Headstone Quotes About Smiles

Some people are remembered first for their smile — warm, quick and impossible not to return. Smile lines keep that brightness on the stone, so visitors leave with a little of it.

Short epitaphs

• Her smile lit up the world.
• Keep smiling.
• Smile — he'd want you to.
• Remembered for his smile.
• Forever smiling.
• Don't cry because it's over — smile because it happened.

Scripture

• A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. (Proverbs 17:22)
• A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. (Proverbs 15:13)
• Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. (Psalm 126:2)

About a popular saying

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" is often credited to Dr. Seuss, but there's no reliable evidence he wrote it. It's widely used on memorials as an anonymous saying — engrave it without an attribution.

A smiling portrait

For someone known for their smile, a laser-etched portrait of them mid-laugh may say more than any words. Choose a clear photo with good light on the face. See laser-etched portraits.

Designs to pair

• A laser-etched smiling portrait.
• Sunflowers — see sunflower meaning.
• A rising sun — see rising sun meaning.
• Butterflies — see butterfly meaning.

A note on sources

Quotations here are scripture (King James Version) or works in the public domain, alongside original lines you're free to use. If you choose another quotation, check who wrote it and whether it is still under copyright before it is engraved.

Key Takeaways

• Smile lines keep the stone bright.
• Proverbs 17:22 is a cheerful verse.
• Engrave popular sayings without attribution.
• A smiling portrait may say it best.

Next Step

See headstone quotes about laughter and about joy.