Management
Funeral Directors
Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
Administrative Professionals
Community Service Counselor
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 rural Camden, Tennessee. While attending John A. Gupton College in Nashville, John received a full scholarship from the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and graduated in 1999. He has spent time during his career working with the staff at Stockdale-Malin Funeral Home in Camden,and in Dickson at Dickson Funeral Home. In 2005, John became a part of the staff at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785 an currently serves 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 rural Camden, Tennessee. While attending John A. Gupton College in Nashville, John received a full scholarship from the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and graduated in 1999. He has spent time during his career working with the staff at Stockdale-Malin Funeral Home in Camden,and in Dickson at Dickson Funeral Home. In 2005, John became a part of the staff at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery - A Nashville Landmark Since 1785 an currently serves Funeral Home Manager where he looks forward to the years ahead comforting and caring for people and excelling in his chosen career.
Kathy Roberts, Manager of Administrative Services
I'm Kathy Roberts. Born on April 1, April Fool's Day, in Nashville, TN I had to develop a sense of humor early in life. I've lived in the Nashville area most of my life. I' m very blessed with my husband, Ken, of 33 years (April 1), three daughters and their families, 6 grandchildren. We enjoy sharing memories with our kids and creating new ones. We are active in our church where I work with the women's ministry. I love playing in my flower garden and all sports. I began my career on April 1 in the safety industry where I spent 20 years in customer service management. In 2001 I had a career changing and life changing experience. I accepted a position managing a small cemetery. I served in administrative roles and as a family service counselor. While working with families, I felt that my service should reach beyond the burial. I felt a strong calling to work with people in grief as I saw specific needs for different people as they grieved. I reached out to some support groups and started building local programs. With the help of friends and family developed a support group in the area specifically designed for parents, brought in experts to speak to ministers about how grief touches them, spoke to women's groups and helped local churches start their own support groups with people that were passionate about helping those in grief. I developed a program called The 'D' Word where I speak to teen groups in schools, churches, or anywhere else that I can get a group together. I am still actively speaking to teens. I feel there is a tremendous need for that age to understand how to cope with their issues when a friend or loved on passes. My experience working with families in this industry has blessed me beyond measure. There are relationships built that stay in your heart and soul forever. After a very tough decision to step out of family service, on April 1, 2008 (see a pattern here?) I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join the NorthStar family in an administrative support position. As Office Manager, I enjoy being in the middle of everything and the fact that every day is unique. I believe that my previous experiences have enabled me to better lead our admin staff to support our service team. I look forward to our future at Spring Hill making a difference in our community and in the lives of those that we are called upon to serve.
I'm Kathy Roberts. Born on April 1, April Fool's Day, in Nashville, TN I had to develop a sense of humor early in life. I've lived in the Nashville area most of my life. I' m very blessed with my husband, Ken, of 33 years (April 1), three daughters and their families, 6 grandchildren. We enjoy sharing memories with our kids and creating new ones. We are active in our church where I work with the women's ministry. I love playing in my flower garden and all sports. I began my career on April 1 in the safety industry where I spent 20 years in customer service management. In 2001 I had a career changing and life changing experience. I accepted a position managing a small cemetery. I served in administrative roles and as a family service counselor. While working with families, I felt that my service should reach beyond the burial. I felt a strong calling to work with people in grief as I saw specific needs for different people as they grieved. I reached out to some support groups and started building local programs. With the help of friends and family developed a support group in the area specifically designed for parents, brought in experts to speak to ministers about how grief touches them, spoke to women's groups and helped local churches start their own support groups with people that were passionate about helping those in grief. I developed a program called The 'D' Word where I speak to teen groups in schools, churches, or anywhere else that I can get a group together. I am still actively speaking to teens. I feel there is a tremendous need for that age to understand how to cope with their issues when a friend or loved on passes. My experience working with families in this industry has blessed me beyond measure. There are relationships built that stay in your heart and soul forever. After a very tough decision to step out of family service, on April 1, 2008 (see a pattern here?) I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join the NorthStar family in an administrative support position. As Office Manager, I enjoy being in the middle of everything and the fact that every day is unique. I believe that my previous experiences have enabled me to better lead our admin staff to support our service team. I look forward to our future at Spring Hill making a difference in our community and in the lives of those that we are called upon to serve.
