Meet Our Staff

Erin Whitaker is the third generation to join the family business and has been with Whitaker Funeral Home since 2007. She is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, as well as a Certified Crematory Operator. Prior to joining the staff at Whitaker, Erin worked as a chemical engineer and project manager for the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY, and Windsor, CO.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and her International Masters of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, Moore School of Business. She is also a graduate of the Piedmont Technical College School of Funeral Service and is certified as a Blackbelt in Six Sigma Methodology.

Erin has served on the board of the Cremation Association of North America, the Advisory Board of Funeral Service at Piedmont Technical College, and the board of the Chapin Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

For Erin, funeral service is both a profession and a calling. She often reflects on the Danish proverb, “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow,” which she feels perfectly captures the heart of her work. In the span of a few days, she may laugh with families as they share treasured memories and cry alongside them in their grief. The most meaningful part of her role, she says, is simply to help ease someone’s sorrow—a gift she values deeply, having experienced that same compassion in her own times of loss.

She also finds strength in her love of quotes and sayings, especially the words, “If God is for you, who can be against you.” First heard at a funeral, the phrase continues to remind her that we are never alone and that faith can lift much of life’s weight from our shoulders.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors. She’ll admit that many of her conversations even outside the funeral home still circle back to work—but that’s because she considers funeral service not just a profession, but a calling.

Justin is one of the owners of Whitaker Funeral Home and Newberry Memorial Gardens, which he and his wife Erin acquired in May 2021 from Doggett and Christie Whitaker. Their stewardship marks the continuation of local, family ownership, while honoring a proud tradition of service to the community.

With a heart for helping families, Justin focuses on cemetery solutions, creative funeral events, and advance planning for final arrangements. He is especially passionate about celebrating life stories—often serving as a Funeral Celebrant, either officiating services or working alongside ministers to create transformative, healing experiences for grieving families and the wider community.

Justin's deep commitment to this profession is rooted in both personal experience, as a second generation funeral director, and spiritual grounding. A guiding verse in his life and work is:

Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you? To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

“This has been a life verse for me when the stress and anxiety of the pain we often carry for others becomes heavy. At the end of the day, what God requires from us is simple – do the right thing, embrace kindness to others, be humble.”

Outside of work, Justin enjoys a life filled with music, motorcycles, and time on the water. He loves boating on Lake Murray, riding Harley-Davidsons, playing guitar and singing, and traveling anywhere. He enjoys watching live shows at Newberry Opera House, whenever he can.

Justin and Erin have been married for nearly three years, sharing a deep friendship and a mutual calling to serve others. While his family lives out of state, they remain a strong support system.  You should see him smile when he knows adult sons Jacob (Mia) or Joshua are coming for a visit!  Locally, Doggett and Christie Whitaker have warmly welcomed him into both their family and the Midlands community.

Justin and Erin are enjoying a joyful new chapter as grandparents to Raelynn, their first granddaughter—an experience they describe as truly amazing.

Derek is a native of Newberry County, born and raised in Whitmire, where he still lives today.   He was drawn to funeral service at a young age, and finds deep meaning in walking alongside families during some of life’s most difficult moments. For him, serving families is more than a career—it is both a calling and a passion.

Friends and colleagues are often surprised to learn how much Derek enjoys working with his hands. Whether repairing, restoring, or creating, he finds fulfillment in tackling projects—especially at his family homestead.  An Eagle Scout, Derek is guided by the Boy Scouts of America motto, “Do a good turn daily.”  He strives to carry that spirit of service into every part of his life.

When away from the funeral home, Derek enjoys spending time with friends - whether sharing a drink, taking a ride on a friend’s boat, or setting out to explore new places.   He also values time outdoors, going for walks, and making lasting memories with the people who matter most.

Family holds a special place in Derek’s heart. He treasures the moments shared with loved ones and believes in never taking that time for granted.

As a funeral director, Steve believes deeply in creating meaningful experiences that reflect the life and story of each individual. He was drawn to Whitaker Funeral Home because of the shared commitment to excellence, compassion, and personalization.

“Having the freedom to design a service that truly honors someone’s life is what brought me here. Erin and Justin share that same vision—it’s about creating an experience, not just a funeral.”

In addition to serving families during their time of loss, Steve also helps guide individuals and families through advance planning. He sees it as a powerful gift—one that removes the burden from loved ones and allows people to express their wishes clearly and meaningfully.

