Popular Funeral Readings
If you’re looking for the perfect funeral reading, we’ve compiled a selection of popular options to help guide and inspire you. These readings are often chosen for their comforting words and thoughtful messages, and can be a meaningful part of any funeral, memorial or celebration of life.
Our collection includes well-known funeral readings, short passages, and uplifting verses. Some are taken from the Bible or other religious texts, while others are non-religious readings that focus on love, remembrance, and hope.
Whether you’re planning a funeral service or simply looking for ideas, our suggested funeral readings can help you find the right words to honour your loved one.
- On this page:
- 1. Popular Poems
- 2. All Funeral Poems
- 3. FAQs
One At Rest
- A. J. Stanley
- 1978
- 5 to 30 seconds Reflective/memorial pace: 35 to 45 seconds
Think of me as one at rest
For me you should not weep
I have no pain no troubled thoughts
For I am just asleep
The living thinking me that was,
Is now forever still
And life goes on without me now
As time forever wilIf your heart is heavy now
Because Ive gone away
Dwell not long upon it friend
For none of us can stay
Those of you who liked me
I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me
I thank you most of all
And in my fleeting lifespan
As time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate
To laugh, to love, to cry
Matters it now if time began
If time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all,
And now I am at peace
For me you should not weep
I have no pain no troubled thoughts
For I am just asleep
The living thinking me that was,
Is now forever still
And life goes on without me now
As time forever wilIf your heart is heavy now
Because Ive gone away
Dwell not long upon it friend
For none of us can stay
Those of you who liked me
I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me
I thank you most of all
And in my fleeting lifespan
As time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate
To laugh, to love, to cry
Matters it now if time began
If time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all,
And now I am at peace
This gentle poem offers comfort to those mourning a loss by encouraging them not to grieve deeply or sorrowfully. The speaker asks to be remembered as resting peacefully, free from pain and troubled thoughts. someone who has passed away and is asking their loved ones to think of them as at rest, without pain or trouble. The speaker encourages their loved ones not to dwell on their passing and to cherish the memories they shared together. The speaker expresses gratitude for those who loved and liked them and reflects on the importance of taking advantage of the time we have in life. The poem ends with the speaker finding peace in their passing.
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One At Rest by A. J. Stanley
Think of me as one at rest
For me you should not weep
I have no pain no troubled thoughts
For I am just asleep
The living thinking me that was,
Is now forever still
And life goes on without me now
As time forever wilIf your heart is heavy now
Because Ive gone away
Dwell not long upon it friend
For none of us can stay
Those of you who liked me
I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me
I thank you most of all
And in my fleeting lifespan
As time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate
To laugh, to love, to cry
Matters it now if time began
If time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all,
And now I am at peace
For me you should not weep
I have no pain no troubled thoughts
For I am just asleep
The living thinking me that was,
Is now forever still
And life goes on without me now
As time forever wilIf your heart is heavy now
Because Ive gone away
Dwell not long upon it friend
For none of us can stay
Those of you who liked me
I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me
I thank you most of all
And in my fleeting lifespan
As time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate
To laugh, to love, to cry
Matters it now if time began
If time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all,
And now I am at peace
Farewell my friends
- Rabindranath Tagore
- early 20th century
- 30 to 45 seconds Memorial reading pace: Around 1 minute
It was beautiful as long as it lasted
The journey of my life
I have nor egrets whatsoever, save the pain
I’ll leave behind
Those dear hearts who love and care
And the strings pulled at the heart and soul
The journey of my life
I have nor egrets whatsoever, save the pain
I’ll leave behind
Those dear hearts who love and care
And the strings pulled at the heart and soul
poignant and reflective passage that expresses a calm and gracious goodbye. It conveys a message of gratitude and love toward those who have shared life’s journey with the speaker
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Farewell my friends by Rabindranath Tagore
It was beautiful as long as it lasted
The journey of my life
I have nor egrets whatsoever, save the pain
I’ll leave behind
Those dear hearts who love and care
And the strings pulled at the heart and soul
The journey of my life
I have nor egrets whatsoever, save the pain
I’ll leave behind
Those dear hearts who love and care
And the strings pulled at the heart and soul
1 Corinthians 15:51-57:
- Bible New Testament
- Unknown
- Approximately 30 seconds.
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O Death, has your victory gone? Where, O Death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This passage from 1 Corinthians speaks of a mystery: that not everyone will die, but all will be changed. At the last trumpet, the dead will be raised imperishable, and the living will also be transformed, as the perishable is clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. This transformation signifies victory over death, whose sting is sin and whose power is the law, with thanks given to God for the victory through Jesus Christ.
