History & Staff
We have many years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. As leaders in the industry, families know they can count on us to provide them with the comfort they need when they need it the most.
Why Choose Us?

We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family.
People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a personalized service in honor of a beautiful life.
Learn The Legacy

1780
The history of Spring Hill dates back to the 1780s when the first settlers moved in from the Cumberland settlement into an area six miles east of Nashville called Haysboro.

1813
The grounds were designated as Craighead Spring Hill Cemetery, named after Rev. Thomas B. Craighead.

1888
A company of gentlemen chartered Spring Hill Cemetery for the sale of lots and marketed it as a modern final resting place. These directors drew up the rules of governing, maintaining and protecting the lots, monuments, and procedures of interment.

1925
As the city grew, the population spread outward encompassing the surrounding counties. A modern downtown area with skyscrapers, city park systems, electric street cars, automobiles and entertainment centers made Nashville a thriving city in the early 1900s. In 1925, the Grand Ole Opry was born and Nashville would soon become known as Music City. Today several members of the Opry are interred and memorialized within the gates of historic Spring Hill.

1934
J. Taylor Stratton, a prominent stockholder, businessman and civic leader, spearheaded the management and growth of Spring Hill for 30 years. In 1934, Mary Stratton, Stratton’s daughter became president of the cemetery. Known as Miss Mary, she established new roads, statuary, plantings, and other improvements to the property.

1991
After the death of Mary Stratton's husband, Dr. James Hayes, a beloved Nashville physician, managed the operations of Spring Hill Cemetery. In 1991 he stepped down to President Emeritus and turned operations over to his son Rev. Jim Hayes. Rev. Hayes, a well known member of the clergy, worked hard to fulfill his mother’s legacy and serve the community.

1998
After Rev. Hayes’ sudden death in 1994 and Dr. Hayes’ death in 1996, the Rev. Hayes’ widow Marylyn Poteete Hayes and her daughters operated Spring Hill for many years. In the late 1990s they began working with funeral directors to design and construct a state of the art funeral home to better service their community.
Ground breaking occurred in June of 1997 and in 1998 the doors of Spring Hill Funeral Home were opened.

