Our Staff
Meet the Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services Team
At Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services, our team is here for you—day or night—with compassion, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to care. Our fully licensed staff brings decades of combined experience serving families from all walks of life, including military families. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing a loss, we’re honored to help you celebrate and remember your loved one in a meaningful way. You can reach us 24/7 by phone—we’re always here to help.

Greg Patterson
General Manager, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
A native of Cartersville, Greg is a graduate of Cass High School and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, where he was awarded an Associate of Science degree in Funeral Service, and was the recipient of the Bill Pierce Award, an honor bestowed by his fellow classmates as the person most representative of funeral service. Greg served as the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church for nine years. Greg's wife, the former Pam Sneed, is a native of Emerson. Greg and Pam have two sons, Drew and Luke, and they are members of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Greg enjoys putting his boat in the water and fishing every chance he gets. Greg joined our staff as an apprentice funeral director and has completed the process of becoming a licensed funeral director & embalmer. During his time with our staff, he has come to realize how our staff "ministers" to the needs of people every day. Greg's experiences as a pastor complements his calling as a funeral director.

Greg Patterson
General Manager, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
A native of Cartersville, Greg is a graduate of Cass High School and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, where he was awarded an Associate of Science degree in Funeral Service, and was the recipient of the Bill Pierce Award, an honor bestowed by his fellow classmates as the person most representative of funeral service. Greg served as the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church for nine years. Greg's wife, the former Pam Sneed, is a native of Emerson. Greg and Pam have two sons, Drew and Luke, and they are members of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Greg enjoys putting his boat in the water and fishing every chance he gets. Greg joined our staff as an apprentice funeral director and has completed the process of becoming a licensed funeral director & embalmer. During his time with our staff, he has come to realize how our staff "ministers" to the needs of people every day. Greg's experiences as a pastor complements his calling as a funeral director.

Keith Willard
Apprentice Funeral Director & Prearrangement Counselor
Keith moved to Cartersville in 1978 and owned and operated Magic Photo for 21 years. He is the pastor of New Echota United Methodist Church in Calhoun. Keith has worked in funeral service for 10 years and feels a strong desire to help people. He and his lovely wife Kathy have five children and four grandchildren. The most important thing in Keith's life is that he loves Jesus and strives to follow the Lord in everything that he does. God's got a plan!

Keith Willard
Apprentice Funeral Director & Prearrangement Counselor
Keith moved to Cartersville in 1978 and owned and operated Magic Photo for 21 years. He is the pastor of New Echota United Methodist Church in Calhoun. Keith has worked in funeral service for 10 years and feels a strong desire to help people. He and his lovely wife Kathy have five children and four grandchildren. The most important thing in Keith's life is that he loves Jesus and strives to follow the Lord in everything that he does. God's got a plan!

Emily Oliver
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Emily joined Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in February 2020 and graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in May 2021. Becoming a funeral director and embalmer has been a lifelong calling—something she has known she wanted to do for as long as she can remember.
With a calm, steady presence and a genuine passion for serving others, Emily is committed to helping families navigate difficult moments with clarity, compassion, and respect. She believes every life tells a unique story and works closely with families to create meaningful, personalized services that truly reflect their loved one.
Outside of the funeral home, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking and mountain biking, getting lost in a good book, and caring for her pets—including bearded dragons, turtles, and cats.

Emily Oliver
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Emily joined Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in February 2020 and graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in May 2021. Becoming a funeral director and embalmer has been a lifelong calling—something she has known she wanted to do for as long as she can remember.
With a calm, steady presence and a genuine passion for serving others, Emily is committed to helping families navigate difficult moments with clarity, compassion, and respect. She believes every life tells a unique story and works closely with families to create meaningful, personalized services that truly reflect their loved one.
Outside of the funeral home, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking and mountain biking, getting lost in a good book, and caring for her pets—including bearded dragons, turtles, and cats.

Alexia Sanchez
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Alexia graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services. She joined Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in 2021, and she just completed an Associate's Degree in Funeral Service from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, where she also had the distinction of serving as the class valedictorian. Alexia furthered her education by completing a comprehensive veterans training course where she earned the designation as a Certified Veterans Funeral Professional.
“I chose funeral service because this path is one that cannot be forgotten. This world needs people who genuinely care about families and working with them through every step on their journey. You meet families and individuals during one of their most vulnerable moments! It is honestly heartwarming and rewarding just being able to be there for them,” she said.
When not working, Alexia enjoys reading and listening to music on her record player.

Alexia Sanchez
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Alexia graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services. She joined Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in 2021, and she just completed an Associate's Degree in Funeral Service from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, where she also had the distinction of serving as the class valedictorian. Alexia furthered her education by completing a comprehensive veterans training course where she earned the designation as a Certified Veterans Funeral Professional.
“I chose funeral service because this path is one that cannot be forgotten. This world needs people who genuinely care about families and working with them through every step on their journey. You meet families and individuals during one of their most vulnerable moments! It is honestly heartwarming and rewarding just being able to be there for them,” she said.
When not working, Alexia enjoys reading and listening to music on her record player.

