s or 90s.

Bereavement, funeral, Funeral ServiceDavid WillisOctober 6, 2021funeral celebrant, funeral service, funeral directors, funeral florist, funeral flowers, funeral, civil celebrant, celebrant, sheffield funeral flowers, sheffield, sheffield funeral, sheffield funeral celebrant, sheffield funeral director, celebrant training, funeral celebrant training

To My Husband - Funeral Poem

This poem is a very popular set of beautiful words to choose for a funeral service for obvious reasons.

funeral poemDavid WillisMay 21, 2021funeral celebrant, funeral service, funeral directors, funeral chapel, funeral poem, funeral, sheffield funeral celebrant, sheffield funeral director, sheffield, sheffield funeral, civil celebrant, celebrant, to my husband, husband, celebrant training, funeral celebrant training

How planning a Funeral Service can help with grief

The planning of a funeral service for a loved one is a helpful activity when struggling with grief. The focus & need to get the job done can bring a timely reason to leave “what if...” thoughts to one side which can be emotionally draining. Working with a celebrant on planning the actual funeral service can also bring some comfort.

Let Me Go by Christina Rosetti

Christina Rossetti is one of the most popular poets to have her poems read at funerals.

Christina was a Victorian English poet & wrote the funeral poems “Remember” and “Let Me Go”. She is also famous for writing the words to the Christmas Carol, “In the Bleak Midwinter “.

Why White Lilies at a Funeral?

White lilies are probably the most associated flower with funerals. Ever wondered why?

funeral flowersDavid WillisMay 18, 2021funeral celebrant, funeral service, funeral directors, funeral florist, funeral flowers, funeral chapel, funeral, sheffield funeral flowers, sheffield funeral celebrant, sheffield funeral director, sheffield, sheffield funeral, white lilies, peace, celebrant training, funeral celebrant training

Afterglow by Helen Lowrie Marshall

Afterglow is one of the most requested funeral poems. It is written by Helen Lowrie Marshall and is optimistic and upbeat about living with loss.

funeral poemDavid WillisMay 17, 2021afterglow, funeral poem, poem, funeral celebrant, funeral service, funeral directors, funeral, funeral chapel, sheffield funeral celebrant, sheffield funeral director, sheffield funeral, sheffield

When Someone Dies Long Before Their Time

When someone dies, what feels like, long before their time, the grief stages of denial, anger & bargaining can feel particularly long & challenging. It is quite normal for people in shock & grief to frequently ask of themselves or of others: “what if...”

Bereavement, GriefDavid WillisMay 16, 2021grief, bereavement, loss, death, funeral service, funeral chapel, funeral, funeral celebrant, funeral directors, sheffield funeral, sheffield funeral director, sheffield, sheffield funeral celebrant

What are the 5 Stages of Grief?

Grief takes it own time. Whilst there is much evidence for “the 5 stages of grief” that most people feel when living with loss or bereavement, everyone is different with how & for how long they experience each stage. So what are the “5 stages of Grief?”

Grief, BereavementDavid WillisMay 15, 2021grief, bereavement, loss, death, mourning, funeral service, funeral chapel, funeral, funeral celebrant, funeral directors, sheffield funeral director, sheffield funeral, sheffield, sheffield funeral celebrant, celebrant training, funeral celebrant training

Funeral Wishes

Talking about death & dying is not a joyous topic of conversation at any time, especially after a pandemic, but research shows it brings peace of mind to everyone once the conversations have been had. My “Funeral Wishes” is FREE to download and can help.

Preparing for your death, funeral, Funeral ServiceDavid WillisMay 14, 2021funeral celebrant, funeral service, funeral, funeral directors, sheffield, sheffield funeral, sheffield funeral director, sheffield funeral celebrant, celebrant training, funeral celebrant training

What's the difference between coffin bearers and pall bearers?

When arranging a funeral, a family is often asked if they want coffin bearers or pall bearers? What are they? Do you need them? Hopefully this information may help.

What is a Eulogy?

A funeral can be whatever the next of kin or family want. Normally however, it usually involves some sort of eulogy or telling the life story of the person who has died.

Funeral ServiceDavid WillisMay 12, 2021civil celebrant, celebrant, funeral celebrant, funeral, funeral chapel, funeral directors, funeral service, sheffield funeral, sheffield, sheffield funeral celebrant, sheffield funeral director, funeral celebrant training, celebrant training

Which Crematoria is best in Sheffield?

Sheffield has three crematoria: City Road, Hutcliffe Wood and Grenoside. So which should you use? Here is some information to help you.

funeralDavid WillisMay 11, 2021civil celebrant, celebrant, funeral celebrant, funeral, funeral chapel, funeral directors, sheffield funeral, sheffield funeral celebrant, sheffield funeral director, cremation, crematorium, sheffield, celebrant training, funeral celebrant training, funeral celebrants near me, celebrant near me

Leisure by William Henry Davies

“What is Life if, full of care…” is the famous start to a poem that many people will have heard, but few can remember its name. It is a beautiful and popular choice in a funeral service.