2017
Today Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery is one of the largest funeral and cemetery providers in Nashville, it’s wide open spaces dotted with majestic trees and beautiful flower gardens offer tranquility and beauty not only to the families it serves but to the community as a whole.
Spring Hill: Where Tranquility Meets Beauty
Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Nashville. Its wide open spaces dotted with majestic trees and beautiful flower gardens offer tranquility and beauty not only to the families it serves but to the community as a whole.
The history of Spring Hill dates back to the 1780s when the first settlers moved in from the Cumberland settlement into an area six miles east of Nashville called Haysboro. The land offered fertile soil for their crops and a plentiful steady water source from several springs. Needing a church and school, James Robertson persuaded the Princeton educated Reverend Thomas B. Craighead of Mecklenburg, North Carolina, to move to Haysboro as a preacher and teacher. With a promise of 640 acres of land he arrived in 1785. The settlers had built a log house on the property for him and his family.
Nashville: A Center for Learning
Within a year, a gathering place for the Spring Hill community was constructed. It was a 24 foot by 30 foot building made from native stone. Here Reverend Craighead preached on Sundays and taught school during the week. It was known as the Spring Hill Meeting House and established the first Presbyterian Church in this territory. The school was called Davidson Academy and was chartered by an act of the North Carolina Legislature in 1785. It was called “An Act for the Promotion of Learning in Davidson County”. It also laid the foundation for the evolution of Nashville as an educational center.
By 1800, Nashville had grown from a string of forts located along various waterways to a thriving little town. It boasted a post office, newspaper, several stores and taverns, and Davidson Academy. In 1806, Davidson Academy was named Davidson College and had moved across the river to College Hill. Several years later when Thomas B. Craighead was replaced by James Preistly , the name was changed again to Cumberland College. The church yard was used as a community burying ground. In 1813, it was designated Craighead Spring Hill Cemetery.
The Civil War Years
Tennessee was divided during the Civil War: 167,000 men served in Confederate Gray while 31,000 in Union Blue. Nashville felt the effects of the war but fortunately was spared the devastation other southern cities faced. Trees were gone, and the land scarred by Union occupation. As with the case of church or privately held burial grounds, Spring Hill Cemetery had fallen into decay.
Recovery from the war took many years. New people arrived, transportation and trade revived, especially with the westward expansion of the railroads. The population increased three times from the pre-war era. Life was full of optimism and Nashville became the 4th largest city in the South.
In 1888, a company of gentlemen chartered Spring Hill Cemetery for the sale of lots and marketed it as a modern final resting place. These directors drew up the rules of governing, maintaining and protecting the lots, monuments, and procedures of interment.
Times of Change
As the city grew, the population spread outward encompassing the surrounding counties. A modern downtown area with skyscrapers, city park systems, electric street cars, automobiles and entertainment centers made Nashville a thriving city in the early 1900s. In 1925, the Grand Ole Opry was born and Nashville would soon become known as Music City. Today several members of the Opry are interred and memorialized within the gates of historic Spring Hill.
Change accelerated with WWII. The war strengthened and rejuvenated the economy stimulating social change. Civil rights and the advent of radio and country music contributed to the freedom of expression. More industry arrived and contributed to the booming economy – banking, automobile manufacturing, printing and publishing, and government. Nashville emerged as the Athens of the South.
The Legacy of Visionary Citizens
Spring Hill Cemetery continued to grow – additional property was acquired and a system for record keeping was introduced as facilities expanded. J. Taylor Stratton, a prominent stockholder, businessman and civic leader, spearheaded the management and growth of Spring Hill for 30 years. He was an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the school board and he was responsible for developing the county high school system. J. Taylor Stratton School was named in his honor.
In 1934, Mary Stratton, Stratton’s daughter became president of the cemetery. Known as Miss Mary, she established new roads, statuary, plantings, and other improvements to the property. After her death her husband Dr. James Hayes, a beloved Nashville physician, managed the operations of Spring Hill Cemetery. In 1991 he stepped down to President Emeritus and turned operations over to his son Rev. Jim Hayes. Rev. Hayes, a well known member of the clergy, worked hard to fulfill his mother’s legacy and serve the community.
After Rev. Hayes’ sudden death in 1994 and Dr. Hayes’ death in 1996, the Rev. Hayes’ widow Marylyn Poteete Hayes and her daughters operated Spring Hill for many years. In the late 1990s they began working with funeral directors to design and construct a state of the art funeral home to better service their community.
Ground breaking occurred in June of 1997 and in 1998 the doors of Spring Hill Funeral Home were opened. The funeral home now stands on Spring Hill Cemetery’s north eastern border overlooking Gallatin Pike. As one of the largest funeral and cemetery providers in Nashville, and with its historic association with the community, Spring Hill continues to occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of Nashville’s citizens.
Today Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery is one of the largest funeral and cemetery providers in Nashville, it’s wide open spaces dotted with majestic trees and beautiful flower gardens offer tranquility and beauty not only to the families it serves but to the community as a whole.
Reviews
Tara and Brad are awesome they always take care of business they are awesome I have been dealing with Springhill a long time. They did my wife Janet Randazzo justice with a beautiful niche in mausoleum.
Vito D Randazzo
Our family lost a cousin this past week. Due to circumstances beyond our control we needed help with the burial. I met with one of the directors and they helped us with all the arrangements even helping with the financing. Everyone at Spring Hill showed kindness, love & compassion to our family. They are the most wonderful & gracious people and our... Read More
Sandra Hudgens
My mother passed on 1-10-2021 and she had a pre-planned funeral. Alex Schmidt went way above & beyond our expectations to have a beautiful Celebration of Life service! My mother looked beautiful in her casket. We also buried my father there 10 yrs ago. He looked very stately also. I would highly recommend Alex to help ease your mind of preparing for the... Read More
Wanda Powers
Who We Are