Randy Murray, Sales Manager
Dillon Wines, Licensed Funeral Director
Dillon Bradley Wines is a graduate of Cocke County High School in Newport TN, and of John A. Gupton College in Nashville TN, where he graduated in the top 10 % of his class. Dillon is a member of the Newport Church of God, in Newport, Tennessee.Dillon is honored to be working at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, he feels privileged to have been born with the passion and talent to care for families and their loved ones in their time of need.
Dillon Bradley Wines is a graduate of Cocke County High School in Newport TN, and of John A. Gupton College in Nashville TN, where he graduated in the top 10 % of his class. Dillon is a member of the Newport Church of God, in Newport, Tennessee.Dillon is honored to be working at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, he feels privileged to have been born with the passion and talent to care for families and their loved ones in their time of need.
Amanda Reeves, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Nathaniel Holman, Funeral Director and Embalmer
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
Andrew grew up in Mobile , Alabama and graduated from St. Paul's Episcopal School in 1988. After graduating from Ole Miss in 1993 with a B.A., he spent several years working in the financial services industry in Dallas, TX. Andrew moved to Nashville in 2001 and began working in the advertising and marketing field. Becoming aware of the cemetery industry through a client, he decided it would be both a rewarding a long-term career. He feels that helping families and preparing them for what many consider to be one of the most stressful events provides the truest means of job satisfaction. He volunteers with local organizations to host advance planning informative seminars and educate those that have questions about the planning process. Andrew has worked in the cemetery business for over 3 years and has served hundreds of families during this time. The feelings of appreciation the families show when he sees them in restaurants or local stores, months or even years after a service make it very worthwhile.
Andrew grew up in Mobile , Alabama and graduated from St. Paul's Episcopal School in 1988. After graduating from Ole Miss in 1993 with a B.A., he spent several years working in the financial services industry in Dallas, TX. Andrew moved to Nashville in 2001 and began working in the advertising and marketing field. Becoming aware of the cemetery industry through a client, he decided it would be both a rewarding a long-term career. He feels that helping families and preparing them for what many consider to be one of the most stressful events provides the truest means of job satisfaction. He volunteers with local organizations to host advance planning informative seminars and educate those that have questions about the planning process. Andrew has worked in the cemetery business for over 3 years and has served hundreds of families during this time. The feelings of appreciation the families show when he sees them in restaurants or local stores, months or even years after a service make it very worthwhile.
Kimberly Jackson, Family Service Advisor & Advanced Planning Expert
I grew up in Donelson. I have four grown children and one grand daughter. I have been in the funeral industry since May of 2005. I am very passionate about what I do. I enjoy and find it very rewarding in helping a family with their needs. Gradutated from McGavock High in 1989. I was in home health care prior to joining the funeral industry. I am happy to be a part of the Spring Hill family
I grew up in Donelson. I have four grown children and one grand daughter. I have been in the funeral industry since May of 2005. I am very passionate about what I do. I enjoy and find it very rewarding in helping a family with their needs. Gradutated from McGavock High in 1989. I was in home health care prior to joining the funeral industry. I am happy to be a part of the Spring Hill family
Owen Joyner, Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
Born and raised in Madison. Graduated from Madison Highschool 68 and received BS in Education from the University of Tennessee 73 (can't seem to get away from the orange & white) After graduation made 3200 mile bicycle trip across the United States. Most recently retired from Comdata after 17 years service as Sales Executive, placing Computers and Computer Accounting Systems in Truck Stops and Convienent Stores nation wide. Married for 35 years to Amy McClain Joyner (former Financial Executive & UT Cheerleader). One daughter Vivian Joyner Rubin married to Noah, living in Los Angles, CA. What brought me to Spring Hill was my love for its beauty as well as having 4 generations of family here. Most important to me is a strong commitment to informing people of the benefits of "Pre-Planning Funeral Arrangements" The peace of mind, comfort and financial savings to families to name a few. Civic involvement incluldes the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerece, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Knights Templars, Safe Haven for homeless families, Nashville Ballet & Nashville Symphony. I would love to tell you more about Spring Hill.
