Our Staff

Jeff Wilkinson

Funeral Director In Charge

Jeff Wilkinson was born and raised in Carrollton, Georgia, where he graduated from Carrollton high School. He pursued his academic studies at the University of West Georgia before following his calling into funeral service, earning his degree in Mortuary Science from Jefferson State College. Jeff began his career in funeral service at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home in Carrollton, where he developed a deep respect for the traditions of the profession and the importance of compassionate care. He has also served as Location Manager and Funeral Director, bringing leadership, experience, and heartfelt service to every family he served. 

With a genuine passion for helping others through life's most difficult moments, Jeff considers it an honor to walk alongside families during their time of loss. His approach is rooted in dignity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to honoring each life with meaning and respect. 

Outside of his professional life, Jeff enjoys music of all genres, playing the piano, camping, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. These passions help ground him and reinforce the values of connection, comfort, and presence that define both his personal life and his work.

Lauren Brunke

Funeral Director / Embalmer

Lauren Brunke began her career in funeral service in Houston, Texas while attending the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service where she received her Associate’s degree in Funeral Service. After attaining her Funeral Director & Embalmer license in Florida as well as her Funeral Director license in Alabama, she decided to continue her education. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Thanatology at Marian University Wisconsin. She is passionate about helping families and providing the best possible experience during such a difficult time. When she is not working, Lauren enjoys teaching yoga, reading, gardening, and spending time with her four rescue dogs.

Ted Stookey

Crematory Operator

Ted began his work in the funeral industry in the early 2000’s in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked for a trade service that represented many different funeral homes in the area. He was also a part of the St. Louis City/County Medical Examiner removal team and a member of Missouri National Disaster Assistance Team. He worked extensively with the mortuary team during the Joplin, Missouri tornado disaster. His introduction into the world of cremation began when he later became the owner of Stookey Pet Cremation Services. He moved to Florida with his family in 2018 and obtained his Crematory Operator Certificate in 2019. He has worked off and on in the funeral industry since then. He also holds a Masters Boat Captain’s license. When he is not working, he enjoys giving boat tours, playing the Upright Bass, and spending time with his family.

Bethany Appel

Associate

Bethany began her career in funeral service in 2023 in Seattle, Washington, where she worked as a crematory operator and administrative assistant. She is currently pursuing a degree in Social Sciences at Pensacola State College and plans to begin her Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Funeral Directing and Embalming this fall.

Before entering the funeral profession, Bethany gained extensive casework experience serving marginalized communities and supporting children with behavioral challenges. Her background reflects a deep commitment to compassion, advocacy, and caring for others during life’s most difficult moments.

Bethany is a mother of three, and her husband currently serves in the U.S. Navy. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, crafting, and reading. A devoted cat lover, Bethany is always happy to talk about her furry companions.

Tyler Noble

Associate

Tyler was born and raised in Northwest Florida and has a deep love for this community he calls home. After graduating from Collegiate High School at NWFSC and the University of West Florida, he has fed his passion for serving others through work in civil/commercial aviation and public safety. Most recently, Tyler worked for Walton County Sheriff’s Office as Recruiting and Retention Manager, Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, and a certified Crisis/Hostage Negotiator. During this time, he developed a commitment to serving community members with kindness, dignity and deep compassion, regardless of how difficult the circumstances may be. Newly entering the funeral industry, Tyler now continues to commit to a “service above self” approach by serving the diverse needs of families during some of their most trying times.

Outside of work, Tyler can be found devoting time to his other passions, which include his family and friends, most especially his wife and three children, exploring the outdoors, and his Catholic faith.

Madison Goulder

Administrative Assistant

Madison Goulder was born in Naperville, Illinois, and moved around before eventually making her home in Crestview, Florida. She pursued a career in Cosmetology at Aveda Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, where she discovered her true passion for helping others. Known for her empathy and compassionate nature, Madison finds fulfillment in providing comfort and support, which led her to the role of Administrative Assistant at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery. In her free time, she enjoys spending days at the beach with family or relaxing at home with her cats.