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1 Corinthians 15:51-57:, Bible New Testament
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O Death, has your victory gone? Where, O Death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 25:6-9
This passage offers a vision of a feast prepared by God for all peoples, with death being swallowed up forever.
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Isaiah 25:6-9 by
This passage offers a vision of a feast prepared by God for all peoples, with death being swallowed up forever.
Romans 8:35-39
- Bible New Testament
- Unknown
- Approximately 30 seconds.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This passage from Romans emphasizes that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ, asserting that despite challenges, they are more than conquerors through Him. It lists various adversities, including death, life, angels, demons, present or future events, powers, height, depth, or anything else in creation, as incapable of severing this divine bond.
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Romans 8:35-39, Bible New Testament
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Job 19:23-27
- Bible New Testament
- Unknown
- Approximately 30 seconds.
Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!
The passage expresses a fervent wish for the speaker’s words to be permanently recorded, like an inscription in rock. It then declares a strong belief in a living Redeemer who will ultimately stand on earth, and the speaker’s hope to see God with their own eyes after their death.
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Job 19:23-27, Bible New Testament
Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!
Legacy of love
- Joanne Ginsberg
- 1971
A wife, a mother, a grandma too,
This legacy we have from you,
You gave us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might,
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind,
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife, not just as a mother
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest
So go in peace, you earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep
This legacy we have from you,
You gave us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might,
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind,
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife, not just as a mother
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest
So go in peace, you earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep
heartfelt tribute celebrating the enduring impact of a remarkable woman—often a wife, mother, grandmother, or family matriarch. The poem reflects on the many ways she strengthened, guided, and inspired her loved ones, overall The passage comforts mourners with its gentle rhythm and hopeful tone, reminding them that although she has passed, her legacy—her love, strength, and lessons—remains alive within each person she touched.
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Legacy of love by Joanne Ginsberg
A wife, a mother, a grandma too,
This legacy we have from you,
You gave us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might,
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind,
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife, not just as a mother
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest
So go in peace, you earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep
This legacy we have from you,
You gave us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might,
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind,
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife, not just as a mother
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest
So go in peace, you earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep
Our Mum
- Andrea Jackson
- Unknown
- ~45 secs
A special Mum is hard to find
For that we know is true
You gave to us unselfishly
Every single part of you
Your winning smile, those sparking eyes,
The way you made us laugh,
We know you were so peaceful
As you travelled Heaven’s path
Your memory is your inner strength,
Which last a whole life through,
God threw away the mould Mum
The day that he made you
Whenever we are lonely
And need your loving hand
We know that you will guide us
In life, to understand
That each day you’ll walk beside us,
We will never be alone,
The only thing that’s changed now Mum
Is that you are not at home
For that we know is true
You gave to us unselfishly
Every single part of you
Your winning smile, those sparking eyes,
The way you made us laugh,
We know you were so peaceful
As you travelled Heaven’s path
Your memory is your inner strength,
Which last a whole life through,
God threw away the mould Mum
The day that he made you
Whenever we are lonely
And need your loving hand
We know that you will guide us
In life, to understand
That each day you’ll walk beside us,
We will never be alone,
The only thing that’s changed now Mum
Is that you are not at home
offers both tribute and closure—honoring a woman’s impact while comforting loved ones with the assurance that her love continues to live on.
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Our Mum by Andrea Jackson
A special Mum is hard to find
For that we know is true
You gave to us unselfishly
Every single part of you
Your winning smile, those sparking eyes,
The way you made us laugh,
We know you were so peaceful
As you travelled Heaven’s path
Your memory is your inner strength,
Which last a whole life through,
God threw away the mould Mum
The day that he made you
Whenever we are lonely
And need your loving hand
We know that you will guide us
In life, to understand
That each day you’ll walk beside us,
We will never be alone,
The only thing that’s changed now Mum
Is that you are not at home
For that we know is true
You gave to us unselfishly
Every single part of you
Your winning smile, those sparking eyes,
The way you made us laugh,
We know you were so peaceful
As you travelled Heaven’s path
Your memory is your inner strength,
Which last a whole life through,
God threw away the mould Mum
The day that he made you
Whenever we are lonely
And need your loving hand
We know that you will guide us
In life, to understand
That each day you’ll walk beside us,
We will never be alone,
The only thing that’s changed now Mum
Is that you are not at home
At Rest
- authorship is unknown
- no definitive publication record or date
- About 1 minute to 1 minute 15 seconds Reflective/memorial pace: Around 1 minute 30 seconds.
