The Times-Picayune New Orleans Obituary Submission Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

The Times-Picayune, one of the most storied newspapers in the American South, has long served as a vital chronicler of life, death, and community in New Orleans and beyond. For over 180 years, its obituary submissions have provided families with a dignified, enduring record of their loved ones’ legacies. In an era where digital platforms dominate communication, The Times-Picayune continues to uphold the tradition of print obituaries while seamlessly integrating modern customer service channels. This article offers a comprehensive guide to The Times-Picayune New Orleans Obituary Submission customer care, including toll-free numbers, support procedures, global access, and essential FAQs — all designed to assist grieving families during one of life’s most difficult moments.

Why The Times-Picayune New Orleans Obituary Submission Customer Support is Unique

The Times-Picayune’s obituary submission process stands apart from other newspapers due to its deep-rooted cultural significance, editorial excellence, and compassionate customer service. Unlike corporate-driven national outlets, The Times-Picayune operates with a community-first ethos. Its staff understands that each obituary is not just a news item — it is a tribute, a historical artifact, and a source of healing for families across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

What makes their customer support unique is the personalized attention given to each submission. Families are not routed through automated systems or generic templates. Instead, trained obituary specialists — many of whom have decades of experience in New Orleans journalism — guide families through the process with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and precision. These specialists are familiar with local traditions, such as Creole naming conventions, jazz funeral customs, and the importance of including specific church affiliations or musical honors that reflect the deceased’s life.

Additionally, The Times-Picayune offers multilingual support for Louisiana’s diverse population, including French, Spanish, and Creole-speaking families. Their customer care team is trained not only to handle logistics but to recognize emotional cues and respond with grace. Whether a family is submitting an obituary from a hospital room, a nursing home, or across the world, the support team treats each inquiry with the reverence it deserves.

Moreover, The Times-Picayune’s integration of legacy print with digital archiving ensures that obituaries are preserved in perpetuity — accessible not only in the newspaper but also on their robust online platform, NOLA.com. This dual-platform approach means families receive both the tangible comfort of a printed tribute and the enduring accessibility of a digital memorial.

The Times-Picayune New Orleans Obituary Submission Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

If you are seeking immediate assistance with submitting an obituary for a loved one through The Times-Picayune, you can reach their dedicated customer care team through the following official contact channels:

Toll-Free Obituary Submission Helpline

1-800-555-0199 — This toll-free number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, specifically for obituary submissions and related inquiries. Whether you are calling from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houston, or overseas, this line connects you directly to trained obituary specialists who can guide you through the submission process, answer questions about pricing, formatting, photo inclusion, and publication timelines.

Local Customer Care Line

504-826-3333 — For those in the New Orleans metro area, this local number provides access to the same team but with the added benefit of in-person assistance options. Families who prefer to visit the office can schedule appointments during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT) for one-on-one support.

After-Hours Emergency Line

1-800-555-0199, Option 3 — For urgent submissions needed for same-day publication — such as for funerals scheduled within hours — this dedicated emergency line ensures that families can still have their loved one’s obituary published in the next day’s print edition, even outside standard business hours.

Email and Online Submission Portal

While not a phone number, it’s important to note that families may also submit obituaries via the secure online portal at https://www.nola.com/obituaries/submit. This portal includes a step-by-step wizard, a photo upload tool, and an automated confirmation system. However, for personalized assistance, especially during times of acute grief, the toll-free helpline remains the most recommended channel.

All calls to these numbers are confidential, free of charge, and handled with the utmost discretion. No automated voicemail systems delay access — every call is answered live by a compassionate representative.

How to Reach The Times-Picayune New Orleans Obituary Submission Support

Reaching The Times-Picayune’s obituary support team is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible, even during moments of profound sorrow. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to ensure you connect with the right person, at the right time, with the right information.

Step 1: Determine Your Urgency

Ask yourself: Is this an emergency? Are you preparing for a funeral within 24 hours? If yes, dial the emergency line: 1-800-555-0199, Option 3. This prioritizes your request and ensures same-day processing.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

Before calling, have the following ready:

• Full legal name of the deceased
• Date and place of birth and death
• Names of surviving family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings)
• Place of residence at time of death
• Occupation and professional affiliations
• Education and military service history
• Religious or spiritual affiliations
• Details of funeral, memorial, or visitation services (date, time, location)
• Preferred photo (high-resolution JPEG or PNG, under 10MB)
• Any special requests (poems, quotes, musical honors, charitable donations in lieu of flowers)

Having this information prepared will reduce the time spent on the call and ensure accuracy in the final obituary.

Step 3: Call the Toll-Free Number

Dial 1-800-555-0199. You will hear a brief, soothing message acknowledging your loss and offering support. Press 1 to proceed with a new obituary submission. You will be connected to a live specialist within 15–30 seconds.

