A young female Funeral Director, one of the youngest in Northern Ireland, has just launched a new business in Portadown.
Lisa Davidson (37) has recently opened Davidson Funeral Services in the town’s Hanover Street and her journey to this point is both inspiring and rooted in her strong community values.
Growing up in Castlecaulfield, a small village outside Dungannon, Lisa was raised in a family that exemplified hard work and dedication. Her father is a building contractor, while her mother balanced her role as a teacher with working on the family farm. This upbringing instilled in Lisa a robust work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community service.
From an early age, Lisa demonstrated her commitment to helping others. She attended Walker Memorial Primary School and later the Royal School Dungannon, where she not only excelled academically but also began working as a care assistant at a local nursing home at the weekends. This role was pivotal in shaping her understanding of compassion and empathy—qualities that would later define her approach to her funeral directing business.
Speaking to UrbanABC, Lisa recalls her formative years: “Growing up on a family farm, I have great memories with my parents, my younger sister Sharon, and my brother David. Thanks to my parents, I have always had a strong work ethic, so outside of school and university, work came first followed by the farm. Any spare time was spent on a hockey pitch.”
While pursuing her studies at The University of Ulster, where she earned a BSc in Consumer Studies, Lisa continued her work in the nursing home. Her experiences there reinforced her desire to support families during difficult times. Alongside her academic and professional commitments, she was an active member of the hockey community, playing for both her school and Dungannon Ladies. The teamwork and camaraderie she experienced on the hockey pitch were essential in developing her leadership skills and resilience.
“My first job in the care sector at 16 years old is where my passion for care first started. I enjoyed being able to provide support and comfort to those I cared for; I treated everyone like I would my Mum and Dad, and to this day, I live by the same motto.
“Those who work in the care sector know this work is not for everyone. It involves long hours, hard work, and basic pay, but for those who do it, it is one of the most rewarding jobs.
“I left knowing I would always work in an environment where I could use my caring nature, provide a gentle touch, and combine that with my desire to help others and make a difference in our community. This is what led me to find my career within the funeral industry in Dungannon”.
Lisa’s ambition didn’t stop there. In November 2021, she took the next step on her journey and was appointed as a Funeral Director for a company in Portadown, thus becoming the first female Funeral Director in the Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon area.
“This was my first step in changing the narrative of a male-dominated industry. Being one of the few women in a male-dominated space presented its own challenges. There were moments when my voice felt less heard or when I had to work harder to earn respect.
“But instead of being discouraged, I leaned into my experiences from the care sector and used them to my advantage—bringing a unique, empathetic perspective to every role I took on.”
Following her move to Portadown, Lisa felt a calling to give back to her community in a more profound way. This led her to establish Davidson Funeral Services dedicated to providing compassionate and professional funeral services. Her mission is to create a supportive environment for families as they navigate the challenges of loss, ensuring that every detail is handled with care and respect.
“I made the decision to make Portadown home for my four girls—Emma, Sophie, Grace, and Lauren—and myself. Portadown welcomed me in my new role and pushed me to work harder to ensure all families receive compassion, empathy, and continued support beyond the funeral”.
Now the Co Tyrone native, has made Portadown her home both personally and professionally.
“I found the perfect location on Hanover Street to create my vision, and work began. It has been a busy few months turning my vision into reality while being a mum to four amazing girls.
“I have always been very focused on providing services that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the families I serve. I feel the comments on the business profile, website, and social media support this, thanks to all the families I have supported over the recent years who have left wonderful comments”.
Lisa admits that while breaking down barriers has been the catalyst for going it alone, there have been struggles at times. “As a mother of four girls, I’ve faced the balancing act of pursuing a career while nurturing my children. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, time management, and determination.
“Every milestone in my career has mirrored milestones in their lives, and I’ve found strength in knowing that my journey is a source of inspiration for them.
“I find myself more committed than ever to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the funeral profession. The industry is evolving, and so am I.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead, both for me and the future generation of women in this field”.