Think of me as one at rest,
For me, no need to weep,
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts,
For I am just at peace.
The living, thinking me that was,
is now forever still,
And life goes on without me,
as time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now,
because I’ve gone away,
Dwell not long upon it friend,
for none of us can stay.
To those friends who liked me,
I sincerely thank you all,
and those of you that loved me,
well, I thank you most of all.
For in my fleeting lifespan,
as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate,
to laugh, to love, to cry.
It matters not when time began,
or if time will ever cease
For I was here, I used it all
and now I am at peace.
For me, no need to weep,
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts,
For I am just at peace.
The living, thinking me that was,
is now forever still,
And life goes on without me,
as time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now,
because I’ve gone away,
Dwell not long upon it friend,
for none of us can stay.
To those friends who liked me,
I sincerely thank you all,
and those of you that loved me,
well, I thank you most of all.
For in my fleeting lifespan,
as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate,
to laugh, to love, to cry.
It matters not when time began,
or if time will ever cease
For I was here, I used it all
and now I am at peace.
offers a gentle and reassuring message to those mourning a loss. It invites loved ones to think of the departed not with sorrow or pain, but as someone who has found peace and rest. The speaker emphasizes the natural cycle of life and death, acknowledging that while their physical presence is gone, life continues.
The poem expresses gratitude to friends and loved ones, highlighting the importance of love, laughter, and shared moments in life. It encourages the living to cherish memories and to accept the inevitability of death with grace.
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At Rest by authorship is unknown
Think of me as one at rest,
For me, no need to weep,
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts,
For I am just at peace.
The living, thinking me that was,
is now forever still,
And life goes on without me,
as time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now,
because I’ve gone away,
Dwell not long upon it friend,
for none of us can stay.
To those friends who liked me,
I sincerely thank you all,
and those of you that loved me,
well, I thank you most of all.
For in my fleeting lifespan,
as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate,
to laugh, to love, to cry.
It matters not when time began,
or if time will ever cease
For I was here, I used it all
and now I am at peace.
For me, no need to weep,
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts,
For I am just at peace.
The living, thinking me that was,
is now forever still,
And life goes on without me,
as time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now,
because I’ve gone away,
Dwell not long upon it friend,
for none of us can stay.
To those friends who liked me,
I sincerely thank you all,
and those of you that loved me,
well, I thank you most of all.
For in my fleeting lifespan,
as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate,
to laugh, to love, to cry.
It matters not when time began,
or if time will ever cease
For I was here, I used it all
and now I am at peace.
Rose Garden
- Liz Newman
- 1990
- Aproximitly 40 seconds
But loved ones, remember:
For all the roses that grew
She tended and planted
Whole gardens in you.
Her heart warm and nurturing,
Her love strong and deep
Resilient and rooted
Yours to tend and to keep.
Her humor a harvest
Her love gently blooms
Her comforting presence
Still fills up a room.
For now we’re her roses.
Her legacy
of light and care.
The whole world will marvel
and know that she was there.
For all the roses that grew
She tended and planted
Whole gardens in you.
Her heart warm and nurturing,
Her love strong and deep
Resilient and rooted
Yours to tend and to keep.
Her humor a harvest
Her love gently blooms
Her comforting presence
Still fills up a room.
For now we’re her roses.
Her legacy
of light and care.
The whole world will marvel
and know that she was there.
serves as a tribute to a woman—likely a mother or grandmother—whose nurturing spirit, strength, and love left a lasting impact on those she cared for
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Rose Garden by Liz Newman
But loved ones, remember:
For all the roses that grew
She tended and planted
Whole gardens in you.
Her heart warm and nurturing,
Her love strong and deep
Resilient and rooted
Yours to tend and to keep.
Her humor a harvest
Her love gently blooms
Her comforting presence
Still fills up a room.
For now we’re her roses.
Her legacy
of light and care.
The whole world will marvel
and know that she was there.
For all the roses that grew
She tended and planted
Whole gardens in you.
Her heart warm and nurturing,
Her love strong and deep
Resilient and rooted
Yours to tend and to keep.
Her humor a harvest
Her love gently blooms
Her comforting presence
Still fills up a room.
For now we’re her roses.
Her legacy
of light and care.
The whole world will marvel
and know that she was there.
What is a Mum?
