You can make it anyway you want Charleen. Just add columns for the info you want to keep track of.
Deceased is good, that way you know you don't have it anymore, you can put the date you noticed it dead and why if you know why.
Great idea Linda to start it while there are relatively few entries, then just keep it up as you acquire new ones.
What info will you be keeping in the database Linda? What info is important to you Charleen. It might help us all to discuss this topic, it could lead to valuable info for all of us.