The Many Facets of the Death Industry

The Remarkable Career of Dominique Battles

Few people can say they’ve experienced every angle of the death care industry—but Dominique Battles can. From funeral homes to embalming to deputy coroner, she has built a career defined by curiosity, compassion, and integrity.

Dominique’s journey began in grade school when she won her state science fair, driven by an early fascination with what happens to the human body after death. By 16, she was already working in the funeral industry, where she quickly discovered her calling as a funeral director. She later attended Vincennes University in Indiana, becoming the first African American woman to graduate from the school’s funeral service program.

A Career in Restorative Art and Beyond

Dominique specialized in restorative art, developing exceptional skills that made her highly sought after in complex cases, particularly those involving burn victims or traumatic injuries. Her dedication to helping families see their loved ones at peace has always been central to her work.

Working in a city heavily impacted by homicide expanded Dominique’s interest in criminal justice, leading her back to school at Indiana University, where she earned a degree in criminal justice. She didn’t stop there—she went on to receive another bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Her career path then brought her into the world of pathology. As an autopsy technician, Dominique immersed herself in learning from forensic pathologists. Fascinated by the science of human tissue, she spent seven years working evenings at a tissue bank to deepen her knowledge.

Leadership in Pathology and Private Autopsies

Dominique is now a certified deputy coroner and has served as Administrator of Pathology for nearly two decades. In that role, she oversees forensic cases, manages testing for decedents, and trains fellows on proper processes and protocols. Her expertise makes her a trusted voice in court, where she testifies on the integrity of forensic samples.

During this time, Dominique also had the privilege of working under and learning from Dr. Joye M. Carter, the first African American medical examiner in the U.S. Airforce and United States. Dominique was Dr. Carter’s protege. She attributes her time with Dr. Carter to when she built her confidence and learned her worth. When Dr. Carter retired, she entrusted her private autopsy company to Dominique. Today, Dominique continues that legacy, offering private autopsies to families who may not have received a clinical autopsy—or who question the findings of one. These services often provide families with peace of mind, whether they’re concerned about a possible missed diagnosis, congenital conditions, or suspicions of mistreatment.

Teaching, Research, and Continued Service

Even with her demanding roles, Dominique continues to embalm in the evenings and has taught in Indiana University’s master’s program for pathologist assistants for over 13 years. She remains actively involved in research with the university as well.

For Dominique, the heart of her work is helping families find closure. As a funeral director, she takes pride in ensuring families are treated fairly and that loved ones are presented with dignity. As an administrator and deputy coroner, she finds meaning in bringing clarity and integrity to forensic investigations.

Insights From the Industry

Dominique notes that one of the lesser-known facts about death care is the waiting period before cremation. Unlike a burial, cremation is irreversible—so by law, a death certificate must be signed and at least 48 hours must pass before the process can take place. Families sometimes push for cremation quickly but later realize the importance of leaving time for unanswered questions to be resolved.

A Career Full of Stories

Over the years, Dominique has seen nearly everything the industry can present—but not quite everything because she still is surprised with a case every once in a while. She recalls cases like the 2005 case of brother and sister Kenneth and Kari Allen, who killed their mother and grandparents before entombing the bodies in concrete. (Associated Press. (2005, February 9). Siblings: We killed grandparents, mom. Fox News. Updated January 13, 2015. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/story/siblings-we-killed-grandparents-mom) The cold basement environment slowed decomposition, making the case particularly interesting. It required the expertise of a forensic anthropologist, Dr. Nawrocki, from the University of Indiana to consult on the case.

A Legacy of Integrity

Dominique Battles’s career is proof that the death care profession is far more interconnected than most people realize. From funeral directing to pathology, tissue banking to teaching, she has not only built a wealth of knowledge but also a legacy of compassion, respect, and integrity. Her story is a reminder that behind every role in this industry lies a commitment to serving families when they need it most.