Our hearts are broken that our beautiful Whitney Joy Dunlap, age 36, passed away at
12:08 p.m. April 8, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by her devoted family. She had suffered a catastrophic brain injury following cardiac arrest caused by a severe asthma attack, in addition to suspected pneumonia.

Born on May 25, 1989, at 7:15 p.m. in Louisville, Kentucky, Whitney was the beloved daughter of Jeffrey and Cheryl (Higbea) Dunlap. Whitney's life was defined by compassion, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to others. From an early age, her gifts were evident. She pursued dance with grace and passion, captivating audiences with her expressive performances and inspiring younger students with her natural talent. Music was equally central to her life; she shared her incredibly beautiful voice in countless settings, including church, weddings, funerals, and community events, often singing touching duets with her sister, Brittany which showcased exceptional sibling harmony. She participated in praise choir, musicals, Showchoir Camps of America (for a decade) and continued her love of singing in Women's Glee Club at The Ohio State University.

Her love for the arts extended to the stage. She held leading roles in several musical productions of OCT Children's Summer Theater: Sleepy in Snow White and Cinderella in Cinderella. Notable roles at Northwood included: Liesel in The Sound of Music and Sandy in Grease. She brought warmth and authenticity to every performance. One especially cherished elementary talent show solo featured her as Beauty and the Beast's Belle-a character whose love of books and curiosity mirrored Whitney's own. An avid reader and lifelong learner, she possessed a remarkable vocabulary and a deep appreciation for knowledge. Whitney triple majored at OSU with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Strategic Communications, International Relations & Diplomacy, and French, which she accomplished in four years.

Whitney's adventurous spirit led her to explore the world beyond her home. She traveled abroad and held a special affection for Europe, particularly Paris, where she once dreamed of working. Whether traveling far or simply pausing along the roadside, she found beauty in the world around her, embracing both grand adventures and life's quiet, meaningful moments.

Throughout her life, Whitney pursued many interests and vocations. She worked in a variety of roles, including in public relations, before devoting herself more fully to her passions as a freelance artist, herbalist, plant enthusiast, and environmental advocate. Most recently, she served as a Direct Support Professional with Love For Mankind Transportation Service, where she offered not only care, but genuine joy and dignity to those she assisted.

Whitney will be remembered as a true free spirit-courageous, and always striving to be her authentic self. She possessed a rare ability to make others feel seen, accepted, and valued. Her kindness knew no bounds; she gave freely of her time, talents, and resources, often placing the needs of others before her own. She had a special gift with children and the elderly, treating each person with patience, gentleness, and respect.

She found joy in music, dance, art, flowers, literature, travel, and nature. She had an extraordinary ability to see beauty in all things, transforming even the simplest of moments into lasting memories. Passionate and deeply committed, Whitney loved fiercely and stood firmly for what she believed in.

Above all, Whitney treasured her family and friendships. She was a cherished daughter, a devoted sister, and a loving aunt who adored her niece, Lilly, and nephew, Roman. The memories she created with those she loved-often in the smallest, most spontaneous ways-will be forever held close.

Whitney is survived by her parents, Jeffrey and Cheryl Dunlap; sister, Brittany (Preston) Wielinski; niece, Lilly; nephew, Roman; grandparents, Carol ("Grams") and Dave ("Gramps") Higbea; aunts, Denise (Bob) Kloeppel, Mary (Tracy) Korsmo, Kelly (Bob) Long; cousins, Dionna (Cory) Noonan (Zachary & Alexa), Derek Daulbaugh, Nicky (Keegan) Zehr, Danielle, Sean, and Brady Korsmo, Emily (Jacob Voegele) Cotton, Alex (Lauren) Cotton, (Anastasia & Aidan), Andrew (Samantha Albright) Cotton, Grace, Brandon, and Britney Long.

We find solace she was welcomed into heaven with open arms by her grandparents, Harry and Pat Dunlap, along with her great-grandparents.

Her family extends their deepest gratitude to the many friends, compassionate nurses, physicians, and staff at Mount Carmel in Grove City, whose care and kindness brought comfort during an unimaginable time. Through Lifeline of Ohio, Whitney's final act reflected the very essence of who she was. As an organ and tissue donor, she gave the gift of life to others-her heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas offering hope to those in need, and additional donations providing healing and possibility to many more. Her lungs and ribs were recovered for research.

Family and friends were blessed to take part in an Honor Walk on Thursday, April 9, 2026, a deeply moving tribute to Whitney's life and legacy, held on the anniversary of her grandfather's passing. Whitney always has been and always will be deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever remembered. Her radiant smile, joyful laughter, and generous spirit left an enduring imprint on all who knew her. Her legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in imagining Whitney now at peace-joyfully singing and dancing amongst the angels, just as she did throughout her life on earth.

In honoring Whitney, her family asks that her memory be carried forward through acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity, and through prayers for those whose lives have been touched by her extraordinary gift.

Two Celebration of Life events will be held to honor Whitney, creating space to share memories with those who supported her growing up in Northwood and those who knew her during her adult years in Columbus.

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, a Celebration of Whitney's life will be held in the Brown Welcome Center at Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, 19255 West Portage River South Road, Elmore, Ohio 43416. A service of remembrance and sharing of memories will be from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm with an open house continuing until 4:00 pm. http://schedel-gardens.org The gardens are less than 2 minutes from Ohio Turnpike Exit 81 (SR 51/ Elmore/Woodville). Just follow the signs! (419) 862-3182. Guests are also able to tour the gardens free of charge.

On Monday, May 25th, 2026, please join us to Celebrate Whitney on her Birthday. Stop by between 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Gantz Park, 2255 Home Rd, Grove City OH 43123. Meet at the Shelter house which has a red and white barn shape roof. Our family looks forward to getting better acquainted with Whitney's friends, coworkers, members of her Medical Teams and anyone unable to attend the Toledo celebration. We will share memories and welcome your cherished stories closer to the beginning of our "open house" held in the shelter house. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the historic garden areas and sculptures, herbal gardens, labyrinth, gazebo and beautiful scenery Gardens at Gantz ' Grove City, OH
(Expand the photos section to see many of these highlights and a link for map directions.)

If you have children there is a very nice playground immediately beside the shelter house. One area is designated for 2-5 yr olds and another for 5-12 yr olds. Lots of FUN! https://cbus4kids.com/gantz-park/ Whitney had a special way of connecting with children so she would love to hear their laughter playing here. She always loved spending time with her friends on her birthday weekend! We would be very grateful for you to join our family in honoring Whitney on her birthday.

In lieu of formal flower arrangements, memorial contributions may be made to the Dunlap family, in care of Jeff or Cheryl Dunlap, to support the establishment of a Vocal Music Scholarship and the creation of a scenic "touchpoint" memorial to honor Whitney's passions at a later date, Herbalists Without Borders, orLifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement Program,