Tara Jones Bessling
General Manager, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Read BioTara Bessling joined the Spring Hill staff 11 years ago and is the General Manager. She is a member of Long Hollow Baptist Church, the 2013 past president of the Madison Rivergate Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors for King's Daughters Child Development Center and a member of the Tennessee Funeral Director's Association. Tara graduated from John A. Gupton Mortuary College with a degree in Mortuary Science and was previously in the funeral industry for 23 years. Tara is married to her husband Gary and they have two children Callie & Matthew. When we asked what attracted Tara to this field, She said: “As a child, I had wanted to be a part of the funeral industry, I feel it is a calling.” When asked to give the proudest moment in this profession Tara said: “The most important and rewarding part of my job is to help families through their darkest moments. It is an honor to work at Spring Hill and serve the families of middle Tennessee.”

Dave Mehling
Sales Manager

Samuel Brewer
Location Chapel Manager, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Samuel joined our staff in August 2016 as a funeral director/embalmer. He is a native of Southeastern Kentucky and holds an active funeral director/embalmer's license in Kentucky also. He is a graduate of Mid-America College of Funeral Service. Samuel is married to Kelsie and they reside in Hendersonville.
When asked why did you choose the funeral profession as a career, he replied, "I am living out my childhood dream. Since I was five years old, I have wanted to become a funeral director. My grandfather was a minister and I would shadow him when he would minister funerals; I would always pay attention to the strict detail that the funeral director would take part in. I have a great respect and love for people and enjoy helping them during their most tragic times of life.
"Everyday that I enter the doors of Spring Hill, I realize that this is much more than a job; being a funeral director is indeed a calling. I am honored to be able to be a part of a great group of professionals here at Spring Hill, who take serving each family to a whole new level and serve with dignity, professionalism, compassion and personalized service; after all, that's what we are called to do".

Stephanie Downs
Office Manager
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Is from Nashville, Tennessee. Has 3 children, Autumn 16, Alanah, 9 and Ace, 5. She is married to Michael who is a part of the Spring Hill family grounds crew. Is a Stratford High School Alumni, class of 99. In her free time, she loves spending time with family, going to movies, playing sports and gardening. There is such a reward in knowing you have helped someone in there time of need.

Jim Jones
Cemetery Superintendent & Grounds Manager
Read BioJim Jones joined Spring Hill in the maintenance department 6 years ago and is the park Superintendent. Jim has 30 years of previous experience. When we asked what attracted Jim to this field, He said: “My daughter is employed here.”

Charlie George
Emotional Support Therapy Dog

Suzanne Angel-Griggs
Director of First Impressions
Read BioSuzanne was previously a letter carrier for the US postal service for 25 years. When we asked what attracted Suzanne to this field, She said: “I love people and consider it an honor to come a long beside them and help through the hardest moments of their lives.” Suzanne is the proud mom of four children and four grandchildren. She enjoys working with children , her garden, hiking and reading. When asked to give the proudest moment in this profession Suzanne said: “When you have helped a family through the visitation and funeral and they prepare to leave and feel like part of your family… when the final hugs and tears feel like the beginning of a friendship.”

Scott Keel
Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Scott joined the staff of Spring Hill initially as a funeral director and embalming apprentice after completing his degree in Mortuary Science at John A. Gupton College in Nashville. Scott previously worked as a pediatric cardiac perfusion assistant at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for six years and as a supervisor for the Organ and Tissue Recovery Team in Ohio and Tennessee for nine years. When asked what attracted him to funeral services, he said: “My grandfather passed away when I was young and I had a lot of questions about what the next steps were and when I was going to see him again. Our local funeral home was owned and operated by a family friend who helped me to understand the next steps my family needed to take. It was then that I realized that I wanted to be a part of funeral services and help families like mine during one of the most difficult times in their life.”
Outside of work, Scott enjoys making improvements around his house, spending time with his two dogs and going to the lake. When asked to give the proudest moment in his profession, Scott said: “Each family that I am able to serve gives me the greatest sense of pride knowing that I have done everything that I can to ease the pain of when a loved one is lost.”

