Our Experienced Staff

Our families and their guests are treated with only the highest level of professionalism, dignity and respect. Crest Lawn’s staff is committed to caring for each and every individual, as if he or she were our own beloved family member… before, during and after the time of need. Our facility is licensed by the State of Tennessee and managed by Justin Pace.

(*Not a Licensed Funeral Director/Non-Licensed Assistant).
Justin Pace 
Crest Lawn Funeral Home Manager
Licensed Funeral Director
Licensed Insurance Agent, Family Service Counselor, Registered Pre-Need Sales Agent, Cemetery & Monument Sales Associate


Justin has been a Cookeville native since 1991. He was born to parents Terry and Susan Pace. Justin is a 2006 graduate of Cookeville High School and a 2015 graduate of John A. Gupton College. Justin, his wife Demetria and their 2 boys, Camden Jude, and McKinley "Mac" Crew attend Double Springs Church of Christ. “  He enjoys the going to games and watching the Tennessee Vols and the Nashville Predators. It is my priority to implement the practices that I have learned over the years working at Crest Lawn. My main goal is to continue the genuine care, compassion, and love for our community that we have over time.  I am thankful for the opportunity to serve this great community.  I have a passion to help families in their time of need and I am proud to be a part of the Signature Services Team at Crest Lawn."

Cameron Westbrook
Licensed Funeral Director/ Embalmer
Presley Funeral Home Manager

Cameron was born in Anderson, South Carolina and grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee where she attended Sullivan South High School and competed in gymnastics for 12 years. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she received a degree in Mortuary Science from John A. Gupton College. Cameron enjoys painting, crocheting, reading, and playing with her 2-year-old cat named Pile. She has worked in the funeral industry for about two and a half years in Nashville but has recently moved to Cookeville. “It’s very peaceful and everyone goes out of their way to help one another, including me. I look forward to making new friendships and serving my families with care and compassion.”
Glen S. King Sr.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home Manager
Licensed Funeral Director

"I was born in Florida but was raised in the mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky. Being the son of a preacher, we were around the funeral service and would help wash cars and carry flowers to the cemetery. I have been in the funeral service for over 40 years in Tennessee and Kentucky. My wife Rhonda is a RN having worked in the hospitals in Nashville in the operating room and emergency room. She is now a private Registered Nurse doing Nurse Care Management. I enjoy spending time with my wife, traveling together. I also enjoy spoiling our 6 grandchildren. In my spare time, I love to golf, when possible, I enjoy music and collecting guitars. Working in the funeral services to me is one of the best jobs anyone could ever have. The fulfillment you get when you have helped a family through one of the hardest times of their life. "

Brittany Dennis Agee, CFSP
Licensed Funeral Director/ Embalmer
Licensed Pre-Need Insurance Agent

Brittany is a lifelong resident of Jackson County. She is a 2008 graduate of Jackson County High School and a 2017 graduate of John A. Gupton College where she earned a degree in Mortuary Science and a cremation certification. She later earned her Certified Funeral Service Practitioner designation from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. Brittany and her husband, Travis share four wonderful children together: Jaxon, Payson, Jameson, and Addison. You can usually find Brittany at some sort of sporting event either supporting and cheering on her children or her hometown Jackson County Blue Devils, the Tennessee Volunteers, or the Tennessee Titans. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with her family. Brittany started with our company in 2018 where she worked at Oak Lawn Funeral Home in Sparta for several years. “After losing my own father, my grief pushed me into a career in funeral service, and it’s an honor to be trusted to help families during their time of loss.”
 

Brittny Sims 
Apprentice Funeral Director

Brittny was born and raised in Cookeville, TN. Her and her husband Barry were married in 2021 and have seven wonderful children. She attended Cookeville High School and Genesis Career College and now continuing her life long dream job and passion of being able to help others in their time of need. Brittny is striving towards her goals in life for becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer she is fully committed to her job. “Death is something we all deal with and will go though at some point of our life. I enjoy being able to be there for families and hope to bring ease and comfort while guiding them through this difficult process.”

Keandrea Robbins Norris
Apprentice Funeral Director

"I have lived in Sparta, Tn my entire life. I graduated in 2007 from White County High School. I attended Liberty University and am now attending John A. Gupton College. My husband’s name is Brad Norris, and we have 3 children. Brad is a music teacher in White County. I have wanted to pursue a career in Funeral Service since I was 11 years old, so I am now serving my community, friends, and family in a way that is so important to me. When I am not serving the families of the Upper Cumberland you can find me at Sparta football or basketball games watching my daughter cheer, fishing with my son, reading, or snuggling with my dog Boomer. It is truly my honor and privilege to be of service to your family and be a familiar face during times of need."