“I’ve come to believe that what we really leave behind isn’t just a legacy—it’s the memories we helped create.”

Listening is at the heart of his work. Steve takes the time to truly understand a family’s stories, values, and memories—knowing that every detail shared is a memory.

“Not everyone is the same, and our funerals shouldn’t be either.”

Outside of work, Steve and his wife Lori share a passion for adventure, photography, and community service. Together, they’re on a mission to visit all 433 U.S. National Park sites—and have made it to nearly 175 so far. They also enjoy camping and spending time with their blended family of five children and three rescued dogs.

Steve and Lori met while volunteering at a homeless shelter, and their shared heart for others continues to guide their life together. Home is busy, but it’s the foundation of everything that matters.

Doggett Whitaker has been a South Carolina Board Certified licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1971. He is also a S.C. licensed pre-need life insurance agent.

Doggett Whitaker is a 1965 graduate of Newberry High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from North Carolina State University. He is a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.

Doggett is a Past President of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association and Past President of the National Funeral Directors Association, a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner, a Certified Preplanning Consultant, a charter member of the Academy of Funeral Service Practice, and a member of the Heritage Club. He also served as the U.S.A. member of the General Council of FIAT-IFTA.

Doggett is a member of The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and over the years has served on numerous committees including Chairman of the Congregational Council. He is actively involved in his community and is a member of the Newberry Lions Club, Newberry York Rite Bodies, Hejaz Shrine Temple, and is a Life member of Amity Masonic Lodge #87 AFM. He is an active member of both the Newberry and Chapin Chamber of Commerce.

He is married to the former Christie Crowder, the father of four daughters, and grandfather of five.

Christie is a native of Newberry, South Carolina having grown up in the Bush River section. She received her undergraduate degree from Newberry College and her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. She has completed additional course work in a number of areas including critical incident stress management and mass fatalities incident response courses.

Christie is a licensed funeral director and has been involved in funeral service since 1970.

She has been actively involved in her community and state and has served on a number of local, state and national Boards. She is a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

She is married to R. Doggett Whitaker, is the mother of four daughters and grandmother of five grandchildren.

Huger Caughman began his career at Whitaker Funeral Home in September 1970 while attending Newberry College, working under Mr. Roy D. Whitaker, Sr. After briefly returning to Columbia to help close his family’s business, he came back to Newberry in 1974 at the invitation of Doggett Whitaker. He  has been a dedicated member of the team ever since, moving into semi-retirement in 2024.  Huger has been a funeral director since 1978 and still remains passionate about serving families. 

In 1976, Huger married the former Anne Hentz. The following year, he enrolled at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he graduated in 1978 after passing the National Board of Funeral Service. While in school, he and Anne welcomed their son, Huger Jr., and in 1982, their daughter, Kristin. They are now proud grandparents of two grandsons. 

Education is a family passion. Anne taught third grade for 38 years at Prosperity Elementary, while both Huger Jr. and Kristin have pursued careers in teaching, serving students in Newberry County and beyond.

Huger has long been active in his church and community, serving in leadership roles at Bachman Chapel Lutheran Church and The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, where he sings in the choir and chairs multiple committees. He is also a member of Amity Masonic Lodge #87, the Newberry York Masonic Bodies, and the Hejaz Shrine Temple, and is a former firefighter for the City of Newberry Fire Department, where he served as president and secretary.

Huger believes the greatest impact a person can have is to treat others with kindness and love — because when people experience it, they often realize how much they need it and how much they want to share it.

Arthur T. Staniec was born in Chicago, IL. He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science and received his BA degree from DePaul University. Art served as a funeral director and embalmer in his family funeral home in Chicago for 40 years. When the business closed in 2015, he moved to Blythewood, SC. He joined the Whitaker staff in April of 2015.

He is a member of Sandhills Community Church in Columbia.

Art is married to Frances (Hollerbach) Staniec and is the father of 2 sons and grandfather of 2 grandchildren.

Courtney serves as a Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice and a Licensed Crematory Operator.  She was drawn to Whitaker Funeral Home because of the company’s strong family-owned values and the unique opportunity to serve families through a funeral home that also owns and operates its own crematory and cemetery.  The funeral home’s philosophy of taking care of families aligns with a quote that Courtney feels gives her guidance, “Do everything from kindness, not for kindness.”

Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family and friends, browsing thrift stores, and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. She especially loves sculpting miniatures with polymer clay.

Family holds a very special place in Courtney’s heart. She credits her parents and their unwavering support for helping her become the person she is today. Having been born to older parents, she has learned to cherish each moment with loved ones and to never take time together for granted.

James Norris started his funeral career in April 2023, with Whitaker Funeral Home. He graduated with an Associate of Arts in Mortuary Science from Miami Dade College the same year. James is a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice and a Certified Crematory Operator.

James says providing comfort and compassion to families as he brings their loved one into the care of the funeral home is one of the most important parts of his role.  It is a moment of deep trust in our team and a chance to show our heart for serving.

James was born in Salisbury, Maryland and grew up in Ocean City. As a child, he loved spending his time in the video arcades on the boardwalk and watching professional wrestling.    At age 13, he moved to Hollywood, Florida with his mother and two younger sisters.

Family is everything for James.  In December of 2010, his son Jacob was born. James married his wife Neisha in April of 2022, and gained his daughter Alexia as a result. They moved to Irmo, SC in February of 2023. Together they enjoy watching and going to wrestling events, concerts, and amusement parks.

John Glover serves part-time at Whitaker Funeral Home, assisting with funeral services and operational support. He is a Certified Crematory Operator.   He joined the Whitaker team in 2015, having a personal connection through his wife’s cousin, Doggett Whitaker.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, John moved to South Carolina with his family when he was two years old. He grew up in Clinton, where his father was a professor at Presbyterian College, and later attended the college himself. Following graduation, John served in the United States Marine Corps as an Artillery Officer, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He continued his service in the Army Reserve for 25 years, retiring in 2002 as a Colonel. Most of his civilian career was spent in the finance field.

John married his wife, Mary Williams, a Newberry native, in 1971. They have two sons—Neville, who lives in Newberry with his wife Buffy and owns The Grille on Main, and Jay and his wife Sara who live in  Orlando, Florida. John is a proud grandfather to Eden and Brooks.  In between his frequent visits to Orlando to visit grandkids, John enjoys reading and golf. 

In his work at Whitaker Funeral Home, John finds it especially meaningful to honor and show respect for deceased veterans. His favorite scriptures, John 14:1–7, 18–19, and 25–27, offer deep comfort and hope:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you… I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me… I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you… Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

These words reflect John’s belief in the promise of eternal life and in God’s abiding presence, even in times of grief.

Barbara Hazel has been a valued part-time member of the Whitaker Funeral Home team since 2012. Originally working alongside Doggett and Christy Whitaker. After taking a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned when Erin Whitaker invited her back. In her role, Barbara assists the funeral director and her role varies including setting up for funerals and visitations, handing out service bulletins, and arranging flowers at the church or service location.  Barbara is a hospitality specialist.

Barbara especially enjoys working visitations. She believes that personalizing each service means a great deal to the families we serve, offering them comfort and a sense of closure. She deeply values the opportunity to play a part in that process.

Barbara often surprises people when she says she has no desire for complete retirement, even at age 73. She loves being around people, contributing in a meaningful way, and staying active—both mentally and physically—by working alongside a younger team. She appreciates the caring nature of her coworkers, who treat every family with compassion and respect.

Outside of work, Barbara enjoys spending time with her sons and their families, attending her grandchildren’s baseball, lacrosse, basketball, and volleyball games. She also loves auctions and estate sales, finding treasures for her 1858 home, which she and her husband Robert have been lovingly renovating for over 30 years. A dedicated community member, Barbara has served on the Newberry County Hospital Foundation for more than 15 years, enjoying the opportunity to help raise funds for local healthcare needs.

As a Family Service Advisor, Daniel helps families make informed decisions for the future and guides those who have experienced a loss through the difficult steps that follow. At Newberry Memorial Gardens, he has the opportunity to serve the community in a meaningful way, alongside a team that believes every family deserves a high degree of excellence.

For Daniel, it is a deep honor to be entrusted with families’ legacies and memories. He works to ensure loved ones are remembered with dignity, and for those who plan ahead, he helps relieve their families from the burden of financial decisions so they can focus on what matters most — their memories. Daniel approaches his work guided by the words, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”

Outside of work, Daniel is an enthusiastic Scout leader, avid outdoorsman, and a brother of Prosperity Lodge #115. His wife, Sarah, is a dedicated hospice nurse, and together their careers give them a unique understanding of the experiences families face in times of grief. They are raising four boys to become young men and future leaders in their families and communities.

