What to write on a headstone: ideas and example inscriptions

Choosing what to write on a headstone isn’t always an easy decision. They are typically arranged with a line at the top, something like “In Loving Memory Of”.

Many people also choose another inscription to be engraved on the headstone, or on the kerbs or base of the stone. That might be a song lyric, poem verse, or a bible verse.

To act as inspiration, we’ve listed some ideas and examples of what to write on a headstone on this page.

Ideas of what to write on the top of a headstone:

• In loving memory of

• In memory of

• Treasured memories of

• Cherished memories of

• Precious memories of

• Here lies

• In memoriam

• With love we remember

Ideas of Bible verses to write on a headstone:

• The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
  Psalm 23:1

• Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

• I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
  2 Timothy 4:7

• I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
  John 14:6

• Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
  Psalm 16:2

• The righteous shall go into life eternal.
  Matthew 25:46

• I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
  Psalm 23:6

• Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.
  Psalm 31:5

• Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.
  Luke 23:43

Epitaph ideas to write on a headstone:

• Beloved wife/husband/mum/dad…

• Dearest wife/husband/mum/dad of…

• A devoted wife/husband/mum/dad…

• Cherished wife/husband of…

• Darling wife/husband of…

• Deeply missed by…

• Much loved…

• A dearly loved…

• Missed dearly by…

• Reunited with…

• A precious…