Nick Bovee
Pre-Need Specialist
Licensed Insurance Agent
Cemetery and Monument Sales Associate

Over the past five years, Nick has concentrated exclusively on pre-arrangement planning, enabling him to develop a deep understanding of the practical, emotional, and financial considerations that families face. Nick believes that thoughtful pre-arrangement planning offers peace of mind—not just for the individual, but for loved ones who will carry on afterwards. He listens deeply to personal stories and concerns, ensuring that each plan honors the unique life and values of the client, provides all options, costs, and potential variables are laid out in straightforward terms. Whether someone envisions an intimate gathering or a large celebration of life, Nick treats every preference with equal importance. Beyond his professional commitments, Nick is an active volunteer in several local organizations, including non profit foundations and charitable outreach groups. When he’s not assisting clients or attending a professional development event, Nick enjoys spending time with close friends and family, hiking regional trails and photographing scenic landscapes, amateur radio operation, and camping.

Rick Newman
Funeral Assistant (*Non-Licensed)

Rick is originally from Mt. Pleasant, TX where he graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. He relocated to Cookeville sometime in 1985 to be more active with Engrafted Word Church. He joined the Cookeville Fire Department, retiring in 2016 after 30 years serving his community. Rick and his wife Patricia are very involved at their church being they’ve both been involved with the ministry most of their lives. He stays busy splitting his time between the church and Crest Lawn. Rick enjoys watching TTU Basketball with his family and working in the community, as he rarely takes a day off. He’s been with us since July 2019, and says, “Working in the funeral home is like being a part of a ministry. I spent so much time helping save lives while I was at the Fire Dept. and now, I am on the opposite side of it, helping people who have lost the ones they love. I love serving people, always have. It isn’t the pay that matters, it is the lives that we touch.”


Roger Reeves
Funeral Assistant (*Non-Licensed)

Roger was born in Jackson County and has moved back to the Cookeville area since retiring from the Detroit Fire Department where he was employed for 33 years. He has a E.M.T License and is also licensed in the field of Cosmotology. Roger is well known around the Cookeville area as Mr. Roger, the magician and is very involved with the Cookeville Shriners. Roger has been with Crest Lawn for over 2 years.
Bryce Odom
Funeral Assistant (Non-Licensed)

Bryce was born and raised in Nashville, TN, and attended Stratford STEM Magnet High School. He has a cat named Pile who is 2 years old. Bryce enjoys playing video games and watching TV. He has worked with funeral homes for 4 years but has only recently moved to Cookeville. “I have only been here a short time, but I can really tell that everyone is very kind and close together. I really enjoy the sense of community and helpful nature that everyone exudes. I’m happy to work with such a Helpful and happy team such as the Presley crew.”

 Terry Pace
 Funeral Assistant (*Non-Licensed)

Terry was born in Detroit, Michigan to parents Joe and Mary Sue Pace. He graduated from Crest Wood High School. He has received degrees from Michigan Christian College, Oklahoma Christian College and Central State University. Terry and Susan Smith Pace married June 12, 1982 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. They moved to Tennessee in 1986. Terry and Susan have four Children. Michael of Culver City, California, Justin and Wife Demetria, Emily and Jordan Pace of Cookeville, TN. Terry has worked at Institutional Wholesale Company since 2001. Terry enjoys researching genealogy and spending time at the beach, collecting shells. Terry and Susan are members of Collegeside Church of Christ where they have attended for 16 years. Terry is here to serve the families of the Upper Cumberland in any way needed and has a deep passion to help families in need.
Stella Martin
Funeral Assistant (*Non-Licensed)

Stella was born and raised in Jackson County, where she graduated from Jackson County High School. She moved to Michigan to attend nursing School for a period, but soon found her way back home where she worked at Jackson County Hospital for 29 years. She had two children with her late husband James. She is a member of Dudney’s Hill Church of Christ. Stella loves spending time with her great grandson and taking care of her family members and friends. Being a nurse most of her lifetime, she loves to stay busy and active. She’s been working for us at Crest Lawn Funeral Home for eight years and says, “Crest Lawn is such a wonderful place to work, the staff is so nice, and I couldn’t work for a better place.”
Howard Bryant
Funeral Assistant (*Non-Licensed)

Howard has lived in Cookeville his entire life. Howard is married to Christine Smith Bryant and they have been married for over 57 years. Howard is a veteran of the Korean War serving with the United States Army. Howard is a member and has been active with the Cookeville Masonic Lodge and the Al Mena Shriners since 1968. He and Christine are members of Willow Avenue Church of Christ in Cookeville. Howard has been with Crest Lawn for overs 8 years.
Michael Miller
Grounds & Service Superintendent (*Non-Licensed)