Jason Quesenberry
Funeral Director & Embalmer
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I joined Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery in 2018. I was born and raised around my grandfather's funeral homes in southern West Virginia. I enjoy hunting, fishing, good music and good food. I'm proudly continuing a family tradition. I'm a 3rd generation of my family to serve families.

Alexandria Sibley-Holt
Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Graduated from John A. Gupton Mortuary College in 2015 with a degree in mortuary science. She is blessed with a wonderful husband and a beautiful, little girl.
Alexandria believes this profession is a calling. She thrives on being able to help families through some of the most difficult times they will face. And giving them the guidance they need in order to move on. She enjoys building long and lasting relationships with the families she serves.

Lauren Griffin- Roach
Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Lauren joined the team shortly after graduating as Valedictorian of her class from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville. She is married to Cody, and together they have a little boy named Clay. They live in Gallatin with their cats Puglsey and EggRoll, and their dog Harley.
When asked about her favorite part of funeral service, Lauren said, “One of the most important things to me is being able to provide a family a beautiful and lasting memory of their loved one. I take pride in the care that I show each loved one prior to their visitation/ funeral or cremation service. I know the value of making sure every detail is taken care of in the planning, preparation and conducting a funeral. I promise to take care of your family, just as if you were part of my family.”

Alex Schmitt
Funeral Director
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Alex joined Spring Hill Funeral Home in July of 2019. He was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa where he also holds Funeral Director and Embalmer licenses. He graduated from St. Ambrose University and went on to the Des Moines Area Community College of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 2017. When asked what attracted him to funeral service, he said “My Grandmother passed away in 2016 and we were very close. I saw how much the funeral directors and staff made it easier on our family, those interactions made me want to be able to serve families in a similar capacity.”
Outside of work Alex enjoys Cycling, spending time with family, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Alex is married to Bre and together they live in Nashville.

Brad Pugh
Family Service Advisor

Jessica Beigert
Family Service Advisor
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Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL..moved to Nashville in 2001. I spent 14 years working in the music industry but switched focus to build new relationships on the community level. She is happily married to Tony and they have 2 girls, 1 boy, and a grand baby. She enjoys her time off with her family. My heart loves working with families on their toughest day. It's simply my passion.

David Paul Thain
Family Service Advisor
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David Thain joined the Spring Hill team January 2015 & has 2 yrs of experience in the profession.
David's mission is helping families create a memorable life celebration for their loved one. Helping people through difficult times in their lives. Really rewarding career offering compassion, support and guidance to others through challenging times. During my personal time I enjoy fitness, health & wellness, biking, hiking, yoga and cooking. I am also a musician, vocalist and pianist. Piano influences: Floyd Cramer, Jerry Lee Lewis Vocal influences: Elvis, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley

James Daniel McClain
Family Service Advisor

Dr. Kevin Shrum
Community Outreach Director

Sharmeia Buchanan
Administrative Assistant
Read BioSharmeia “Shay” Buchanan started with Spring Hill in 2015 as an Administrative Assistant. Her love for helping people, and providing care, dedication and wholeheartedness to families during a difficult time in life is an inspiration to her. It started with her first call. After about 30 minutes, the young lady and her family came through the door crying and was embraced by Sharmeia, who promised to do her best to serve the family. The woman smiled with tears in her eyes. From that moment, Sharmeia knew she was in the right profession.

Allen Riley
Staff Associate
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Allen joined Spring Hill in May of 2015. He is a research specialist working with families to gather all pertinent documentation. The most important thing in Allen's life is Jesus Christ and his service to him. Allen's background consists of non-denominational evangelistic ministry. It is a privilege for Allen to conduct funeral services for families that do not have a minister or their minister is unavailable. Allen is confident in the power of the Lord God and humbly performs services at no charge to the funeral home or the family.
On his free time, Allen enjoys playing the guitar and keyboards for relaxation. He has over 40 years in the music business, which he is now retired from.

