Georgia woman, 80, holds a funeral to hear tributes while alive
Shelvy Neal, an 80-year-old woman from Georgia, held a funeral for herself as part of her birthday celebrations so she could hear tributes from family and friends while she was still alive. She called it a “FOMO funeral”, turning a traditionally solemn occasion into a celebration of her life, faith and relationships.
Neal began considering the idea after her husband, Gary, died in March. Around 100 people attended at a property the couple had owned for about 25 years before selling it to a funeral home in 2020; Neal spoke and invited guests to share memories. She wore a “Back by popular demand” sash and said she would prefer a simple service when she dies.
- Shelvy Neal celebrated her 80th birthday with her own funeral.
- Around 100 people attended and shared tributes.
- She wanted to hear the memories while she was alive.
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A living funeral is when someone holds a funeral service for themselves before they die, allowing them to hear tributes and memories from loved ones whilst they are still alive. It is an unconventional alternative to the traditional funeral service.
Shelvy Neal, an 80-year-old from Georgia, decided to hold such a celebration as part of her 80th birthday festivities. The idea came to her after her husband, Gary, passed away in March, prompting her to reflect on her relationships and mortality.
Approximately 100 family members and friends attended, gathering at a property the couple had once owned. Neal spoke and invited her guests to share their memories and pay tribute to her.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Southern woman, 80, hosts her own funeral because she doesn’t want to miss out on tributes and mourning when her time finally comes”.