Lisa’s approach to her work is deeply personal. She understands that each family’s needs are unique, and she is committed to honouring the memories of loved ones with dignity. By offering tailored services, she aims to provide comfort and support to those in mourning, helping them celebrate the lives of their departed in meaningful ways.
“As a mother myself, one of the most challenging aspects of working in the funeral industry is supporting families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby or child.
“This type of grief pulls on my heartstrings and isn’t something that you can leave behind in the office at home time. I wish no parent ever had to experience this; however, it’s a reality that, unfortunately, happens more often than we like to acknowledge.
“There’s something deeply personal about these losses—something I relate to as a mum.
“When I sit with families during these difficult times, I can’t help but feel the weight of their pain. However, it’s that same experience of motherhood that enables me to approach these families with a nurturing and compassionate mindset. I believe that during times of such immense sorrow, it’s not just the practical aspects that need attention, but also the emotional care that can help families begin to navigate their grief.”
At its core, the funeral industry is about supporting people during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Lisa emphasises that the ability to listen, understand, and offer comfort is a gift that sets individuals apart in this profession. She reminds us that compassion is powerful; it’s not just about logistics but about providing emotional support to families in need.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Lisa recalls being the only woman in many rooms when she first started in the industry. Despite the challenges, she learned that being different is not only okay but can also bring a nurturing perspective that is invaluable in her work. She encourages aspiring professionals to be confident in their identities and to recognize that breaking barriers is part of the journey. “Your voice, your approach, and your perspective matter,” she asserts.
Offering advice to other females looking to break into a male centered industry Lisa says,
“There will be tough days—days when the weight of the job feels overwhelming—but don’t let those moments deter you.
“The strength you build through resilience will not only shape you as a professional but also as an individual. Remember, this job is about making a positive impact during one of life’s most difficult moments, and that’s something incredibly meaningful.
“Surround yourself with people who support your dreams, whether they are other professionals in the funeral industry, friends, family, or mentors. Building a network of like-minded individuals will not only help you grow but also keep you grounded and motivated”.
When Lisa isn’t busy with work or chasing after her girls, she finds solace in the great outdoors. The natural beauty that surrounds her offers a perfect escape, and she loves to explore, whether it’s wandering through peaceful country lanes, enjoying local parks, or simply strolling around town. These outdoor adventures are made even more delightful with her two dogs by her side, adding joy to the serene moments spent in nature.
Family time is precious to Lisa, especially on weekends when they return to their farming roots. Despite her hectic schedule, Lisa cherishes these moments of connection with nature and her family, allowing her to unwind and recharge.
“Time outdoors is something my family and I truly cherish. With our shared love for the farming life we often return home at the weekends and enjoy the tasks on the farm, the girls are very exciting for lambing to commence any day now. Though free time is rare, I make the most of the moments I get to reconnect with nature and unwind”.
In addition to her love for the outdoors, Lisa is an avid reader. She finds that escaping into a good book is the perfect way to relax and reflect amidst the busyness of life. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or anything in between, reading inspires her both personally and professionally, providing a much-needed break and a source of inspiration. For Lisa, these moments of quiet reading and outdoor exploration are essential for maintaining balance in her life.
As Davidson Funeral Services opens its doors, Lisa is not just starting a business; she is continuing a legacy of care that she learned from her parents. Home is never too farm away for the County Tyrone businesswoman as although now settled in Co Armagh, both her professional and personal life bring her back to her roots.
“Although I’m based in Portadown, I find that a lot of my enquiries for funerals, monumental masonry and flowers are coming from Tyrone which I am delighted to be able to provide”.
Her journey from the small village of Castlecaulfield to a thriving community in Portadown is a testament to her dedication to service, compassion, and the importance of community engagement.
With her strong background and heartfelt commitment, Lisa is poised to make a significant impact in Portadown and the surrounding areas, ensuring that families receive the support they need during their most challenging times.