- Joanna Miller
- 2012
- 45 to 60 seconds Reflective/memorial pace: ~1 minute to 1 minute 15 seconds
A Mum is one of life’s best gifts,
Someone to treasure all life through,
She’s caring and loving,
Thoughtful and true,
Someone who is always a special part of your life,
Someone who holds a prime place in your heart,
She’s a mentor, a confident and also a friend,
Someone on whose love you can depend.
A mum always has your best interests at heart,
She’s someone so dear and so good,
She’s a blessing, she’s a gift,
She’s a treasure like no other,
She’s someone that is truly wonderful.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do,
A mum’s love will always see you through,
A mum is truly invaluable,
Indispensable and unforgettable.
I wouldn’t want anyone but you,
And that’s why I’m so grateful,
that life picked you for me.
Someone to treasure all life through,
She’s caring and loving,
Thoughtful and true,
Someone who is always a special part of your life,
Someone who holds a prime place in your heart,
She’s a mentor, a confident and also a friend,
Someone on whose love you can depend.
A mum always has your best interests at heart,
She’s someone so dear and so good,
She’s a blessing, she’s a gift,
She’s a treasure like no other,
She’s someone that is truly wonderful.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do,
A mum’s love will always see you through,
A mum is truly invaluable,
Indispensable and unforgettable.
I wouldn’t want anyone but you,
And that’s why I’m so grateful,
that life picked you for me.
a tribute to the unique and irreplaceable role of a mother. It highlights the many qualities that make a mum so special—her love, care, guidance, and unwavering presence in our lives. Through affectionate language and rhythmic flow, the poem celebrates a mother’s multifaceted role: as a caregiver, mentor, confidante, and lifelong friend
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What is a Mum? by Joanna Miller
A Mum is one of life’s best gifts,
Someone to treasure all life through,
She’s caring and loving,
Thoughtful and true,
Someone who is always a special part of your life,
Someone who holds a prime place in your heart,
She’s a mentor, a confident and also a friend,
Someone on whose love you can depend.
A mum always has your best interests at heart,
She’s someone so dear and so good,
She’s a blessing, she’s a gift,
She’s a treasure like no other,
She’s someone that is truly wonderful.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do,
A mum’s love will always see you through,
A mum is truly invaluable,
Indispensable and unforgettable.
I wouldn’t want anyone but you,
And that’s why I’m so grateful,
that life picked you for me.
Someone to treasure all life through,
She’s caring and loving,
Thoughtful and true,
Someone who is always a special part of your life,
Someone who holds a prime place in your heart,
She’s a mentor, a confident and also a friend,
Someone on whose love you can depend.
A mum always has your best interests at heart,
She’s someone so dear and so good,
She’s a blessing, she’s a gift,
She’s a treasure like no other,
She’s someone that is truly wonderful.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do,
A mum’s love will always see you through,
A mum is truly invaluable,
Indispensable and unforgettable.
I wouldn’t want anyone but you,
And that’s why I’m so grateful,
that life picked you for me.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
- New Testament
- Unknown
- Approximately 30 seconds
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
This reading emphasizes God as the source of comfort, who provides solace in affliction so that believers can, in turn, comfort others with the same divine comfort they received.
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2 Corinthians 1:3-4, New Testament
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Matthew 5:4:
- Bible New Testament
- Unknown
- Approximately 10 seconds.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
This reading, “Matthew 5:4” from the Bible New Testament, states that those who mourn will be comforted.
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Matthew 5:4:, Bible New Testament
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
John 14:1-3
- Bible New Testament
- Unknown
- Approximately 20 seconds.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
This passage from the Bible encourages listeners not to be troubled, asserting that there are many rooms in God’s house and that Jesus is preparing a place for them, promising to return and take them to be with him.
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John 14:1-3, Bible New Testament
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Psalm 23:
- Bible Old Testament
- Unknown
- Approximately 20 seconds.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
This reading, Psalm 23, describes the Lord as a shepherd who provides for, guides, and comforts his people. It speaks of finding solace and protection even in difficult times, and the promise of goodness, mercy, and dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.
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Psalm 23:, Bible Old Testament
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
The Solder
- Rupert Brooke:
- 1914
- 45 seconds Ceremonial pace: Around 1 minute
If I should die, think only of me
That theres some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
in that rich earth a richer dust concealed
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware
Gave once her flowers to love, her ways to roam
A body of England’s breathing English air
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home
And think, this heart, all evil shed away
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day
And laughter, learnt of friends, and gentleness
In hearts at peace, under an English heav
That theres some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
in that rich earth a richer dust concealed
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware
Gave once her flowers to love, her ways to roam
A body of England’s breathing English air
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home
And think, this heart, all evil shed away
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day
And laughter, learnt of friends, and gentleness
In hearts at peace, under an English heav
captures the deep connection the speaker feels to England, emphasizing how even in death on foreign soil, his essence remains tied to his homeland.
