Funeral Resolution

What Is a Funeral Resolution?

A funeral resolution, also called a resolution of respect, is a written tribute from a group the person belonged to. It recognizes their life and service, expresses the group's sorrow, and offers sympathy to the family.

Resolutions are a cherished tradition in many churches, especially Black Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal congregations, and in fraternal and civic organizations. A church clerk, secretary, or committee usually writes the resolution, and a representative reads it during the funeral. The original is often presented to the family, and a copy is recorded in the group's minutes.

When several groups send resolutions, programs often list them in the order of service or note that they will be printed in the program rather than read aloud, to keep the service on time.

Funeral Resolution Format

Most resolutions follow the same structure:

• Heading: Resolution of Respect or simply Resolution, the name of the church or organization, and the person's name with their title, such as Sister, Brother, Deacon, Mother, or Reverend.
• WHEREAS statements: Each one begins with WHEREAS and states one thing: that God has called the person home, how long and how faithfully they served, and the qualities people will remember.
• BE IT RESOLVED statements: These say what the group resolves to do: give thanks for the person's life, extend sympathy to the family, and record and present the resolution.
• Scripture: A verse that fits the person's life, often placed at the end.
• Signatures: Usually the pastor and the church clerk, or the president and secretary of the organization, with the date the resolution was adopted.

Most resolutions run 150 to 300 words and take two minutes or less to read.

Funeral Resolution Template

Fill in the bracketed parts and keep or remove any "WHEREAS" statement to fit the person's life.

Resolution of Respect
[Church or Organization Name]
In Memory of [Title] [Full Name]

WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has called from labor to reward our beloved [title] [full name]; and

WHEREAS, [he/she] was a faithful member of [church or organization] for [number] years, serving as [roles, ministries, or offices]; and

WHEREAS, [first name] will be remembered for [qualities, such as kindness, faith, generosity, or humor], and for [a specific way they served others];

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of [church or organization], give thanks to God for the life and service of [title] [last name];

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend our deepest sympathy to [his/her] family, and pray that God will comfort them in this hour of sorrow;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family and recorded in the minutes of [church or organization].

[Scripture verse] ([reference])

Adopted this [day] day of [month], [year].
[Name], Pastor
[Name], Church Clerk

Funeral Resolution Examples

Church Resolution for a Deceased Member

Resolution of Respect
New Hope Baptist Church
In Memory of Sister Gloria Jean Parker

WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has called from labor to reward our beloved Sister Gloria Jean Parker; and

WHEREAS, Sister Parker was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church for forty-two years, serving in the choir, on the Usher Board, and in the kitchen ministry; and

WHEREAS, she will be remembered for her warm smile, her steady faith, and the countless meals she prepared for families in their time of need;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the New Hope Baptist Church family gives thanks to God for the life and service of Sister Parker;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend our deepest sympathy to her family and pray that God will comfort them in this hour of sorrow;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family and recorded in the minutes of our church.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Rev. James Walker, Pastor
Linda Greene, Church Clerk

Funeral Resolution for a Woman (Mother of the Church)

Resolution of Respect
Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
In Memory of Mother Hattie Mae Coleman

WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has called from labor to reward our beloved Mother Hattie Mae Coleman; and

WHEREAS, Mother Coleman was a member of Greater Bethel for more than sixty years, serving as president of the Mothers' Board, a Sunday school teacher, and a prayer warrior whose door was always open; and

WHEREAS, she counseled young mothers, welcomed every visitor, and showed us all what it means to walk with God in quiet strength;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Greater Bethel family bows in humble submission to the will of God, giving thanks for the life and example of Mother Coleman;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend our deepest sympathy and Christian love to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family and recorded in the minutes of our church.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:28)

Rev. Dr. Marcus Hill, Pastor
Sister Dorothy Evans, Church Clerk

Funeral Resolution for a Man (Deacon)

Resolution of Respect
Mount Olive Baptist Church
In Memory of Deacon Earl Thomas Banks

