Our Staff

Mrs. Lori Michelle White-Sanders joined the Diehl-Whittaker Family in September 2023 as the AIC and Managing Funeral Director. She is a graduate of Beaumont High School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Edward Waters College, the first Historically Black College/University in Jacksonville, Florida, where she pledged Alpha Kappa Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and currently serves as the 2025 Vice President of the Psi Eta Omega Chapter. Lori earned her Master of Business Administration Management Degree from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio, while working as the Assistant Director for the Department of Inclusion, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs.

Her experience also includes serving as a 2014 Legislative Fellow for the House of Representatives and as a Senior Legislative Aide for multiple Ohio Districts/Counties under Speakers William Bachelder and Rosenberger. After transitioning careers, she was accepted into the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, earning her Applied Science and Technology Degree. She is now a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for the State of Ohio, a Permitted Crematory Operator, and a Notary for the State of Ohio. A devoted mother of two, a wife, and a servant leader at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church and a new member of the Franklin Park Civic Association, Lori approaches her role serving families with deep commitment, viewing it as her ministry and a divine calling.

Motisola T. Bowman joined the Diehl-Whittaker Family in November 2023 as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. A native of Detroit, MI, she brings over 20 years of experience and holds licenses in both Michigan and Ohio. Motisola is a graduate of Wayne State University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Sciences with a focus on Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy in 1995.

After graduating, she proudly served our country in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Captain, one of the highest commissioned officer rankings, and served in Afghanistan. In her civilian career, she dedicated over 15 years as a General Manager for Chrysler. A devoted mother of four and a wife, Motisola is committed to serving people with excellence.

Roman James McGahee: Roman joined Diehl- Whittaker Funeral Service in 2025. He earned an Associate of Science Degree in Funeral Directing, from The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services. Roman is a licensed insurance agent with the State of Ohio Department of Insurance, and is an Advanced Funeral Pre-Planning Specialist. He is also a licensed Funeral Director. Born in Florida, he has been in the funeral industry since 1991. He is active in Masonic Lodge 155 and a member of the NAACP. Roman is dedicated to assisting families with planning services that will celebrate a person's life. 

Lexus Burgess has worked for Diehl-Whittaker for 2 years as the Administrative Assistant and is currently in nursing school pursuing her RN Associates of Nursing Degree.

Charlotte Blackwell graduated from Wooster High School, Wooster Ohio and graduated from Walsh University School of Nursing. Charlotte worked at Aultman Hospital in Canton Ohio for 21 years and attended Ohio State Medical Center 11years. Charlotte is a member of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church and is a retired RN. She has served as a Funeral Attendant for 1 year with the Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service family.

LaDonna Little is a woman of faith, compassion, and dedicated service. A retiree of the City of Columbus, she continues to serve her community as a Funeral Assistant with Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Services. In this role, she offers quiet strength and comfort to grieving families, guiding them through some of life’s most difficult moments with dignity and care. Her calm presence and heartfelt service are a true ministry to those in need. She is the devoted First Lady of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, where she leads the Women of Faith ministry with wisdom and grace. LaDonna is the loving wife of Dr. John S. Little, Pastor of Mt. Hermon. They are proud parents of one son and the joyful grandparents of five beautiful grandchildren. LaDonna is the daughter of Dan and Nonnie Carter and sister to Robert Carter. Her life is marked by a deep commitment to God, her family, and the people she so selflessly serves.

Wayne Sawyer has served as a Funeral Attendant for 17 years, beginning under the leadership of our Founder, Richard Diehl. Wayne is now serving as Facilities Manager and is a retired United States Army Veteran.

Edward Wickliffe has served as a Funeral Attendant at Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service for 2 years and is a  retired United States Army Veteran.

A native of Columbus, Ohio with 18 years of experience in the funeral home industry, Ken Bass has worked in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Ken strives to deliver excellent service to all family members who entrust the care of their loved ones to Diehl Whittaker Funeral Service.  He and his wife enjoy fishing, boating and traveling and Ken retired from the United States Coast Guard.

Marvin S. Mallory is a Columbus, Ohio native and has two children with his lovely wife. Marvin is a retired United States Air Force Veteran.

Brenda Summers is a dedicated and compassionate professional with over 20 yrs in the medical field. Throughout her career, Brenda has provided care and support to many patients. In addition to her extensive background, she has 2 yrs of mental health counseling where she helped individuals and navigate emotions and psychological challenges. Brenda serves Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service and their families as a Funeral Attendant.

Gary Granger Jr is a dedicated Funeral Attendant from Columbus, Ohio, where he was born and raised. Deeply rooted in a close-knit family that includes his mom, grandma, aunts, uncles, and a large extended family of cousins, Gary values connection and community in every part of his life. When he's not serving families, Gary enjoys a variety of hobbies—from playing and collecting video games, to fixing computers, working on cars, and collecting comic books and Pokémon cards. His passion for these hobbies reflects his appreciation for both creativity and precision.For Gary, funeral service is more than a job—it's an opportunity to honor lives, support families, and bring comfort during one of life’s most difficult moments. He believes in treating every family with respect, compassion, and dignity. The newest member of the Diehl-Whittaker, Gary has been a member of the DW family for six months.