LDS funeral

[Sharen]

A dear friend is suffering from cancer and is expected to pass away in a few days. She is a member of the LDS church. I would like to hear from any LDS members or former members who can tell me what to expect at the funeral and if there are any traditions or customs that I should be aware of. Thank you.

 

[Tmaque]

LDS funerals are fairly straightforward. Prayer, talk, song, talk, song, talk, prayer, graveside, back to the church to eat. Expect to hear lots of LDS testimonies. I’ve been to dozens of LDS funerals in my life this is usually the routine.

 

[Tmaque]

No customs or anything weird to worry about. Forgot to mention that.

 

[ParkerD]

A dear friend is suffering from cancer and is expected to pass away in a few days. She is a member of the LDS church. I would like to hear from any LDS members or former members who can tell me what to expect at the funeral and if there are any traditions or customs that I should be aware of. Thank you.

Hi, Sharen,

There is nothing that occurs in an LDS funeral that differentiates between those who aren’t LDS who attend, and those who are. An LDS bishop usually presides and takes charge of the funeral. Family members may speak, or friends, or the bishop, by advance invitation for the planned program. Mormon funerals have an aspect of being very comforting for the grieving family, so hopefully you will be able to observe that.

Wishing you and this family great peace and comfort, and thanks for being thoughtful about asking.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Clothing-wise, wear a dress, skirt or dress pants. Other than that there isn’t anything you need to do but sit quietly.

I’d say you’ll find yourself differentiated, only by what people say and how they say it. You don’t have to comment or do anything, but you’ll notice.

 

[catsrus]

A wonderful lds friend of mine died about 11 years ago and I went to his viewing (I detest veiwings!) and his funeral. I just sat quietly through the entire thing. It was very different from Catholic funerals what with all the testimonies, many men lined up on a stage-like platform and no recognizable music but it wasn’t anything weird…