Management
Funeral Directors
Family Service
Administrative Professionals
Tara Jones Bessling , General Manager, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Tara Michelle Jones Bessling, was raised in Bell Buckle, Tennessee where she graduated from Cascade High School in Wartrace, TN. Tara began working at Gowen-Smith Chapel in Shelbyville where she was the first female that had ever been hired to assist with funeral operations outside of administrative work. She pursued a degree in Mortuary Science at John A.Gupton Mortuary College while continuing to work at Gowen-Smith Chapel. After graduating college with a degree in Mortuary Science, she continued to work in her local town until 2000. After moving to Nashville, she continued her career in the funeral industry. In June 2007, Tara was appointed General Manager of Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785. Married to Gary Bessling, formerly of Madison, Tara has two beautiful children. Tara is on the Board of the Madison-Rivergate Chamber of Commerce, member of the Madison-Rivergate Rotary Club and attends Long Hollow Baptist Church.
Tara Michelle Jones Bessling, was raised in Bell Buckle, Tennessee where she graduated from Cascade High School in Wartrace, TN. Tara began working at Gowen-Smith Chapel in Shelbyville where she was the first female that had ever been hired to assist with funeral operations outside of administrative work. She pursued a degree in Mortuary Science at John A.Gupton Mortuary College while continuing to work at Gowen-Smith Chapel. After graduating college with a degree in Mortuary Science, she continued to work in her local town until 2000. After moving to Nashville, she continued her career in the funeral industry. In June 2007, Tara was appointed General Manager of Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785. Married to Gary Bessling, formerly of Madison, Tara has two beautiful children. Tara is on the Board of the Madison-Rivergate Chamber of Commerce, member of the Madison-Rivergate Rotary Club and attends Long Hollow Baptist Church.
John C. Phifer, Funeral Home Manager, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer, member, Tennessee Funeral Directors Association
John Christian Phifer was raised in Camden, Tennessee. While in college at John A. Gupton in Nashville, John received a full scholarship from the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and worked weekends at the funeral home. After college graduation in 1999, John attained a more permanent position at Stockdale-Malin Funeral Home in Camden, where he worked for several months. In 2000, John became licensed as a funeral director/embalmer and was asked to move to Dickson, TN to assume the role of funeral director/embalmer for Dickson Funeral Home. John was in this position for over two years before being pulled back to Nashville to work for Tennessee Donor Services where he learned more about science and human anatomy. In 2005, John was appointed as Funeral Director & Embalmer/Care Center Manager for Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785. Two years later, John accepted the responsibilities of Funeral Home Manager where he looks forward to the years ahead comforting and caring for people and excelling in his chosen career.
John Christian Phifer was raised in Camden, Tennessee. While in college at John A. Gupton in Nashville, John received a full scholarship from the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and worked weekends at the funeral home. After college graduation in 1999, John attained a more permanent position at Stockdale-Malin Funeral Home in Camden, where he worked for several months. In 2000, John became licensed as a funeral director/embalmer and was asked to move to Dickson, TN to assume the role of funeral director/embalmer for Dickson Funeral Home. John was in this position for over two years before being pulled back to Nashville to work for Tennessee Donor Services where he learned more about science and human anatomy. In 2005, John was appointed as Funeral Director & Embalmer/Care Center Manager for Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785. Two years later, John accepted the responsibilities of Funeral Home Manager where he looks forward to the years ahead comforting and caring for people and excelling in his chosen career.
Ben Upton, Family & Community Service Manager & Advanced Planning Expert
Kathy Roberts, Manager of Administrative Services
James Dudney, Funeral Director
James Dudney has been a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Tennessee since 1978. He attended David Lipscomb University and received a B.S. in Bible. He hails from Gainesboro, Jackson County, Tennessee and has lived and worked in the Madison community for 35 years. Rather than pastoring in many communities, as ministers often do, James sought out a different kind of ministry, serving the bereaved. He is described by his co-workers as a genuinely kind person who is always eager to help. James actively attends services at Madison Church of Christ and is a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. As a Funeral Director, James had visited SpringHill Cemetery since his career began and chose to join the staff when the funeral home opened.
James Dudney has been a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Tennessee since 1978. He attended David Lipscomb University and received a B.S. in Bible. He hails from Gainesboro, Jackson County, Tennessee and has lived and worked in the Madison community for 35 years. Rather than pastoring in many communities, as ministers often do, James sought out a different kind of ministry, serving the bereaved. He is described by his co-workers as a genuinely kind person who is always eager to help. James actively attends services at Madison Church of Christ and is a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. As a Funeral Director, James had visited SpringHill Cemetery since his career began and chose to join the staff when the funeral home opened.