Born and raised in Madison. Graduated from Madison Highschool 68 and received BS in Education from the University of Tennessee 73 (can't seem to get away from the orange & white) After graduation made 3200 mile bicycle trip across the United States. Most recently retired from Comdata after 17 years service as Sales Executive, placing Computers and Computer Accounting Systems in Truck Stops and Convienent Stores nation wide. Married for 35 years to Amy McClain Joyner (former Financial Executive & UT Cheerleader). One daughter Vivian Joyner Rubin married to Noah, living in Los Angles, CA. What brought me to Spring Hill was my love for its beauty as well as having 4 generations of family here. Most important to me is a strong commitment to informing people of the benefits of "Pre-Planning Funeral Arrangements" The peace of mind, comfort and financial savings to families to name a few. Civic involvement incluldes the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerece, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Knights Templars, Safe Haven for homeless families, Nashville Ballet & Nashville Symphony. I would love to tell you more about Spring Hill.
Landon Lee Luster, Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
Landon Lee Luster, a Nashville native, is a graduate of Goodlettsville High School and Belmont University. Lee and his wife, Cathy Y. Luster of Donelson have four children and one granddaughter. A liscensed insurance agent since 1976 and a retired Registered representative and Manager with Merrill Lynch, Lee's wealth of experience serving individuals' and families' needs serves his client families well in his position as a Family Service Advisor and Advance Palnning Expert.
Landon Lee Luster, a Nashville native, is a graduate of Goodlettsville High School and Belmont University. Lee and his wife, Cathy Y. Luster of Donelson have four children and one granddaughter. A liscensed insurance agent since 1976 and a retired Registered representative and Manager with Merrill Lynch, Lee's wealth of experience serving individuals' and families' needs serves his client families well in his position as a Family Service Advisor and Advance Palnning Expert.
Jay Andrew McGill, Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
J. Jay Andrew McGill, originally from Biloxi, MS, Jay grew up moving all over the South. He joined the Air Force in 1979 at 19 and was named "Airman of the Year" in 1983. He has an undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership and an Associate's degree in Theater Performance. He is a graduate of several leadership programs and has been involved in organizing community leaders and citizens in crime fighting initiatives, historical preservation and athletic programs. Jay brings a professional and honest approach to family care and preplanning and cemetery service at Spring Hill.
J. Jay Andrew McGill, originally from Biloxi, MS, Jay grew up moving all over the South. He joined the Air Force in 1979 at 19 and was named "Airman of the Year" in 1983. He has an undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership and an Associate's degree in Theater Performance. He is a graduate of several leadership programs and has been involved in organizing community leaders and citizens in crime fighting initiatives, historical preservation and athletic programs. Jay brings a professional and honest approach to family care and preplanning and cemetery service at Spring Hill.
Jeff Poole , Family Service Advisor & Advance Planning Expert
Ashlee Gleaves , Administative Professional
Ashley Renee' Gleaves was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She began her career with Spring Hill in February of 2011 and is eager to learn all there is to know about her position and this industry. She is the youngest of three children, but keeps an old soul. Ashley was a member of Highland Chapel Baptist Church in Pleasant View, TN for more than 16 years, and currently attends Upper Helton Baptist Church in Alexandria, TN with her parents. She attended McGavock High School where her favorite subjects were English and French. Ashley has a background in Customer Service as well as Accounting and HR functions. She loves being outdoors, watching movies, and cooking. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her dog and visiting friends and family.
Ashley Renee' Gleaves was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She began her career with Spring Hill in February of 2011 and is eager to learn all there is to know about her position and this industry. She is the youngest of three children, but keeps an old soul. Ashley was a member of Highland Chapel Baptist Church in Pleasant View, TN for more than 16 years, and currently attends Upper Helton Baptist Church in Alexandria, TN with her parents. She attended McGavock High School where her favorite subjects were English and French. Ashley has a background in Customer Service as well as Accounting and HR functions. She loves being outdoors, watching movies, and cooking. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her dog and visiting friends and family.
Gail Corbett, Funeral Home & Cemetery Receptionist and Administrative Professional
Gail was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She came from a family of 9 children. She was married for 30 years and has 3 daughters, 3 son-in-laws, and 5 grandchildren. Gail has attended First Apostolic Church for 40 years. For 20 years Gail worked in the binding business and came to work at Spring Hill in July of 2007. Gail will tell you that by far this is the most rewarding industry she has ever worked in, and she feels very privileged to work with the staff at Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery. On most days you will find Gail greeting our guests and taking calls at Spring Hill's front desk.
