A team you can trust
At W. Lauderdale & Son Funeral Services, our small, dedicated team combines experience, empathy and professionalism to support you with compassionate funeral planning. Every member shares a commitment to helping families feel comforted, respected and understood during life’s most difficult moments.
William R. Lauderdale, LSBP
As the third generation to lead W. Lauderdale & Son Funeral Services, William R. Lauderdale brings over 25 years of experience and deep-rooted dedication to serving bereaved families in Gateshead. Having joined the family business formally in 1998, William trained under his father, Bill Lauderdale, learning advanced skills in funeral care and embalming.
With warmth, empathy and a personal understanding of grief, William works tirelessly to remove stress from the funeral planning process. He honours the traditions of his father and grandfather while embracing modern approaches, always open to discussing new ideas and personal touches that help create truly meaningful services.
Our experienced and caring team
Supporting William is a compassionate and capable team who share his commitment to providing respectful, dignified funeral planning. Funeral Director Alex Nelson joined in 2023, bringing a decade of experience and a genuine passion for guiding families through loss. Currently studying to expand his formal qualifications, Alex is already a valued and trusted member of the team.
Alongside him are long-standing team members Tony Harrison, Tyron Spence, George Lewis, and Wayne Kippen, who each bring professionalism, care and local knowledge to their roles. Together, the team makes sure that every family feels supported, listened to and treated with respect.
Sharman Cullen
Sharman Cullen is our compassionate and highly skilled embalmer, having worked in our private mortuary since 2018. She qualified in July 2014 with a Diploma from the International Examinations Board of Embalmers and is a valued member of the British Institute of Embalmers.
With great care and respect, Sharman gently preserves and prepares loved ones, helping to maintain a peaceful and comforting appearance for family viewings or when there is a need for transport. Her experience and kindness provide reassurance to families during their most vulnerable moments of farewell.