The poem expresses a serene acceptance of death, framing it as a noble contribution to the country’s legacy.
Share:
The Solder by Rupert Brooke:
If I should die, think only of me
That theres some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
in that rich earth a richer dust concealed
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware
Gave once her flowers to love, her ways to roam
A body of England’s breathing English air
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home
And think, this heart, all evil shed away
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day
And laughter, learnt of friends, and gentleness
In hearts at peace, under an English heav
That theres some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
in that rich earth a richer dust concealed
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware
Gave once her flowers to love, her ways to roam
A body of England’s breathing English air
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home
And think, this heart, all evil shed away
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day
And laughter, learnt of friends, and gentleness
In hearts at peace, under an English heav
A Soldier
- Unkwon, possibly J. R. (Jim) O'RourkeJ. R. (Jim) O'Rourke
- early 21st century
- 30 to 45 seconds, the case in ceremonies or memorials—it may take up to 1 minute
Still a Soldier
I lay here today
I know some Don’t understand
I will try to explain it
The soldier and the man
I served my country
For many a year
I retired long ago
But the soldiers still here
I put on my uniform
I wore it to foreign lands
The soldier I was
Is still the man
I have been a good man
And a friend to many here today
But I’ve been a soldier all along
Even after so many years
And so my final salute
I render today
I’m still a proud soldier
I’m just on my way
Rest in peace soldier !
I lay here today
I know some Don’t understand
I will try to explain it
The soldier and the man
I served my country
For many a year
I retired long ago
But the soldiers still here
I put on my uniform
I wore it to foreign lands
The soldier I was
Is still the man
I have been a good man
And a friend to many here today
But I’ve been a soldier all along
Even after so many years
And so my final salute
I render today
I’m still a proud soldier
I’m just on my way
Rest in peace soldier !
reflective and heartfelt expression of a veteran’s enduring identity as a soldier
Share:
A Soldier by Unkwon, possibly J. R. (Jim) O’RourkeJ. R. (Jim) O’Rourke
Still a Soldier
I lay here today
I know some Don’t understand
I will try to explain it
The soldier and the man
I served my country
For many a year
I retired long ago
But the soldiers still here
I put on my uniform
I wore it to foreign lands
The soldier I was
Is still the man
I have been a good man
And a friend to many here today
But I’ve been a soldier all along
Even after so many years
And so my final salute
I render today
I’m still a proud soldier
I’m just on my way
Rest in peace soldier !
I lay here today
I know some Don’t understand
I will try to explain it
The soldier and the man
I served my country
For many a year
I retired long ago
But the soldiers still here
I put on my uniform
I wore it to foreign lands
The soldier I was
Is still the man
I have been a good man
And a friend to many here today
But I’ve been a soldier all along
Even after so many years
And so my final salute
I render today
I’m still a proud soldier
I’m just on my way
Rest in peace soldier !
If roses grow in heaven
- Dolores M. Garcia
- Late 20th Century
- 40 to 50 seconds
If roses grow in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.
expresses the enduring grief and love of someone mourning the loss of their mother. Using the gentle imagery of roses growing in heaven, the speaker makes a heartfelt plea to God—to deliver a bouquet and a message of love to their mother in the afterlife.
Share:
If roses grow in heaven by Dolores M. Garcia
If roses grow in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.
If someone has died, Our Family is here to help you.
Find your nearest office below or request a call back.
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The care , compassion and professionalism from these guys was outstanding, nothing was to much trouble . When our dad Arthur Walker was collected from home he was covered in a velvet throw much better than seeing a body bag , so classy! The chapel of rest was beautiful too , not like others I’ve seen . So from start to finish an excellent service , our dad’s little French bulldog lead him out on the day which was beautiful. The guys and cars were immaculate. Highly recommend these guys , our first time using W.Uden & Sons
Faultless service from the Uden's team at Sidcup. They could not have been more supportive and helpful to me and my family. On the day, the cars were spotlessly clean and the friendly team were immaculately dressed. I cannot recommend Uden's enough.
As a family we have had the privilege of using Uden’s Camberwell before over the last few years. Each time they have made the process so easy. From the time that we made the initial call to the day of the funeral they were in constant contact. Nothing was too small. Everyone we spoke to was very professional and extremely supportive. I cannot thank them enough.
