Our Staff

Evelyn was born and raised in Knoxville, TN where she raised two children and nine grandchildren. She has served families at Highland Memorial for nine years as a Funeral Assistant. Evelyn loves to care for our families in every way she can, especially with a big hug and a smile. She is always here for families in need and is never faced with a request too large.

Kirk is the Funeral Home Manager at Highland South. He began his career in Mississippi with an independent funeral home and came to Stewart Enterprises in 2009. Kirk is a graduate of Holmes Community College in Ridgeland, Mississippi. He is a dual license Funeral Director and Embalmer in TN and MS. Kirk is married to Kathleen Bivens and they have three beautiful children, Brooke, Brianna and Brett.

James is a native of Knoxville, TN. He currently lives in Clinton, TN with his wife, Gail. James has been in cemetery sales for the past 2 years. He has a desire to be a Funeral Director and is currently working as a Funeral Assistant at Highland South Funeral Home. James finds helping families at their time of need, not only as a ministry, but finds it personally rewarding as well.

Jerry is the Cemetery Foreman at Highland South Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations. Jerry enjoys serving our families and taking care of their needs. Jerry is married to Becky Coffey.

Steve came to work for Highland Memorial Park in 1978 and has held many positions in the park. He currently is the Cemetery Foreman Superintendant and handles training our new employees in the park.

Pamela is a graduate of Carson Newman College with a degree in Counseling. She has a desire to work with the bereaved and finds the funeral industry rewarding. Pamela is a native of Knoxville and enjoys serving the community in which she grew up.

Rachael has been with Highland South for 3 years. Rachael is a Funeral Home and Cemetery Administrative Assistant. She is newly married to Shawn Crawford. She enjoys spending time with her family and loves assisting families and friends in any way possible.

Richard was raised in Knoxville, TN where he resides with his wife, Tammy and son, Xander. He enjoys being able to help, comfort and support families during such a difficult time in their lives. He also enjoys restoring antique cars and participating in AACA car shows.

Scott Elmore has been in grounds maintenance at Highland for 7 years.

Ken started his career with Stewart Enterprises as a Family Service Counselor in Newark, Ohio. Ken says: "I look forward to serving the many families in the Knoxville community, and want to make sure they are given the very best attention that they deserve". Ken, his wife Deb, and their little Shih Tzu Callie came to us in August of 2012, and now reside in Powell, TN.

Mrs. Ruth lives in Seymour, with her husband Carl. They have two children and four grandchildren. Mrs. Ruth has worked for Highland South for 26 years as a Funeral Assistant. Her motto is “We care”. Mrs. Ruth makes the best cookies in the south!

Annette was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. She and her husband, Kevin, live in West Knoxville with their son, Ethan. Annette is an administrative assistant at Highland Memorial Funeral Home and enjoys helping her community through her work at the funeral home.

Kevin began in funeral service in 1979 in Southeast Texas. He attended Lamar University, graduated from Commonwealth College of Science in Houston Texas and is licensed as a funeral director and embalmer in Texas and Tennessee. He is a previous funeral home owner and has served families in funeral service for over 30 years with 20 of those years in management. Kevin and his wife live in Knoxville.

Mike is a resident of Seymour, Tennessee and is married to a wonderful woman named Jennifer and they have a five year old daughter. He loves working outdoors and enjoys fishing and wood working.

Ronna began as a Community Service Counselor with Highland South Memorial Park in 2011, after a decade of service in the medical field. She enjoys serving the community and the challenges of this very rewarding industry. Ronna is married to Brad Manis and they have three beautiful daughters. Ronna also enjoys hiking and fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Wendy Manley joined Highland Memorial in 2003 as a cemetery family service counselor. Currently Wendy is our Funeral Pre-planning Counselor. Her focus and strength is SERVING & CARING for our families. Wendy's sincere wish and purpose is to educate families on the benefits of pre-planning. Contact her to attend a dinner/seminar in the future.

Kaitlyn obtained her Associate Degree in Mortuary Science in 2009 from John A. Gupton College in Nashville, TN. She is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with the State of Tennessee. Kaitlyn enjoys all aspects of funeral service and is proud to serve the families in her care. Kaitlyn and her husband live in Maynardville with their daughter Brylyn.

Sharon has worked at Highland South for seven years. Sharon loves helping all of the families she serves. She has two grown children, Jason and Amy, one grandchild Parker. She enjoys spending her days off with friends and family.

Jerry started with Highland at Highland South in 1999 as the Sales Director. He later transferred to Highland Memorial as an Assistant Sales Director and has served the company in the past 7 years as the Maintenance Superintendent for all three Highland Parks.

Rebecca joined us this year, she has many years of Customer Service and Sales experience. She was born and raised in East Tennessee and lives with her family in Maryville now. She enjoys serving her community and she encourages families to discuss the benefits of pre-planning their cemetery arrangements.

Christi is a native of Dresden, TN, but has lived in Knoxville for two years. She is a 2008 graduate of John A. Gupton College in, Nashville, TN, with an Associate of Arts Degree in Mortuary Science. She is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with the State of Tennessee and has practiced with Highland Memorial since June 2010. Christi’s passion is helping families through the unfamiliar territory of losing a loved one.

David grew up in a small rural community of East Tennessee before moving to Nashville. He received a degree in Funeral Service from John A. Gupton College in 2011 and is both a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Today, he continues his studies at Bethel University. He relocated to the Knoxville area and joined the staff at Highland Memorial in 2012.

Don is a long time resident of Knoxville and has been employed at Highland South for five years as a Funeral Assistant. Don is very kind hearted and always willing to assist our families in any way that he can. Mr. Don never misses a day on the porch of the Funeral Home and makes the best coffee you’ve ever had.