When you live in a small town in the south and are raised by grandparents who were original “Nuggets,” it’s a pretty fair assumption that at some point in your childhood you have been unwillingly taken hostage by your grandmother (with a casserole in hand) to an evening at the local funeral home. This, I assume, happened to me more times than I can remember growing up. So death and all its Southern Dramatics for someone’s last rites were part of the norm for me. Therefore, making the decision- scratch that -accepting this calling, and following a career path in a seemingly very morbid profession was completely normal and comfortable for me. Fast forward 14 years later, and I can not imagine not doing this for the rest of my life. I sit back and watch my 18 year old son about to graduate and choose a career path of his own and can only say that I am so blessed to be doing what I do and there is never a day that truly feels like “work”.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do (or did if retired)?
With all that intro, I will simply add that some of the things I love about this career include the reward of feeling like I helped someone through one of the hardest events of their lives. I am also able to celebrate and creatively honor their loved one in a special way, and am challenged with creatively thinking outside the box to bring a new vision to funerals and memorials by making them individually unique just as the person was. I’m able to learn about some incredible people and hear their stories and share in their memories. And contrary to what you may think, I am able to smile more than I ever thought was possible.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in our community and your favorite dish there?
I would have to say Spirits (and no not because of the spooky elements) but because of the owners and their amazing Augusta Burger.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? And if you moved here, where were you from originally?
I grew up here and have been working at Dahlonega Funeral Home for almost 14 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community and why?
There is no way I could name just one person. And I get the privilege of knowing just how interesting someone was during their life. At least weekly I am amazed and overwhelmed by some of the stories of achievement, valor, and peculiarity of so many people.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Anywhere with the people I love.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies or TV shows?
I’m a sucker for all those 80’s romantic comedies. I’d have to say all time favorite is Overboard.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The beginning and end dates really do not matter. It’s what you do in between them that does.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
See the Northern lights in Alaska.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Butch Walker, Stevie Nicks, or Jason Isbell
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive or not alive today, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Elvis or JFK. I would want to hear all their incredible stories.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The way that we all come together when someone is in need.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I can pretty much name the make model and year of any car from 1960 until today.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
In the presence of people showing unconditional love and respect for the person they are laying to rest.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
That changes daily and I’m so thankful for that. But ultimately my son Dockery and my bonus kid Cody.
Q: Finally, what words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Unconditional love, community, a feeling of always being accepted, welcomed, and familiarity like nothing else.
