Swinson Funeral Home Obituaries: Celebrating Lives with Compassion and Care

Obituaries are more than just notices they’re a way to tell the story of a life, to share memories, and to honor someone who meant the world to you. At Swinson Funeral Home in Kinston, North Carolina, we get that. For over 50 years, we’ve been helping families create tributes that capture the essence of their loved ones. Whether it’s through a traditional newspaper announcement or a modern online memorial, our obituary services are designed to bring comfort and connection during tough times.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about Swinson Funeral Home obituaries. We’ll cover who we are, what we offer, how you can write a heartfelt tribute, and even answer some common questions you might have. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore how we can help you celebrate a life well-lived.

About Swinson Funeral Home

A Legacy Built on Care

Picture this: it’s 1970, and Robert Swinson, Jr., a man with decades of experience in the funeral industry, decides to start something special in Kinston, NC. That’s when Swinson Funeral Home first opened its doors at 403 E. Blount Street. Robert had spent over 40 years learning the ropes at Albrittion Funeral Home under Johnny and Clyde Albrittion, and he poured all that knowledge into building a place where families could find support and solace.

Today, Swinson Funeral Home is still family-owned and operated, carrying forward Robert’s vision. His son, Robert A. Swinson, III, took the reins in 1980 after his father’s passing, and now Robert A. Swinson, IV leads the team. Through every change, one thing has stayed the same: our promise to treat every family like our own.

“We’re here to make sure every life is celebrated the way it deserves to be,” says Robert A. Swinson, IV, current owner and funeral director. “It’s not just about planning a service—it’s about creating a memory that lasts.”

Rooted in the Kinston Community

We’re proud to call Kinston home. Over the decades, we’ve woven ourselves into the fabric of this community, supporting local events, partnering with organizations, and being there for our neighbors when they need us most. Whether it’s sponsoring a charity drive or offering a shoulder to lean on, we believe in giving back to the place that’s given us so much.

Our facilities reflect that commitment. With cozy viewing rooms, a peaceful chapel, and a space for gatherings after services, we’ve designed everything to feel warm and welcoming. It’s a place where you can say goodbye, share stories, and find a little peace amidst the storm.

What Families Say About Us

Don’t just take our word for it here’s what some folks we’ve helped have to say:

“When my mom passed, I didn’t know where to start,” says Lisa Carter, a Kinston local. “Swinson Funeral Home stepped in and made everything so much easier. The online memorial they set up for her was beautiful, and it meant so much to see messages from friends I hadn’t seen in years.”

“They really listen,” adds John Matthews, whose brother’s service we handled last spring. “The staff took the time to understand who he was, and it showed in every detail.”

Obituary Services at Swinson Funeral Home

Making Tributes Simple and Meaningful

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving. We get it, and that’s why we’re here to help. At Swinson Funeral Home, our obituary services are all about taking the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on remembering your loved one.

Here’s what we offer:

• Writing Assistance: Not sure what to say? We’ll help you find the right words.

• Publication: We can get your obituary in local newspapers or online.

• Online Memorials: Create a digital space to share memories and photos.

• Sharing Tools: Easily send the tribute to friends and family via email or social media.

• Printed Keepsakes: We can make memorial cards or bookmarks for the service.

The Power of Online Memorials

One of our standout features is our online memorial platform. Imagine a place where you can upload pictures, share stories, and even light a virtual candle all dedicated to your loved one. It’s not just a webpage; it’s a living tribute that friends and family can visit anytime, anywhere.

Here’s what you can do with it:

• Add Photos: Upload a handful or a whole album your choice.

• Make a Video: We can help you create a slideshow or tribute video.

• Gather Messages: A guestbook lets people leave condolences and memories.

• Light Candles: A simple, touching way to honor their memory.

• Share Easily: One click, and it’s on Facebook or in an email.

Why do we love online memorials? Because they bring people together. Maybe your cousin lives across the country, or a childhood friend can’t make the service. With this platform, they can still be part of the remembrance. Plus, it’s there forever—a digital legacy for future generations to explore.

A Real Example

Take Sarah’s story. When her dad passed away, she wanted everyone to remember his love for fishing. We helped her set up an online memorial with photos of his best catches, a video of him telling fish tales, and a guestbook where his buddies left their favorite stories. “It was like he was still with us,” she said. “People I hadn’t talked to in years reached out.”

Extra Touches

Want to go the extra mile? You can add a donation link to the memorial page for a cause your loved one cared about maybe a local animal shelter or a veterans’ group. It’s a beautiful way to keep their spirit alive.

How to Write an Obituary: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting an obituary is personal, and there’s no “right” way to do it but there are some steps that can make it easier. Whether you’re a wordsmith or someone who freezes at a blank page, here’s a guide to help you create something special.

Step 1: Start with the Essentials

Kick things off with the basics:

• Full name of your loved one

• Their age

• Date and place they passed away

You can mention the cause of death if you want, but it’s totally up to you. Some families keep it private, and that’s okay.

Step 2: Tell Their Story

This is where you paint a picture of their life. Think about the big moments:

• Where They Came From: Born in Kinston? Grew up somewhere else?