Amanda Reeves,Apprentice Funeral Director & Apprentice Embalming
Amanda is the daughter of Sonny and Judy Reeves of Harriman, TN. She is currently residing in downtown Nashville and attending John A. Gupton College where she is pursuing a degree in mortuary science and arts. In her free time Amanda enjoys many of the extracurricular activities "Music City" has to offer as well as learning many aspects of this unique and remarkable industry. Her letter of membership is with Trenton Street Baptist Church in Harriman, TN, which she has attended for 22 years. Her hope is with the Lord and she likes to lives her life by the philosophy that the best is yet to come. Amanda's gentle spirit and caring heart will take her far with SpringHill and the funeral industry as a whole.
Amanda is the daughter of Sonny and Judy Reeves of Harriman, TN. She is currently residing in downtown Nashville and attending John A. Gupton College where she is pursuing a degree in mortuary science and arts. In her free time Amanda enjoys many of the extracurricular activities "Music City" has to offer as well as learning many aspects of this unique and remarkable industry. Her letter of membership is with Trenton Street Baptist Church in Harriman, TN, which she has attended for 22 years. Her hope is with the Lord and she likes to lives her life by the philosophy that the best is yet to come. Amanda's gentle spirit and caring heart will take her far with SpringHill and the funeral industry as a whole.
Don Garrison,Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Dennis Bonner, Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
A native of Elgin, Illinois, Dennis, his wife Vicki and two daughters made the move to Nashville in 1997. After a 25 year career in human services, Dennis was ready for a new challenge. Eager to apply his people skills in an environment that values service and integrity, he chose to become a Family Service Advisor. He describes his work as a “labor of love”. He feels privileged and honored to help people during one of the most difficult transitions that every family has to face. He considers his responsibility to educate families about the value of advance planning an added advantage. Dennis looks forward to serving the local community, a tradition that SpringHill has fostered over generations.
A native of Elgin, Illinois, Dennis, his wife Vicki and two daughters made the move to Nashville in 1997. After a 25 year career in human services, Dennis was ready for a new challenge. Eager to apply his people skills in an environment that values service and integrity, he chose to become a Family Service Advisor. He describes his work as a “labor of love”. He feels privileged and honored to help people during one of the most difficult transitions that every family has to face. He considers his responsibility to educate families about the value of advance planning an added advantage. Dennis looks forward to serving the local community, a tradition that SpringHill has fostered over generations.
Tom Anderson, Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
A Nashville native, Tom Anderson graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1960 and received his B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1964. After 16 years in the consumer finance industry with Associates Financial Services, he launched two businesses of his own involving retail television and appliance sales and consumer leasing. After spending several years in the insurance sector and in real estate, Tom was introduced to the cemetery and funeral business in 1993 and has never looked back. Having worked as a counselor, family service and community service professional, assistant manager and sales manager at cemeteries from Memphis to Nashville, Tom has developed the skills, talent and compassion to meet the unique needs of the families that he serves. As a specialist in the planning and design of memorials and monuments, his talents are a perfect fit for the historic SpringHill Cemetery. Tom joined SpringHill Cemetery and Funeral Home - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785 in 1993. He feels that his work at SpringHill has been the most personally rewarding experience and is happy to have found a home with the SpringHill family and the families that it serves.
A Nashville native, Tom Anderson graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1960 and received his B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1964. After 16 years in the consumer finance industry with Associates Financial Services, he launched two businesses of his own involving retail television and appliance sales and consumer leasing. After spending several years in the insurance sector and in real estate, Tom was introduced to the cemetery and funeral business in 1993 and has never looked back. Having worked as a counselor, family service and community service professional, assistant manager and sales manager at cemeteries from Memphis to Nashville, Tom has developed the skills, talent and compassion to meet the unique needs of the families that he serves. As a specialist in the planning and design of memorials and monuments, his talents are a perfect fit for the historic SpringHill Cemetery. Tom joined SpringHill Cemetery and Funeral Home - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785 in 1993. He feels that his work at SpringHill has been the most personally rewarding experience and is happy to have found a home with the SpringHill family and the families that it serves.
Patricia Khalil,Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
Having lived in Tennessee for the past 30 years, Patricia Besch Khalil earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Tennessee Tech University in June 1986. Immediately following college and for the next five years, Patricia fulfilled a lifelong dream of serving chronically mentally and physically ill adults, working as a Social Services professional in the Cookeville, TN area. In 1995, she was hired by Metro Public Health Department as a Program Supervisor for the Children’s Special Services division, where she worked for 10 years helping families/guardians of children (0-21 years) with chronic special medical needs. Patricia also worked part-time for the local Crisis Intervention Center as a grief/loss and suicide prevention specialist. In 1998, Patricia was offered a partial scholarship opportunity with a new program in partnership with Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN and Metro Government, allowing her to continue working full time, but to also obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Service Management by May of 2000. In the fall of 2005, Patricia was appointed as a Program Specialist with the division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention. For the next three years, this position allowed her to stretch her leadership skills by working with agencies and entire communities throughout Davidson County. When the opportunity to get into the funeral home industry came along in early 2009, Patricia was able to apply her considerable experience and knowledge as Family Service Counselor with Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785. She feels honored to be able to work with dedicated and team-oriented colleagues, who always place their primary focus on the needs of their customers.
