Women a Growing Presence in Death Care

Breaking Barriers in Death Care

When Kersey Funeral Home’s Funeral Director, Jennifer Lindell-Roys, first applied to mortuary school, a man in the admissions office told her she should get a job at K-Mart instead. With that dismissive comment, she decided to scrap plans to attend school in Georgia and applied — and was accepted to — school in Miami, Florida. She soon began work at a funeral home, helping 3,000 families a year.

After a long and successful career, now about 40 years later, she’s been named the Funeral Director of the Year by American Funeral Director magazine. This honor recognizes her dedication to the community and the families she serves. With Women’s History Month in March, Afterall talked to her about the changes she’s seen in the funeral business during her years there.

How Women Are Modernizing Death Care

Lindell-Roys says she’s seen a growing number of women entering the funeral profession and appreciates the excitement many have. “They bring freshness,they’re eager, and they want to learn. It’s really nice. They’re so excited,” she said. However, she acknowledges that the profession isn’t for everyone, and some women exploring the field ultimately decide it’s not the right fit.

As a mentor, Lindell-Roys ensures young women entering the profession gain a well-rounded understanding of their role, including time-honored “old school” practices that help them understand the big picture and how to best serve families with care and professionalism.

When she began, the business was very regimented. Women were required to wear dresses and heels, and everyone had a narrow and specific role. Now, she says, there is a shift toward collaboration. Her team regularly gathers around the lunch table to discuss their day, fostering a supportive and open atmosphere. 

Asked what special aspect women bring to death care, Lindell-Roys answers simply, “compassion.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you have kids or not , it just brings out that mother instinct in you,” she explained. “ To take care of these people, take care of this family, go above and beyond, just lovin’ on them,”.

The Rise of Women in End-of-Life Care

Before the Civil War, most people died at home, and women played a central role in caring for the deceased. With the introduction of embalming, funeral care shifted into a commercial profession.. Though women held important supporting roles, most funeral homes were — and are — run by male funeral directors. But that’s changing.

Several years ago, Yes! Magazine boldly declared that the “story of death is the story of women.”

As evidence of this trend, the magazine pointed to the growing number of death doulas — more than 7,500 have been trained since 2015, most of whom are women — and the predominance of female family caretakers. There are approximately 53 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S., most of whom are women. Women have historically helped people through the end of life and now make up the majority of those attending mortuary school or death doula training.

More Women Are Becoming Funeral Directors

More women, from the UK to South Korea, are entering the traditionally male-dominated death care field. In the U.S., the majority (about 80 percent) of mortuary science students are now women, according to the National Funeral Directors Association.

Social media is one reason many young women are interested in working in death care. From Tiktok mortician Beckie-Ann Galentine to Caitlin Doughty, founder of the “Order of the Good Death” collective and “death positive” movement, to designer and Urban Death Project founder Katrina Spade, these women have created a stir and a following among the younger generations. However, even veteran end-of-life workers are finding a new supportive environment in the field.

Lindell-Roys reflected on her recent award and how attitudes and practices have changed over the last 40 years. “I was shocked but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking, ‘I did it, I did it.’”

Are you interested in a career in funeral service or looking to learn more about the evolving role of women in the industry? Explore our resources, connect with a mentor, or reach out to learn more about opportunities in this meaningful profession.