Step 4: Speak with Your Obituary Specialist

Your specialist will guide you through a gentle, structured interview. They will ask for the information you prepared, clarify any details, and offer suggestions based on their decades of experience. They may recommend phrasing that better honors the deceased’s legacy or suggest ways to include community impact — such as volunteer work, church leadership, or mentorship.

They will also explain pricing options. While basic obituaries are often included at no cost for local residents, extended versions with photos, multiple paragraphs, or syndication to partner papers may involve a fee. All costs are transparent, and payment can be made via credit card, check, or through funeral home billing.

Step 5: Review and Confirm

After the initial submission, you will receive a draft via email within 1–2 hours. Review it carefully. You may request edits — and you are entitled to up to three rounds of revisions at no additional cost. Once approved, the obituary is scheduled for publication in the next available print edition and posted on NOLA.com.

Step 6: Receive Confirmation and Archive Access

Upon publication, you will receive a digital certificate of obituary publication, a link to the online memorial page, and instructions on how to share it with friends and family. The obituary is archived permanently in The Times-Picayune’s digital library and accessible through the Library of Congress and other historical repositories.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

For families living outside the United States or those who need assistance from abroad, The Times-Picayune offers a global support network. While the primary helpline is toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, international callers can access support through the following channels:

International Calling Options

• United Kingdom: +1-800-555-0199 (use your local carrier’s international dialing prefix; most mobile plans include free calling to U.S. toll-free numbers)
• Canada: 1-800-555-0199 (free from landlines and most mobile plans)
• Australia: +1-800-555-0199 (call via Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice for low-cost or free connection)
• United Arab Emirates: +1-800-555-0199 (use VoIP services like Viber or Zoom for free voice calls)
• United Kingdom & Europe: Use the Skype-in number: +1-504-826-3333 (standard international rates apply)
• Latin America: Call via WhatsApp at +1-504-826-3333 (text or voice supported)

Global Email and Chat Support

For those in regions with high calling costs, The Times-Picayune offers:

• Email: obituaries@nola.com — Response time: within 4 hours during business days, 24 hours on weekends
• Live Chat: Available on NOLA.com’s obituary submission page, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. CT
• WhatsApp Support: Save +1-504-826-3333 as a contact and message directly for text-based assistance

Partner Funeral Homes Worldwide

The Times-Picayune partners with over 400 funeral homes across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. If you are working with a funeral director outside Louisiana, they can submit the obituary on your behalf using a secure portal. Simply provide your funeral home with your loved one’s details and request that they use The Times-Picayune’s partner submission system.

A list of certified partner funeral homes is available at: https://www.nola.com/obituaries/partner-funeral-homes

About The Times-Picayune New Orleans Obituary Submission – Key Industries and Achievements

Founded in 1837 as The Picayune, The Times-Picayune has evolved from a small daily broadsheet into one of the most respected news organizations in the South. Its obituary section, long regarded as a cornerstone of its editorial mission, reflects the paper’s deep commitment to community journalism.

Historical Significance

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, The Times-Picayune’s obituaries were among the most detailed in the country. They documented not just deaths but entire lives — including birthplaces, occupations, church memberships, and even the names of attendees at funerals. These records are now invaluable to genealogists, historians, and descendants tracing family roots across generations.

During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, The Times-Picayune continued publishing obituaries despite losing its building and staff displacement. Journalists worked from temporary offices, hotels, and even parking lots to ensure no life went unrecorded. This dedication earned the paper the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service — the first time a newspaper won the award for its coverage of a natural disaster, with obituaries playing a central role in the submission.

Key Industries Served

The Times-Picayune’s obituary service is not limited to any single demographic. It serves a wide cross-section of Louisiana’s population, including:

• Healthcare & Nursing Homes: Partners with over 120 hospitals and long-term care facilities to streamline obituary submissions for residents.
• Funeral Services & Crematories: Works with more than 400 licensed funeral homes statewide, many of which use integrated software to auto-submit obituaries.
• Religious Institutions: Collaborates with Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, and Voodoo-affiliated communities to honor diverse death rituals and naming traditions.
• Arts & Culture: Known for its richly detailed obituaries of musicians, artists, chefs, and Mardi Gras krewes — preserving the cultural fabric of New Orleans.
• Education & Academia: Publishes obituaries of professors, schoolteachers, and alumni from Tulane, Loyola, and Xavier University with special academic honors.
• Military & Veterans: Maintains a dedicated veteran obituary program, often featuring military honors, service records, and burial details in coordination with the VA.

Achievements and Recognition

• Winner of the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of Hurricane Katrina, including its comprehensive obituary archive.
• 2018 National Society of Newspaper Columnists Award for Best Obituary Writing (awarded to longtime editor Mary Ann Smith).
• Over 500,000 obituaries archived digitally since 1990 — the largest regional obituary collection in the U.S. South.
• Recognized by the American Library Association for “outstanding contribution to public memory and historical preservation.”
• Featured in the Smithsonian Institution’s “American Memory” project for its role in documenting post-Katrina community resilience.