Mike is from Gridley, CA where he attended Gridley Union High School and then later went on to Butte College in Oroville, CA. He has resided in Gainesboro for the last 6 years. Mike has seven children and attends New Hope Baptist Church in Gainesboro. He brings experience to our staff as a certified forklift operator along with a CDL. During his free time, Mike enjoys riding motorcycles and billiards. He has been with Signature Funeral Services as the Grounds Crew Manager since 2019. “I am inspired to work at Crest Lawn because my father ran a cemetery before he passed, so it’s an honor to do what he did. I’ve always loved working outside and doing landscaping. I take pride in working to serve the families who choose our cemeteries.”
John Smith
Senior Grounds & Service Technician (*Non-Licensed)


Donald Phillips
Grounds & Service Technician (*Non-Licensed)

Most people know him as “Duck”. Donald is from Monterey, TN and has resided in Cookeville for the last 58 years. He attended High School in Algood, Tn. Previously he worked at Palk’s Feed Mill before he came to work for us at Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time. Donald has been part of the Crest Lawn family for 28 years and says, “I enjoy working outside and helping people.”
Kyle Sproyles
Grounds & Service Technician (*Non-Licensed)

Born and raised in Monterey, Tn, Kyle has five children who are is whole life. He enjoys basketball and spending time with family. 
Andrew Nabors
Grounds & Service Technician (*Non-Licensed)

Andrew enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. He is a father of two; born and raised in
White County. He is a God fearing man who strives to work daily on becoming a better person.

In Loving Memory of Mary Jo (Hill) Rogers, Funeral Assistant (*Non-Licensed)

Mary Jo Rogers, known by many as Ms. Jo, was formerly one of the owners of Crest Lawn Memorial Cemtery and was born in Cookeville at the old Cookeville Hospital. She received her education from the Putnam County School system. She is a member of Cookeville First United Methodist Church. She married Gene L. Rogers in April, 1945. We lived in Whitson Funeral Home for over 20 years. Gene was first the manager then we purchased the funeral home and operated the business until selling it in 1973. During that period we also purchased Crest Lawn Cemetery from Mary Lou Reeves in 1957 and operated the cemetery until 1995 when we sold the cemetery to Service Corp. International. After my husband Gene passed away i have been back at Crest Lawn assisting with funeral and cemetery families.
In Loving Memory Of: Roger K. Burke, Licensed Funeral Director & Licensed Embalmer

Roger brings many years of experience to Crest Lawn. He has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer for over 51 years. Roger has two daughters, Sherry and Stephanie and also has two grandchildren, Nick and Caroline. Roger has previously served as manager of several area funeral homes around the Upper-Cumberland and is also the Past President of the Upper Cumberland Funeral Directors Association. He also operates Burke Enterprises, LLC.(Central Transport Group). He is a member of the Evening Lions Club and a former District Governor of the Tennessee Lions Club. Roger has received several awards over the years including the Melvin Jones Award from Lions Club International. ” I am so pleased to bring my years of experience to Crest Lawn and I am honored to be able to assist all Crest Lawn families in their time of need”.
In Loving Memory Of: Pat Moran, Funeral Assistant (*Non-Licensed)
January 17, 1966 - July 28, 2019






In Loving Memory Of: Richard A. Hudson, Funeral Assistant (*Non-Licensed)

(June 23, 1941 – March 20, 2012)

Funeral Assistant (Non-Licensed)

Richard was born in Dekalb County and graduated from high school in McMinnville in 1960. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Criminal Justice and is a veteran of the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, serving with the United States Air Force from 1960-1964. Richard is a retired Tennessee State Trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol where he served for 35 years. Richard is married to Joyce E. Neely Hudson and they have 2 children, Todd and Tracy. Richard and Joyce also have 5 grandchildren. Richard and wife Joyce have been married for 46 years and are members of Washington Avenue Baptist Church for the last 42 years. Richard is an active member with the Evening Lions Club, the Cookeville Masonic Lodge, and the American Association of State Troopers. Richard has been with Crest Lawn for over 5 years.

Why We're Different

We know there are other funeral homes in the area to choose from. But we also know that families who turn to us during a time of loss, or for pre-arrangement services experience our very high standards of service. These standards include transparency in business practices and service pricing, as well as:


  • Providing families with well-planned funeral arrangements in their time of need.
  • Providing comfortable, soothing surroundings where families and friends can gather to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one.
  • Helping families in our community to preserve longstanding traditions and customs.
  • Offering innovative, truly personalized funeral home services and products.
  • Assisting families and individuals making their pre-need plans.
  • Reaching out to the greater community with educational seminars and grief support programs.


We offer professional guidance and personal and specialized attention before, during and after the loss of a loved one. Our reputation for honesty and integrity is very well-known, and it is our most valuable asset.


  • Traditional Funerals
  • Personalized Funerals
  • Memorial Services and Graveside Ceremonies
  • Various Cremation Service Options
  • Veterans' Funeral Services

We encourage you to contact us to discuss your family’s unique needs. Each of us is confident that we can, and will, do our utmost to meet – and exceed – your expectations.