Is this too modern for an older congregation?

It has not proved to be. There is nothing stark about it — the palette is soft and the type is generously spaced. Younger families choosing on behalf of a parent pick it most often, and it has not caused comment at traditional services.

How does it look printed in black and white?

Fine, which is not true of every design. The sage becomes a pale grey wash and the layout is unaffected, because the structure comes from spacing rather than from coloured rules.

Does it suit a garden or outdoor service?

Particularly well. The botanical palette belongs in that setting, and the design carries no church-specific imagery to look out of place under a marquee or at a graveside gathering.

Eucalyptus

Soft greenery and clean air — the modern classic.

In Loving Memory of

Deacon Charles E. Williams

Sunrise 4 June 1951 · Sunset 20 July 2026

Saturday, 1 August 2026 · 11:00 · St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Durban

Order of Service

Officiant: Rev. Dr C. A. Brown

Processional

Opening Selection

Prayer

Scripture — Old Testament

Scripture — New Testament

Reflections — Family & Friends (2 minutes please)

Reading of Resolutions & Acknowledgements

Reading of the Obituary

Selection

Eulogy

Recessional

Life Story

Charles Earl Williams was born on 4 June 1951 in Durban, the third of five children. He gave forty-two years of faithful service to St Andrew’s, where his baritone anchored the men’s chorus and his Sunday lunches anchored the summer.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 51 years, Dorothy; children Marcus and Angela; and six grandchildren who called him “Oupa”.

Family

WifeDorothy Williams

ChildrenMarcus Williams, Angela Carter

GrandchildrenSix grandchildren

Pallbearers

M. Williams · D. Carter · R. Johnson · T. Brooks · L. Green · C. Harris

Acknowledgements

The family of Deacon Williams gratefully acknowledges every act of kindness, every prayer, and every warm word shared during our time of bereavement. Your love carries us.

Printing this design

A soft sage wash across the upper cover fading to near-white — one of the cheapest designs here to print in volume, and it photocopies without embarrassment because there is no fine framework to lose. With no frame at all, nothing thins or breaks up on a tired machine. This is a sensible choice when two hundred copies are needed and the budget is real.

Choosing the photograph

The circular crop wants a centred face and clean edges. Because the design is quiet, the photograph carries more of the cover than it does in the framed designs — a sharp, well-lit picture makes a visible difference here. Outdoor photographs sit particularly well against the sage.

Questions about Eucalyptus

Is this too modern for an older congregation?: It has not proved to be. There is nothing stark about it — the palette is soft and the type is generously spaced. Younger families choosing on behalf of a parent pick it most often, and it has not caused comment at traditional services.
How does it look printed in black and white?: Fine, which is not true of every design. The sage becomes a pale grey wash and the layout is unaffected, because the structure comes from spacing rather than from coloured rules.
Does it suit a garden or outdoor service?: Particularly well. The botanical palette belongs in that setting, and the design carries no church-specific imagery to look out of place under a marquee or at a graveside gathering.