About Us

Tara Jones Bessling

Managing Partner, Operations

Tara Bessling joined the Spring Hill staff 11 years ago and is the Managing Partner of Operations. 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.”

Natalie Crow

Managing Partner of Sales

Natalie joined Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery in 2023 as the Managing Partner of Sales. She joins the Spring Hill team with over 12 years of experience in the profession. She has been involved in many service organizations including Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. After over 30 years in the florist industry her desire to help families honor and celebrate their loved ones remains her passion. She has helped families in Houston, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee.
She and her husband, Will Crow, have one daughter, a son-in-law and two very amazing grandchildren.

Gwyn Winstead

Cemetery and Funeral Home Office Manager

Gwyn joined the family at Spring Hill in 2023, bringing her leadership, experience, and passion to the team. She grew up in the cemetery and funeral industry in Middle Tennessee, closely watching her mother who retired recently after helping grow a small family firm into a multi-location operation serving thousands of families each year.

Gwyn officially began her own career in the cemetery and funeral profession in 2017, working her way up in the funeral print shop where she progressed from production specialist to graphic designer, creating meaningful memorial stationary for families. She touched the lives of many during their time of loss. She went on to provide support to the pre-planning team working with the director of advance planning, where she provided daily encouragement and leadership to over 40 pre-arrangement counselors, throughout Tennessee and Mississippi.

She is honored to bring her years of service to help support and guide the administrative team at Spring Hill. The history and legacy of the operation give her pride and feed her desire to serve.

Gwyn and her husband, Justin, are raising three beautiful daughters. They are steadfast members of Charlotte Road Baptist Church, where the two met.

Jim Jones

Cemetery Superintendent & Grounds Manager

Jim 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.”

Gracie Mashburn

Apprentice Funeral Director

Gracie joined the Spring Hill team in June of 2023. She received her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2022 and is currently enrolled at John A. Gupton college to obtain her Funeral Directing and Embalming license. Gracie is a Lawrence County native, but she and her corgi, Margo, now call Nashville home.

David Paul Thain

Family Service Advisor

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

Allen Riley

Staff Associate

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.

Donna Hoover

Staff Associate

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.”

Suzanne Angel-Griggs

Director of First Impressions

Suzanne 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.”

Richard Staggs

Grounds Crew

Richard 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.”