How is this different from Laurel Wreath?

Same palette, different weight of ornament and a different relationship between the frame and the portrait. Laurel Rest sits the frame closer and reads quieter; Laurel Wreath gives the wreath more presence on the cover. Look at both previews side by side.

Does the laurel carry a religious meaning?

It is read as honour and remembrance rather than as a Christian symbol, which is why it works at both church services and secular memorials. No family has needed to explain it either way.

Will it photocopy well?

Better than the filigree and engraved designs. The laurel is drawn in solid strokes, so it survives a photocopier that would break finer line work into dashes.

Laurel Rest

Soft sage with laurel-leaf corners — a gentle, growing farewell.

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 green wash with a laurel frame drawn in solid strokes rather than hairlines, which makes it one of the more robust designs when the printing is going to be rough. Low ink coverage, photocopies acceptably, and the frame keeps its shape even on a machine that is thinning everything else.

Choosing the photograph

The circular crop removes the corners, so centre the face and keep anything meaningful away from the edges. The laurel frame sits close around the portrait, which flatters a head-and-shoulders picture and crowds a full-length one.

Questions about Laurel Rest

How is this different from Laurel Wreath?: Same palette, different weight of ornament and a different relationship between the frame and the portrait. Laurel Rest sits the frame closer and reads quieter; Laurel Wreath gives the wreath more presence on the cover. Look at both previews side by side.
Does the laurel carry a religious meaning?: It is read as honour and remembrance rather than as a Christian symbol, which is why it works at both church services and secular memorials. No family has needed to explain it either way.
Will it photocopy well?: Better than the filigree and engraved designs. The laurel is drawn in solid strokes, so it survives a photocopier that would break finer line work into dashes.