Gregory Hines
Staff Associate
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I am originally from Brownsville, TN. My mother, older brother, and younger sister are still living in Brownsville, TN. I am here in Nashville going to John A. Gupton Mortuary School. I enjoy working for Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery. I want to be in the funeral industry because I want to help people and I do not want my help to depend on me having to achieve a certain quota.

John Robert Bowman
Staff Associate
Read BioI was born in Mt. Airy, N.C., Andy Griffins hometown. I lived in Virginia most of my life until I married my wife, Becky, in 1994. We have 2 children, Levi (21) and Jakob (16). We go to church in Hendersonville at Celebration of Life Church. We have lived here for five years. I have been a musician, singer, and preacher for 26 years. I have been blessed to play with Doyle Lawson, Allison Krauss, The Isaacs, J.D. Crow, The Boxcars and many others and now my own solo ministry. I am now a full-time evangelist. I've chosen this profession to help anyone who needs it.

Edward Vaughn
Staff Associate

Ernie Congdon
Staff Associate
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My husband, Fred, and I are elders at Celebration of Life Church in Hendersonville. We have been married for forty-two years, have two sons and seven wonderful grandchildren. I retired from the State of Tennessee Department of Revenue. I enjoy traveling, boating, motorcycle riding and making jewelry.
This is one of the most difficult times in a family's life and thru my faith in God and having lost loved ones myself; I feel that I can help. I truly believe it is a ministry.

Fred Congdon (1948 ~ 2020)
Staff Associate

Rose Parker
Staff Associate
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Rose Parker joined the Spring Hill staff 19 months ago and is in funeral support.
When we asked what attracted Rose to this field, She said: “It seemed like a good place to work a part-time job.” When asked to give the proudest moment in this profession Rose said: “At the end of visitation when when the family comes to you and tells you how much they appreciate us and that we've made this time easier.”

Carl Dunlap
Staff Associate
Read BioMarried to my wife for 50 years, we have two kids, a boy, and a girl. I have four grandchildren. I served in Germany from 1966 to 1969 in the Army. Retired from the United Methodist Publishing House where I worked for 30 years. I've been retired for 10 years and enjoyed playing golf but, not very good at it. I've chosen this profession as I like to help families.

Donna Hoover
Staff Associate
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Donna Hoover joined the Spring Hill staff. She is a member of Northside Church of Christ. Donna previously held various factory jobs including General Electric and Pinkerton Tobacco Co. Donna retired from infant daycare after 22 years and still misses her babies! When we asked what attracted Donna to this field, She said: “I enjoy people and decided I may be able to help families at Spring Hill Funeral Home. My husband has been employed at Spring Hill for 6 plus years, so he encouraged me to join the team.” Donna is married to Bill and enjoys word games and community activities When asked to give the proudest moment in this profession Donna said: “Spring Hill is full of genuinely caring, wonderful people whom I enjoy working with very much.”

Bill Hoover
Staff Associate
Read BioBill Hoover joined the staff at Spring Hill 7 years ago. He is a member of the Northside Church of Christ, volunteers at the Madison-Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce, he also helps out with the Madison Station Music Jam each Friday. Bill was previously in sales. When we asked what attracted Bill to this field, He said: “I enjoy serving others and find assisting families in their greatest time of need here at Spring Hill, most rewarding.” Bill is married to Donna.

Deby Lawson
Receptionist

Lindsey Callihan
Administration

Angie Akins
Administration

Bill Cruz
Grounds Crew

James Garner
Grounds Crew

Kevin Schosker
Grounds Crew

Richard Staggs
Grounds Crew
Read BioRichard Staggs joined Spring Hill in the maintenance department 5 years ago and is on the grounds crew. Richard has 9 years of previous experience. When we asked what attracted Richard to this field, He said: “Being able to work outside.” When asked to give the proudest moment in this profession Richard said: “When I was able to rejoin my crew after surgery.”