Hugh Lister serves an important role at Whitaker Funeral Home, welcoming family and friends of the deceased to funeral services. Often stationed at the guest register, he strives to make visitors feel as comfortable as possible during a difficult time, anticipating their needs before they even have to ask. Hugh first became connected to Whitaker Funeral Home years ago when Mr. Roy Whitaker asked him to drive the family car—an offer he declined at the time. Years later, after speaking with Justin about prearranging his own service, Hugh agreed to lend a hand now that he is retired.

A graduate of The Citadel, Hugh began his career with Cannon Construction Company as a summer laborer during college, eventually joining full time after graduation. Over the years, he worked his way from project manager to president of Cannon Construction. When Cannon Associates was formed, he became part owner and served as president until his retirement in 2014. Interestingly, his bachelor’s degree is in English—a unique foundation for a career in construction management.

Even in retirement, Hugh’s days are full. He serves on the Board of Directors at the YMCA and on the Newberry County Building and Zoning Commission. He is actively involved at Newberry First Baptist Church as a Deacon and member of the Construction Committee for the Relocation Steering Team. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis and pickleball.

Hugh and his wife, Pam, have been married for 46 years, having met on stage at The Ritz Theatre while playing a bickering husband and wife. They have four adult children—two sons and two daughters—along with four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and two nieces they consider grandchildren. Pam served as music minister at First Baptist for many years before becoming Aquatics Director and competitive swim coach at the YMCA, leading highly successful teams. Their children have pursued careers in education, construction management, international student advising, and physical therapy, with achievements spanning the U.S. and abroad.

Without question, Hugh’s family is the most important aspect of his life—second only to his relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

For Kathy, the heart of her work is making each family feel like part of our family. She finds joy in seeing the photo tributes and video memorials that capture the happy, treasured moments of a person’s life—reminders that meaningful memories live on.

“Viewing those video tributes reminds me that even in loss, there is a lifetime of joy to hold onto.”

Kathy brings warmth, organization, and heart to everything she does. She’s inspired by the idea that every challenge is just a step toward growth:

“If you fail, never give up, because FAIL means First Attempt In Learning. End is not the end—END means Effort Never Dies. And if you hear ‘no,’ remember: NO means Next Opportunity.”

Outside of work, Kathy enjoys traveling, reading, watching true crime shows, and spending quality time with her family. She’s been married to her husband Rick for 34 years. Rick recently retired after 40 years with Norfolk Southern Railroad, where he built bridges.

Their son Brandon, a gifted builder with a great sense of humor, lives in Chapin with his wife Jessica, a creative spirit who enjoys crafting and caring for their pets. Their son Logan—Kathy’s only grandchild—is a sophomore at Chapin High School and plays goalie on the JV lacrosse team.

Kathy’s daughter Taylor holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and lives in Arlington, Virginia. She’s not only Kathy’s travel companion but also her daily sounding board, with the two often planning their next great adventure together.

Johnny has always found deep meaning in helping others, especially during life’s most difficult moments. Whether it’s offering a kind word or a helping hand, he believes in supporting families with compassion and care when they need it most.

Johnny’s kind and gentle nature leads his heart in funeral service.

“I’ve always tried to treat people the way I’d want to be treated—especially when they’re hurting. A little kindness goes a long way.”

A natural adventurer, Johnny and his wife Tammy have traveled to five of the seven continents—most recently Antarctica—with plans to soon add Africa and Australia to the list.

Guided by faith, Johnny draws strength from Proverbs 3:5-6 and lives by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Johnny and his wife, Tammy cherish the relationship they share with their family.

Meagan Walker is currently pursuing her Associate in Applied Science degree in Funeral Services at Piedmont Technical College. Passionate about helping others, she is dedicated to learning every aspect of funeral service so she can provide families with meaningful, compassionate care.

Her family has been a constant source of love and encouragement, shaping the person she is today and inspiring her to pursue her goals. She often reflects on the words, “She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails,” as a reminder to meet life’s challenges with resilience and grace.

Meagan finds deep fulfillment in helping families honor their loved ones in ways that truly reflect the life they lived. For her, it’s not just about arranging a service—it’s about creating a space where memories can be shared and healing can begin.

When she’s not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and being outdoors.