Gail was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She came from a family of 9 children. She was married for 30 years and has 3 daughters, 3 son-in-laws, and 5 grandchildren. Gail has attended First Apostolic Church for 40 years. For 20 years Gail worked in the binding business and came to work at Spring Hill in July of 2007. Gail will tell you that by far this is the most rewarding industry she has ever worked in, and she feels very privileged to work with the staff at Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery. On most days you will find Gail greeting our guests and taking calls at Spring Hill's front desk.
Sandra Hartman, Cemetery Administrative Professional
Sandra Douglas Hartman of Hermitage, TN has been a fixture at Spring Hill since 1992. Serving in our administrative offices she can be found wearing a colorful outfit or Mickey Mouse earrings. Sandra loves spending time with her family, Sons, David and wife Teresa and Jeff and wife Dawn as well as her grandchildren, Eric, Cody, Brad and Taylor. Sandra also enjoys reading, bowling, growing flowers and time spent in her garden. Sandra's late husband Paul is laid to rest here at Historic Spring Hill, this allows Sandra the ability to empathize with the families she serves and visit here regularly.
Sandra Douglas Hartman of Hermitage, TN has been a fixture at Spring Hill since 1992. Serving in our administrative offices she can be found wearing a colorful outfit or Mickey Mouse earrings. Sandra loves spending time with her family, Sons, David and wife Teresa and Jeff and wife Dawn as well as her grandchildren, Eric, Cody, Brad and Taylor. Sandra also enjoys reading, bowling, growing flowers and time spent in her garden. Sandra's late husband Paul is laid to rest here at Historic Spring Hill, this allows Sandra the ability to empathize with the families she serves and visit here regularly.
Doug Kee, Administrative Professional & Funeral Support Assistant
Born and raised by Clinton and Adele Kee in the Madison / Inglewood Community. I'm the last of nine children in my family and have a lot of great memories of the community itself and time spent with family and friends. I married my high school sweetheart (Gayle Rager) in 1981 and we have raised two children (Brent & Elizabeth) that we are most proud of. Gayle and I are members of City Road United Methodist Church where we spend a lot of time with various activities , share committees and involvement with our Youth Programs. Coming to Spring Hill in 2005 I feel has allowed me to offer another form of ministry in my life and feel very privileged to be a part of this wonderful and caring staff at Spring Hill. In my spare time I enjoy exercising, playing tennis, reading and spending time with family and close friends.
Born and raised by Clinton and Adele Kee in the Madison / Inglewood Community. I'm the last of nine children in my family and have a lot of great memories of the community itself and time spent with family and friends. I married my high school sweetheart (Gayle Rager) in 1981 and we have raised two children (Brent & Elizabeth) that we are most proud of. Gayle and I are members of City Road United Methodist Church where we spend a lot of time with various activities , share committees and involvement with our Youth Programs. Coming to Spring Hill in 2005 I feel has allowed me to offer another form of ministry in my life and feel very privileged to be a part of this wonderful and caring staff at Spring Hill. In my spare time I enjoy exercising, playing tennis, reading and spending time with family and close friends.
Marylyn Hayes, Administrative Professional & Cemetery Historian
Jim Jones, Cemetery Superintendent / Grounds Manager
Jesse Houchin, Cemetery Foreman.
Bart Jacques , Community Service Counselor
Barthelemy (Bart) Jacques born in Haiti, on September 1973, where I grew up. At the age of twenty seven I came to the United states. After nine months went back to Haiti to marry my wife Smeralda. Where she lived in until 2010 when she joined me in America with her son. I am a US Citizen. I am currently in Nashville Community College. My major is in Clinical Psychology. I am a customer service manager at Wal-Mart. I used to play soccer and volleyball. I like all music but my favorites are Jazz and Blues. I love to read the Bible. I love wisdom and will keep improving myself until the end of time. One of my favorite verses is in Eccl. 7: 8 “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning of it, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
Barthelemy (Bart) Jacques born in Haiti, on September 1973, where I grew up. At the age of twenty seven I came to the United states. After nine months went back to Haiti to marry my wife Smeralda. Where she lived in until 2010 when she joined me in America with her son. I am a US Citizen. I am currently in Nashville Community College. My major is in Clinical Psychology. I am a customer service manager at Wal-Mart. I used to play soccer and volleyball. I like all music but my favorites are Jazz and Blues. I love to read the Bible. I love wisdom and will keep improving myself until the end of time. One of my favorite verses is in Eccl. 7: 8 “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning of it, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”