• Education: Did they graduate from South Lenoir High or study at Lenoir Community College?

• Work: Maybe they spent 25 years at a factory or ran their own shop.

• Milestones: Marriage, kids, moving to a new town whatever shaped them.

For example: “James ‘Jimmy’ Taylor, 72, was born in Kinston and spent his life here, graduating from Kinston High in 1968 before working as a mechanic for over 30 years.”

Step 3: Highlight What They Loved

What made them light up? Share that:

• Hobbies like gardening, fishing, or knitting

• Sports they played or cheered for

• Causes they supported, like volunteering at the food bank

“Jimmy loved nothing more than casting a line at Neuse River, often bragging about the one that didn’t get away.”

Step 4: Name the Family

List who’s left behind spouse, kids, grandkids, siblings and maybe who they’ve joined, like parents or a sibling who passed before them.

“Jimmy leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Mary, his son Tom, and two grandkids, Emma and Jake. He’s reunited with his brother, Bill, who passed in 2010.”

Step 5: Share Service Details

Let people know what’s happening:

• Date, time, and place of the funeral or memorial

• If it’s private or open to all

• Any special requests (flowers, donations, etc.)

“Join us to celebrate Jimmy’s life on Saturday, October 15, at 2 p.m. at Swinson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Kinston Fishermen’s Club.”

Step 6: Add a Little Heart

Wrap it up with something personal a quote they lived by, a poem, or a story that sums them up.

“Jimmy always said, ‘A bad day fishing beats a good day anywhere else,’ and we’ll miss his laughter on the riverbank.”

Tips to Make It Easier

• Keep It Positive: Focus on the good stuff their smile, their kindness, their quirks.

• Be Honest: If they were a character, let that shine through.

• Ask for Help: Bounce ideas off family or friends for extra inspiration.

• Take Your Time: No rush write when you’re ready.

Not sure about tricky stuff like a tough family situation or a sensitive cause of death? You don’t have to spill everything. Say they “passed peacefully” or skip details altogether. We can help you find the right wording if you’re stuck.

Obituary Service Options: What’s Right for You?

We’ve got a few packages to fit different needs and budgets. Check out this table to see what’s what:

No matter which you pick, we’ll walk you through it. Want a simple tribute? Basic’s got you. Love the idea of a video? Go Standard or Premium. Our team’s here to make sure it feels just right.

Why Obituaries Matter: A Look Back and Forward

Obituaries have been around forever think ancient Rome, where they’d carve notices for big shots. Fast forward to the 1800s, and newspapers made them a regular thing, sharing lives in black and white. Now? The internet’s taken it to a whole new level.

Online memorials are game-changers. They’re not stuck in a paper that gets tossed out they live on, connecting people across miles and years. At Swinson Funeral Home, we’ve jumped on that train with our digital platform, letting you create something that’s as unique as your loved one.

How We Support You Beyond the Service

Losing someone isn’t just about the day you say goodbye it’s the days, weeks, and months after. That’s where we step in. We offer:

• Grief Resources: Info on support groups or counseling.

• A Listening Ear: Our staff’s always here to chat.

• Ongoing Tributes: The online memorial keeps the love going.

Grief’s a journey, and we’re not going anywhere. Whether you need a resource or just want to add a new photo to the memorial years later, we’ve got your back.

Swinson Funeral Home Through the Years

Here’s a peek at our story in a handy timeline:

Every step’s been about staying true to our roots while growing to meet your needs.

FAQ: Your Questions About Swinson Funeral Home Obituaries

Got questions? We’ve got answers:

What should I put in an obituary?
The basics are name, age, passing date and place, plus their story family, job, passions. Add a personal touch like a quote if you’d like.

How do I get an obituary to Swinson Funeral Home?
Easy—fill out our online form or call us at (252) 527-3779. We’ll take it from there.

Is there a cost to publish an obituary?
Yep, starts at $100 for our Basic package. Newspaper ads might cost extra, but we’ll sort that out with you.

Can I add photos or videos to the online memorial?
You bet! Upload pics or let us help you make a video it’s all part of the package.

How long does the online memorial stay up?
Forever. It’s a permanent place to visit and remember.

What if I need to change something after it’s done?
No problem just give us a shout, and we’ll tweak it.

I’m terrible at writing can you help?
Absolutely. We’ll sit with you, offer ideas, and polish it up.

How do I share the memorial with people?
You’ll get a link to send out however you like—email, text, social media.

Can I add a charity donation link?
Yes, it’s included in the Premium package. Perfect for honoring their favorite cause.

What about special traditions or requests?
We’re all ears. Tell us what matters, and we’ll make it happen.

Wrapping Up

At Swinson Funeral Home, we’re all about helping you honor your loved one in a way that feels right. From our Kinston roots to our online memorials, we’ve spent over 50 years perfecting the art of compassionate care. Whether you’re writing an obituary or setting up a tribute, we’re here to make it meaningful and stress-free.

Need help? Give us a call at (252) 527-3779 or swing by our website. Let’s create something beautiful together.

Also visit Cottage Home Ideas for more quality, informative content.