Staff

Whigham Funeral has been owned and family operated since its inception in 1946.Charles L. Whigham, the funeral home founder and original manger, left a legacy of pride and ownership that was passed down to his daughter Carolyn Whigham, who served as manager and owner following her father's retirement in 1991, and later his death in 1993. Now in its third generation, Charles Whigham’s grandchildren Steveland L. Whigham and Kara L. Whigham serve as licensed funeral directors, as well as 1st and 2nd Vice President of the company.

Carolyn Whigham
Charles L. Whigham's only daughter was born January 5, 1949, in Newark, NJ. Carolyn, like her father, had an attraction for the business. It was not odd to see her from age eight years old participating in the conduction of funerals and learning the basics of all the paper work needed to run a successful business. In her younger years Carolyn participated in numerous clubs like the Leaguers Inc., The Boys and Girls Club, local softball and basketball teams, to later forming her own social club with friends called Epsilon Jeunesse. During College years at Virginia State University she studied Business Administration and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Carolyn later married and moved to Los Angles, California. There she gave birth to her two children Steveland and Kara. While there in California, Carolyn and her husband at the time founded and operated a minority owned real estate company in the Los Angeles area. After a divorce Carolyn decided to return to her roots of Newark, NJ. She enrolled in the American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science, New York City, NY, and after graduation she soon joined side by side with her father in the running and management of Whigham Funeral Home. Having traveled to Egypt for two weeks to study the Egyptian Art of Embalming, she brings a well rounded cultural view to the science of embalming. Upon the demise of her father, Carolyn took the reigns and continued forward with the legacy left for her.  While a Licensed Funeral Director, she also serves as the Funeral Homes President/CEO and Owner, advising the third generation (her children) on how it’s done.
She is an excellent speaker and spends time speaking to youth, senior citizens and continuing her education at St. John’s University. At present she is a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliate Bethany Chapter F&AM, and serves on the Board for the Status Women., As well as a member of St. James A.M.E. Church.

Steveland L. Whigham
Steveland L. Whigham, born November 25, 1976, in Los Angles, California is the youngest grandson of Charles L. Whigham. After attending the University of Maryland College Park, Majoring in Computer Engineering, Steveland chose to follow in the foot steps of his grandfather and mother by attending American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science, New York City, NY. Now a licensed funeral director and first Vice President of the company. The desire for helping those around him was not lost in this third generation of funeral directors. During his scholastic years while running track on the high school and collegiate levels, Steveland still found time to mentor to other students and join in big brother programs that help others in school and their social lives, and serve numerous debate teams and clubs. Steveland is often referred to as a role model. With a lifetime ahead of him, Steveland hopes to continue helping families in need and in his community as a whole.

Kara L. Whigham
Kara L. Whigham born, August 9, 1979, in Los Angles, California as the youngest granddaughter of Charles L. Whigham.  Known as the “Little Carolyn”, Kara is focused like her mother to succeed in the business. Athletics helped to discipline and define Kara. As a team captain and an outstanding basketball player at Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, Kara majored in Business Administration. Also a graduate of the American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science, New York City, NY, Kara is a licensed funeral director and 2nd Vice President of the funeral home. Kara is active in the community. And graciously offers her time freely by helping to coach summer league basketball and participating in women talk groups in local churches.

Terry S. Fort Fields
Terry S. Fort Fields, born October 16,1958, rounds out the funeral homes board of directors. She serves as Secretary / Treasurer of the company, as well as the day to day manager of the funeral home. Terry is an invaluable part of the staff.  Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, daughter of Sally Wilburn Alexander. A graduate of Newark’s Weequahic High School and Essex County Community College, Terry received her formal training in mortuary science from the American Academy McAllister Institute, NY, NY. She secured her internship at Perry’s Funeral Home, under the late Orlando K. Perry, before joining the staff of Whigham Funeral in 1993. Terry, the mother of four (4) children; Azim, Chastity, Chad, and Nyle, balances a career and motherhood. Moreover, Terry enjoys making funeral arrangements and consultations with families. She brings a genuine empathy, comfort, and understanding lost in many funeral homes. Terry is a member of the St. James A.M.E. Church and a student at St. John’s University. She has not only been instrumental in the lives of the families she services, but also as a valued asset to the company.