Uden's recently oversaw my dad's funeral and I cannot praise them highly enough. From the very first contact with Spencer through to the actual day when Stanley looked after us, the standard of professionalism and respect shown was second to none. I felt in totally safe hands as such a vulnerable time, nothing was too much trouble for any of the team. I cannot thank them enough for the respect shown to my dad and the support we received, fantastic family run service and can't recommend highly enough.
The funeral service was excellent. The team were great and made sure everything ran smoothly. Ruth the celebrant was brilliant and it was a lovely send off. I can’t fault you guys. From the moment you picked dad up and looked after him for us to the final drop off at the wake it’s been as good as we could have hoped for.I’d have no hesitation in recommending you guys.Thank you.
W. Uden & Sons (Eltham) handled the arrangements for my late cousin’s funeral. Every step was smoothly and tactfully handled - from the initial enquiry and then the more detailed discussions, with Sarah making the whole process very straightforward, to the day of the funeral itself when Callum and the team could not have been more considerate and helpful. My thanks to everyone involved for their efforts in lessening the burden at a difficult time.
Can't recommend the Uden team in Bexleyheath enough - both Adam organising everything in the run up to the funeral and Stanley and his team supporting on the day of. They're very understanding of how difficult a time it is and they are so courteous! We kind of lost track of time between the church service and the burial but there was no hectic/boredom visible from the team who remained 100% present the entire time (no scrolling on phones or anything). Great service with the hearse and limousine and they also let us participate by pushing the coffin into the church. They think of everything - we had an easel with a photo which they kindly also set up and took down again. Thank you very much!
This is the 4th time my family have used W. Uden & Sons to look after our loved ones in recent years. The funeral for my uncle was in May 2026 which was a burial at Sidcup cemetery. Spencer guided me through the process and dealt with everything. I just had to say what I wanted. On the day Stanley in his hat and cane and the pall bearers were professional and respectful during this difficult time for us. I highly recommend W.Uden & Sons.
In 2017 Uden & Sons helped me to plan and fulfill the final arrangements for my spouse. Things were just as she had wanted them to be done. They handled every detail. From the gathering of her remains to the arrangement of private viewings and her cremation.I thank their entire staff for the excellent job that they did then. Their professionalism, attention to detail and exceptional kindness make them easy to recommend. They're honest, straightforward and provided all the assistance one could ask for.Uden & Son's made a dark time less difficult. I am deeply thankfull for the service rendered to me and my spouse. Thank you.
My father was insistent that we use W. Uden & Sons (Biggin Hill) for my mother’s funeral, and after the service we received I completely understand why. Everything was handled with great care, compassion, and professionalism from beginning to end. During such a difficult time, they made everything much easier to manage and guided us through every step with kindness and understanding. Nothing was too much trouble.Their attention to detail and support meant a great deal to us and was a huge help throughout the day. We are truly grateful for everything they did to give our mother the farewell she deserved.I could not recommend W. Uden & Sons highly enough to anyone looking for caring and professional funeral directors.
W. Uden and Sons, Sidcup managed my father's funeral with great respect and professionalism. The family felt we were in safe hands throughout the process and on the day. I would recommend them to others dealing with the loss of a loved relative.
Thank you to Spencer, Alan, Andrew and Bailey and the rest of the team, for the professional and caring service we received from the first moment I contacted Udens Sidcup.We truly couldn't have got through this sad time without them.There are just not enough words to express how brilliant they are.Thank you from us all.The Marshall family
My family and I would like to sincerely thank the W.Uden family funeral directors for the care, professionalism, and compassion shown throughout the arrangements for our beloved sister’s funeral. During such a difficult and emotional time for us as a family, your support, patience, and guidance helped ease a lot of the stress and worry.Everything was handled with dignity and respect, and the service itself was beautiful and well organised. We especially appreciated the kindness shown to myself and family, the clear communication throughout the process, and the care taken to honour our sister so beautifully.Thank you again for helping us give her a peaceful and memorable farewell. I would honestly recommend this family funeral directors. We are truly grateful. Thank you again and God Bless
From the start, the staff at the Camberwell branch were very understanding, sympathetic and knowledgeable in how they treated my family, there is only one thing to say, thank you for making such a emotional and stressful time a lot easier to cope with.
From the very first phone call they were so professional. Polite and caring. All questions were answered with empathy and respect.



