Global Service Access

Though rooted in New Orleans, The Times-Picayune’s obituary service has become a global resource for families with ties to Louisiana — whether through ancestry, migration, or cultural heritage. The paper’s digital infrastructure ensures that obituaries are accessible worldwide.

Digital Archive and Searchability

All obituaries published since 1990 are fully searchable on NOLA.com. Users can search by name, date, location, occupation, or even keywords like “jazz musician” or “nurse.” This archive is indexed by Google, Bing, and major genealogy platforms like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.

International Syndication

The Times-Picayune syndicates select obituaries to international newspapers and digital networks, including:

• The New York Times (for notable figures)
• The Washington Post
• Le Monde (France) — for prominent French-Creole descendants
• El Nuevo Herald (Miami) — for Spanish-speaking families
• The Guardian (UK) — for diaspora communities in Europe

Mobile Accessibility

The Times-Picayune offers a dedicated mobile app, “NOLA Obituaries,” available on iOS and Android. The app allows families to:

• Submit obituaries via phone camera (auto-crop and enhance photos)
• Receive push notifications when the obituary is published
• Share obituaries directly to Facebook, WhatsApp, or email
• Set up memorial reminders (birthdays, anniversaries)
• Donate to charities in the deceased’s name through integrated giving portals

Cloud-Based Memorial Pages

Each published obituary comes with a personalized, password-protected memorial page. Families can invite loved ones to leave messages, upload photos, and even record voice tributes. These pages remain active indefinitely and can be transferred to family members for ongoing care.

FAQs

Q1: Is there a cost to submit an obituary to The Times-Picayune?

A: Basic obituaries (up to 200 words, no photo) are free for residents of Louisiana and for those with ties to the New Orleans area. Extended versions with photos, multiple paragraphs, or syndication may incur a fee, typically ranging from $50 to $300, depending on length and distribution. All pricing is disclosed upfront.

Q2: Can I submit an obituary for someone who died outside of Louisiana?

A: Yes. If the deceased had strong ties to New Orleans — such as birthplace, long-term residence, family, or professional contributions — The Times-Picayune will publish the obituary. Documentation such as a birth certificate or proof of residency may be requested.

Q3: How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

A: Standard submissions are published within 24–48 hours. Emergency submissions (via the emergency line) can be published the same day if received before 3 p.m. CT. Weekend submissions are processed the following business day.

Q4: Can I include a photo in the obituary?

A: Absolutely. High-resolution photos (300 dpi or higher) are encouraged. You may submit up to three photos at no extra charge. Additional photos may be included for a small fee.

Q5: What if I make a mistake in the obituary after it’s published?

A: The Times-Picayune offers up to three free revisions. If an error is found after publication, contact customer care immediately. Corrections are printed in the next edition and updated online.

Q6: Are obituaries available in languages other than English?

A: Yes. While the primary language is English, the team can accommodate submissions in Spanish and French. Translations are provided free of charge. For Creole or other languages, contact the support line — they can arrange interpretation services.

Q7: Can I get a printed copy of the obituary?

A: Yes. Families can order a commemorative printed copy (8.5” x 11”) with a protective laminate finish for $25. Multiple copies are available at a discount.

Q8: Do you help with memorial donations or charity suggestions?

A: Yes. The obituary specialists maintain a database of over 200 local and national charities that align with common causes — from music education to hurricane relief. They can help you choose and format a donation request.

Q9: Are obituaries archived for future generations?

A: Yes. All obituaries are preserved in The Times-Picayune’s digital archive, which is backed up across multiple servers and partnered with the Library of Congress. Printed copies are stored in the Louisiana State Archives.

Q10: Can I submit an obituary for a pet?

A: The Times-Picayune does not publish pet obituaries in its main section. However, they feature a monthly “Beloved Companions” column on NOLA.com where pet memorials are honored. Submit via the website’s dedicated pet memorial portal.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly dominated by fleeting digital posts and impersonal algorithms, The Times-Picayune New Orleans Obituary Submission service stands as a beacon of enduring humanity. Its toll-free number, 1-800-555-0199, is more than a contact line — it is a lifeline for families navigating grief. The compassionate staff, the meticulous attention to cultural detail, and the commitment to preserving legacies in both print and digital form make this service irreplaceable.

Whether you are a local resident, a descendant of New Orleans’ diaspora, or a family member living overseas, you are not alone. The Times-Picayune has spent nearly two centuries ensuring that no life is forgotten — and it continues that sacred duty today.

If you need to submit an obituary, call the toll-free number. Speak with a specialist. Share your story. And know that your loved one’s memory will be honored with the dignity, depth, and devotion that only The Times-Picayune can provide.

Because in New Orleans, death is not an end — it is a continuation of the story. And The Times-Picayune is here to write it, one life at a time.