Our Staff
Our staff are local people, many whom you may know, who share our vision of excellence. We are not satisfied with second best and we put our needs and wants last when compared to our client families. Many of our staff members are involved in community events and organizations and we all share a deep devotion to our friends and neighbors when they place trust in us during their time of grief.
Jeff Chandler
Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer
Jeff is a native of Liberty County who has lived in Jesup since 2012. He began working at a local funeral home while involved in the work study program when he was in high school. After graduation he pursued higher learning and was recipient of an Associates of Applied Science in Funeral Service. Jeff is an active member of the Jesup Rotary Club, the Jesup Elks Lodge and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Bridgett are active members of St. Paul's Episcopal church and they have three children, Jeff, Jr., Aubrey (nicknamed Sally) and Prescott. Jeff spends his spare time playing music, cooking or working in the yard.
Katie Davis
Office Manager
Before joining the Howard and Jones family in 2023, Katie, a lifelong Wayne Countian, was a 17 year employee with the Wayne County School System serving as a Georgia Bright From the Start PreK paraprofessional. She is married to Jimmy Davis Jr, widely known as "Peanut" and has two children, Daniel and Cooper. Katie likes to hunt, fish, kayak, travel and play with her dogs in her spare time. In 2025, she began the Funeral Services Education Program at Ogeechee Technical College and is currently serving her apprenticeship at Howard and Jones Funeral Home.
Brenda Lewis
Funeral Assistant
Brenda is a lifelong resident of Wayne County. Prior to joining the Howard & Jones Family, she enjoyed a lengthy career of caring for others in the dental assisting field. She is married to Herman Lewis, Jr. who is the manager of R.W. Griffin's shop in Jesup. Brenda and Herman are longtime members of Jesup Primitive Baptist Church and have one son, Garrett, who is the Pulp Mill Area Manager for Rayonier Advanced Materials. He is married to the former Hannah Keith of Jesup. Brenda enjoys daily walks, cheering on the Georgia Southern Eagles and helping to care for the livestock on the Lewis Farm.
Don McCrary
Funeral Assistant
Don, originally a native of Jeff Davis county, now resides in Ludowici and is a former X-Ray technician with the Jeff Davis Hospital. In the early 2000s, he answered a calling and became an ordained minister where he has served in several churches before becoming an assistant pastor at Remember the cross Ministries in Jesup.
Don has one son and a precious granddaughter that are his heart. He enjoys working with people and is always willing to help out those in need.
Heather Riggs
Funeral Director
Heather began her career in the funeral profession in 2007 at Riggs Funeral Home, following in her late father’s footsteps. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service Education and has devoted her career to serving families with care and compassion. In October 2025, Heather moved to Jesup to be closer to her family, who are the heart of her life. She values meaningful connections and cherishes spending her free time surrounded by her loving family.
Darlene Westberry
Administrative Assistant
Darlene is a Wayne County native who has worked in the funeral industry for many years. She and her husband, Larry are active members of New Life Church and reside in the big city of Gardi. They have two sons and one daughter-in-law, Travis and his wife, Michelle and Brandon. Darlene spends her spare time with her grandchildren, Mason, Trenton and Emileigh.
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