Shivers Funeral Chapel Obituaries Smithfield VA: A Deep Dive Into the Hidden Details

Obituaries, often viewed as simple announcements of death, can offer a surprising wealth of information about individuals and their communities. In Smithfield, Virginia, the obituaries published by Shivers Funeral Chapel are no exception. This explainer delves into the details that can be gleaned from these records, exploring their historical context, current developments, and the potential for future research.

Who is Shivers Funeral Chapel?

Shivers Funeral Chapel is a long-standing funeral home located in Smithfield, Virginia, serving the local community with funeral and cremation services. As a local business, they play a vital role in documenting the lives and deaths of residents in Smithfield and surrounding areas. Their obituaries, published online and sometimes in local newspapers, act as a public record of these events.

What Information is Typically Found in Shivers Funeral Chapel Obituaries?

Traditionally, obituaries from Shivers Funeral Chapel, like most, include standard information such as the deceased's full name, date of death, date and place of birth, and a list of surviving family members (spouse, children, siblings, and sometimes grandchildren and great-grandchildren). They often include details about the deceased's occupation, education, hobbies, military service (if applicable), and memberships in local organizations. Beyond the biographical details, obituaries frequently contain information about the funeral service, including the date, time, and location. Many obituaries also include a photo of the deceased. In recent years, obituaries have increasingly included personalized tributes, sharing anecdotes, character traits, and significant achievements of the departed. Some may even request donations to specific charities in lieu of flowers.

When Did Obituary Publication Become Commonplace?

The practice of publishing obituaries became widespread in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of newspapers and the development of more efficient printing technologies. Early obituaries were often brief and focused on prominent members of society. As printing became more accessible, obituaries became more inclusive, extending to ordinary citizens. This evolution reflects a shift in societal values, recognizing the inherent worth of every life and the importance of acknowledging their contributions to the community.

Where are Shivers Funeral Chapel Obituaries Published?

Shivers Funeral Chapel primarily publishes obituaries on its website. These obituaries are often indexed by search engines, making them accessible to a wider audience. Depending on the family's wishes and the deceased's prominence, obituaries may also appear in local newspapers such as *The Smithfield Times*. Online platforms like Legacy.com also aggregate obituaries from various funeral homes, potentially including those from Shivers.

Why are Shivers Funeral Chapel Obituaries Important?

These obituaries serve several crucial functions:

• Official Record of Death: They provide a public record of a person's passing, which can be important for legal and administrative purposes.


• Genealogical Research: Obituaries are invaluable resources for genealogists tracing family histories. They provide names, dates, and relationships that can help connect generations.


• Social History: Taken collectively, obituaries offer a snapshot of the community. They reveal demographic trends, common occupations, prevalent diseases, and the values and beliefs of the people who lived in Smithfield. For example, a surge in obituaries mentioning service in World War II can highlight the impact of that conflict on the local population.


• Personal Remembrance: They provide a space for families and friends to publicly celebrate the life of a loved one and share their memories.


• Community Building: Obituaries can connect people who knew the deceased, fostering a sense of shared loss and providing an opportunity for collective mourning.

Historical Context: Smithfield, Virginia and its People

Smithfield, Virginia, boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Its early economy was heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly tobacco farming. The town also played a role in maritime trade due to its location on the Pagan River. Understanding this historical context can enrich the interpretation of obituaries. For instance, obituaries from the early 20th century might frequently mention involvement in the peanut or ham industries, reflecting the town's economic foundations. Analyzing the surnames appearing repeatedly in obituaries can reveal long-standing family lineages and their influence on the community. Furthermore, racial segregation and its impact on society also becomes apparent when reading obituaries from the mid-20th century and earlier, where distinctions might be made based on race, or where certain community roles are disproportionately represented.

Current Developments: The Digital Age and Obituaries

The digital age has significantly transformed the way obituaries are created, shared, and accessed. Online obituaries allow for more detailed and personalized tributes, often including multimedia elements such as photos and videos. They also offer opportunities for online condolences and virtual memorial services. This shift has made obituaries more interactive and accessible than ever before. However, it also raises questions about privacy and the potential for misinformation. Funeral homes like Shivers are navigating these challenges by implementing security measures and providing guidance to families on crafting meaningful and accurate obituaries.

Likely Next Steps: Future Research and Preservation

The wealth of information contained in Shivers Funeral Chapel obituaries presents numerous opportunities for future research. Genealogists can continue to use these records to build family trees and uncover ancestral stories. Historians can analyze obituaries to gain insights into the social, economic, and cultural history of Smithfield. Digital humanities scholars can employ computational methods to analyze large collections of obituaries, identifying trends and patterns that would be difficult to discern through traditional methods. Preserving these obituaries is crucial. Digital archiving projects can ensure that these valuable records are accessible to future generations. Collaboration between Shivers Funeral Chapel, local historical societies, and academic institutions can help to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of these important documents. Furthermore, applying Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to older, scanned obituaries will make them text-searchable, vastly improving their utility for research purposes. Ethical considerations, such as respecting the privacy of the deceased and their families, must be carefully considered in any research or preservation effort.

In conclusion, the obituaries published by Shivers Funeral Chapel in Smithfield, Virginia, are more than just announcements of death. They are valuable historical documents that offer insights into individual lives, family histories, and the broader community. By understanding their historical context, current developments, and the potential for future research, we can unlock the hidden details and appreciate the rich tapestry of stories they contain.