Think you know what a typical funeral director looks like? Get ready for a new generation that challenges your perceptions! In fact, the funeral directors of tomorrow are mostly women, many are people of color - and they’re ready to lead the profession into the future. Leili McMurrough, president of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and student Sioux Westby join us to dispel the myths!
From the Classroom to the Prep Room: A New Generation of Funeral Directors is Ready to Lead
From the Classroom to the Prep Room: A New Generation of Funeral Directors is Ready to Lead
About Our Guest
Leili McMurrough, BA, JD, LE, LFD
Leili McMurrough is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and attorney, blending legal expertise with deep experience in funeral service. She holds a B.A. from Lehigh University, a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, and an Associate degree from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. As President of Worsham College, Leili is dedicated to shaping the future of funeral service education. She also co-owns McMurrough Funeral Chapel in Libertyville, Illinois, and serves as Chair of the American Board of Funeral Service Education Committee on Accreditation. In addition, she is a trustee for the Funeral Service Foundation, furthering her commitment to advancing the profession.
About Our Guest
Sioux Westby
Sioux Westby began her career in the funeral service industry in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant with Flanner Buchanan in Indianapolis, Indiana. Over the course of 6 years, she has had the privilege to work directly with funeral directors and families to customize meaningful and unique funeral services. It is through this work that she found a deep passion for funeral service. Sioux started her education with Worsham College of Mortuary Science in May of 2024. She will graduate from Worsham in the September of 2025 with her Associate of Science Degree in Mortuary Science. While attending Worsham, Sioux became a Certified Crematory Operator through CANA and she was also invited to join Pi Sigma Eta. Sioux hopes to inspire other potential first generation funeral directors and non-traditional students to take a chance on themselves and follow their calling.
Sioux Westby was a recipient of a scholarship from the Funeral Service Foundation in 2024. Students are encouraged to learn more and apply!
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