Joe Nix
Chaplain & Funeral Assistant
Joe is a native of Cartersville and grew up in the Oakland Heights community. He graduated from Cass High School and retired from Clorox (Glad) after 30 years of service as a technical mechanic. For seven years he served as the Assistant Pastor of Oakland Heights Baptist Church. He also served for three years as Chaplain for the Cartersville Police Department. He now serves as the Assistant Pastor (Church Administrator) of Gateway Church in Cartersville, Georgia. Joe’s wife Brenda is a native of Cartersville and grew up in Atco. They have two daughters, Teresa Nix West and Darla Nix Hall, and two sons, Keith Nix and Russell Nix. Joe joined the team at Parnick Jennings in June of 2007, serving as a Chaplain and Funeral Assistant. He feels especially privileged to be able to minister to the people of Bartow County.

Joe Nix
Chaplain & Funeral Assistant
Joe is a native of Cartersville and grew up in the Oakland Heights community. He graduated from Cass High School and retired from Clorox (Glad) after 30 years of service as a technical mechanic. For seven years he served as the Assistant Pastor of Oakland Heights Baptist Church. He also served for three years as Chaplain for the Cartersville Police Department. He now serves as the Assistant Pastor (Church Administrator) of Gateway Church in Cartersville, Georgia. Joe’s wife Brenda is a native of Cartersville and grew up in Atco. They have two daughters, Teresa Nix West and Darla Nix Hall, and two sons, Keith Nix and Russell Nix. Joe joined the team at Parnick Jennings in June of 2007, serving as a Chaplain and Funeral Assistant. He feels especially privileged to be able to minister to the people of Bartow County.

J. T. Willoughby
Funeral Assistant

J. T. Willoughby
Funeral Assistant

Christa Evans
Funeral Assistant

Christa Evans
Funeral Assistant
Christa was born in Bayreuth, Germany, and moved to Cartersville at the age of 14. She is a proud graduate of Cartersville High School and has been part of the Cartersville community for many years.
Christa began working at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in 2008. Before joining the funeral home, she worked as both a hairdresser and a banker, bringing valuable experience and a caring spirit to her role.
She is married to James Evans and is the proud mother of two daughters and grandmother to seven grandchildren. Christa cherishes her family and enjoys serving the families of her community with compassion and dedication.

Kim Robertson
Office Manager

Kim Robertson
Office Manager
Kim Robertson is a lifelong resident of Cartersville, where she has lived since grade school. She has worked locally her entire career, married, and raised her family in the community she proudly calls home. Kim began working part-time at the funeral home in 2010 and became Office Manager in 2018, bringing dedication, compassion, and strong organizational leadership to her role.

April Chastain
Part Time Administration
April is a lifelong resident of Bartow County and a licensed apprentice funeral director dedicated to serving families with compassion and care. In addition to supporting families during their most difficult moments, she assists with office administration and prepares death certificates, ensuring every detail is handled with professionalism and accuracy. April values her community deeply and enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved pets outside of work.

April Chastain
Part Time Administration
April is a lifelong resident of Bartow County and a licensed apprentice funeral director dedicated to serving families with compassion and care. In addition to supporting families during their most difficult moments, she assists with office administration and prepares death certificates, ensuring every detail is handled with professionalism and accuracy. April values her community deeply and enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved pets outside of work.

Josh James
Part Time Funeral Assistant

Josh James
Part Time Funeral Assistant

Russell Gordy
Part Time Funeral Assistant

Russell Gordy
Part Time Funeral Assistant

Judy Brock
Part Time Funeral Assistant
Judy has lived in Cartersville her whole life and graduated from Cass High School. She began working at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in 2015 and has proudly assisted families there for over ten years. Judy loves her family and her community.

Judy Brock
Part Time Funeral Assistant
Judy has lived in Cartersville her whole life and graduated from Cass High School. She began working at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in 2015 and has proudly assisted families there for over ten years. Judy loves her family and her community.

Gus
Sympathy Pet
Gus became part of the Parnick Jennings family in 2024 when she wandered up to the funeral home hungry—and decided to adopt us. At first, we believed Gus was a boy (hence the name), but she quickly surprised everyone with a litter of kittens and proved she was full of personality from the very beginning.
Now serving as our beloved Sympathy Pet, Gus offers quiet comfort in her own gentle way. A bit shy around families, she prefers to supervise from afar—keeping a watchful eye from a cozy corner or sunny window. Her calm presence and soft purr bring a subtle sense of peace to the funeral home.
Gus enjoys her three meals a day and spends her afternoons indoors napping and making her rounds. At night, she remains outdoors, faithfully guarding the funeral home and ensuring everything stays safe and quiet until morning.
We’re convinced Gus didn’t just find us—we were meant to find each other. She is a treasured part of our team and a quiet source of comfort to the families we serve.

Gus
Sympathy Pet
Gus became part of the Parnick Jennings family in 2024 when she wandered up to the funeral home hungry—and decided to adopt us. At first, we believed Gus was a boy (hence the name), but she quickly surprised everyone with a litter of kittens and proved she was full of personality from the very beginning.
Now serving as our beloved Sympathy Pet, Gus offers quiet comfort in her own gentle way. A bit shy around families, she prefers to supervise from afar—keeping a watchful eye from a cozy corner or sunny window. Her calm presence and soft purr bring a subtle sense of peace to the funeral home.
Gus enjoys her three meals a day and spends her afternoons indoors napping and making her rounds. At night, she remains outdoors, faithfully guarding the funeral home and ensuring everything stays safe and quiet until morning.
We’re convinced Gus didn’t just find us—we were meant to find each other. She is a treasured part of our team and a quiet source of comfort to the families we serve.