Having lived in Tennessee for the past 30 years, Patricia Besch Khalil earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Tennessee Tech University in June 1986. Immediately following college and for the next five years, Patricia fulfilled a lifelong dream of serving chronically mentally and physically ill adults, working as a Social Services professional in the Cookeville, TN area. In 1995, she was hired by Metro Public Health Department as a Program Supervisor for the Children’s Special Services division, where she worked for 10 years helping families/guardians of children (0-21 years) with chronic special medical needs. Patricia also worked part-time for the local Crisis Intervention Center as a grief/loss and suicide prevention specialist. In 1998, Patricia was offered a partial scholarship opportunity with a new program in partnership with Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN and Metro Government, allowing her to continue working full time, but to also obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Service Management by May of 2000. In the fall of 2005, Patricia was appointed as a Program Specialist with the division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention. For the next three years, this position allowed her to stretch her leadership skills by working with agencies and entire communities throughout Davidson County. When the opportunity to get into the funeral home industry came along in early 2009, Patricia was able to apply her considerable experience and knowledge as Family Service Counselor with Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785. She feels honored to be able to work with dedicated and team-oriented colleagues, who always place their primary focus on the needs of their customers.
Andrew Lacey,Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
Kimberly Bates, Family Service Advisor & Advanced Planning Expert
Danna George
Jason Falk
Sherry Washington, Funeral Home & Cemetery Administrative Professional
Sherry Novalee Washington joined SpringHill in January 2009. She brings with her an extensive background in administrative support as well as counseling. Sherry attended Volunteer State Community College and was accepted into the Gamma Beta Phi Society. She majored in Business Administration and Psychology, and has worked in the administrative field for 18 years. She has worked as Administrative Assistant to the Director for the City of Springfield, Tennessee and also at Richter & Brasher Attorney At Law Firm. Her knowledge and years of experience have made her a perfect candidate for the position she has recently acquired. Sherry worked at Tennessee Christian Medical Center on the Dual Diagnosis Unit, with credentials as a LADAC (Licensed Alcohol Drug Abuse Counselor). She assisted eight Psychiatrists on a daily basis, serving a 20 bed unit facility, in which, individual and family counseling were essential to the success and aftercare of her patients. Sherry has strong communication and organizational skills. Her ability to be versatile allows her to serve in both capacities; funeral and cemetery, at SpringHill. Her genuine concern and willingness to help families are key attributes.
Married to William Hunter Washington, Sherry is mother to three boys and one step daughter. Her active lifestyle keeps her very busy. In her spare time she likes to add to her scrapbook, make floral arrangements or take in a local hockey game.
Sherry Novalee Washington joined SpringHill in January 2009. She brings with her an extensive background in administrative support as well as counseling. Sherry attended Volunteer State Community College and was accepted into the Gamma Beta Phi Society. She majored in Business Administration and Psychology, and has worked in the administrative field for 18 years. She has worked as Administrative Assistant to the Director for the City of Springfield, Tennessee and also at Richter & Brasher Attorney At Law Firm. Her knowledge and years of experience have made her a perfect candidate for the position she has recently acquired. Sherry worked at Tennessee Christian Medical Center on the Dual Diagnosis Unit, with credentials as a LADAC (Licensed Alcohol Drug Abuse Counselor). She assisted eight Psychiatrists on a daily basis, serving a 20 bed unit facility, in which, individual and family counseling were essential to the success and aftercare of her patients. Sherry has strong communication and organizational skills. Her ability to be versatile allows her to serve in both capacities; funeral and cemetery, at SpringHill. Her genuine concern and willingness to help families are key attributes.
Married to William Hunter Washington, Sherry is mother to three boys and one step daughter. Her active lifestyle keeps her very busy. In her spare time she likes to add to her scrapbook, make floral arrangements or take in a local hockey game.
Gail Corbett,Funeral Home & Cemetery Receptionist and Administrative Professional
Sandra Hartman,Cemetery Administrative Professional
Doug Kee,Administrative Professional & Funeral Support Assitance
Marylyn Hayes, Administrative Professional & Cemetery Historian
Jim Jones,Cemetery Superintendent / Grounds Manager