WHEREAS, God, in His infinite wisdom, has called our dear brother, Deacon Earl Thomas Banks, from this life to his eternal rest; and

WHEREAS, Deacon Banks served Mount Olive faithfully for thirty-five years, as chairman of the Deacon Board, a trustee, and a teacher of the men's Bible class; and

WHEREAS, he was a man of his word, a peacemaker in hard times, and a willing servant who visited the sick and shut-in every week;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mount Olive Baptist Church family gives thanks to God for the life, leadership, and Christian example of Deacon Banks;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, children, and grandchildren, and commend them to the care of our Lord;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family and recorded in the minutes of our church.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

Rev. Anthony Price, Pastor
Brother Michael Ross, Church Clerk

Funeral Resolution for a Pastor

Resolution of Respect
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
In Memory of Rev. Dr. Calvin R. Moore

WHEREAS, God, in His sovereign will, has called home His faithful servant, the Rev. Dr. Calvin R. Moore, who shepherded Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for thirty-two years; and

WHEREAS, under his leadership our church grew in faith and in number, built a new sanctuary, and opened a food pantry and scholarship fund that still serve our community; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Moore preached the Word with power, married our couples, baptized our children, and sat with our families in their darkest hours;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the members of Shiloh give thanks to God for the life and ministry of our beloved pastor;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend our deepest sympathy and love to First Lady Moore and the Moore family;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will honor his memory by continuing the work he began, and that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family and recorded in the minutes of our church.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Deacon Robert Hayes, Chairman of the Deacon Board
Sister Karen Mitchell, Church Clerk

Funeral Resolution for a Classmate

Resolution
Central High School Class of 1978
In Memory of Denise Renee Walker

WHEREAS, it has pleased God to call home our beloved classmate, Denise Renee Walker; and

WHEREAS, Denise was a bright light in our class, a member of the band and the honor society, and later a devoted teacher who touched hundreds of young lives; and

WHEREAS, she helped organize every class reunion and kept us connected to one another for nearly fifty years;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Central High School Class of 1978 pauses to honor the memory of our classmate and friend;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family and assure them that Denise will always be remembered by her classmates;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to her family.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Class of 1978,
Gregory Lewis, Class President

Funeral Resolution From an Organization

Resolution of Respect
The Eastside Civic League
In Memory of Brother Harold James Simmons

WHEREAS, the members of the Eastside Civic League learned with deep sorrow of the passing of our brother, Harold James Simmons; and

WHEREAS, Brother Simmons served the League for twenty-five years, including six years as president, and led our youth mentoring and voter registration programs; and

WHEREAS, his dedication, integrity, and good humor made our community and our organization stronger;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Eastside Civic League honors the life and service of Brother Simmons and records our gratitude for his work;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend our sincere sympathy to his family;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family and recorded in the minutes of the League.

Patricia Owens, President
Leonard Hayes, Secretary

Short Resolution of Respect

Resolution of Respect for Sister Gloria Jean Parker

WHEREAS, God has called our beloved Sister Gloria Jean Parker home to rest; and WHEREAS, she served New Hope Baptist Church faithfully for forty-two years;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we give thanks for her life, extend our sympathy to her family, and present a copy of this resolution to them.

New Hope Baptist Church

Scriptures for a Funeral Resolution

A verse at the end of the resolution often reflects the person's life and faith. These are from the King James Version.

Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Revelation 14:13

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

John 14:2

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Reading and Presenting the Resolution

• Keep it to two minutes. If several groups are sending resolutions, ask the family whether they will be read aloud or printed in the program.
• Print it on letterhead and sign it. The pastor and church clerk, or the president and secretary, usually sign the copy given to the family.
• Present it with care. Many churches give the family a framed or bound copy after it is read.
• Check names and dates with the family. A resolution becomes a keepsake, so spelling and titles matter.

Adding the Resolution to the Funeral Program

Many families print resolutions in the funeral program so every guest can keep them. In FuneralFolio's funeral program templates, you can add a text section for a resolution alongside the obituary and order of service, then download a print-ready file or order printed copies for the service.