Our Staff

Bradley N. Howdyshell

Owner & Licensed Funeral Director

Bradley was born in Staunton, VA and grew up in Augusta County.  A graduate of Ft. Defiance High School, he later attended both Blue Ridge and John Tyler Community Colleges and earned a degree in Mortuary Science in 2002.. Bradley enjoys music and singing, history, architecture, and gardening.  He has served on the Boards of Directors for a number of organizations such as the Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton and Fluvanna Rotary Clubs, Staunton Performing Arts Center, Shenandoah Valley Funeral Directors Association and the Virginia Funeral Directors Association.

Telephone: 1-434-589-0920

Email: 

Yvonne L. Howdyshell

Owner

Yvonne is a native of Staunton, VA. She earned a degree in Christian Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City, NC and a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. She works as a Principal at Beverley Manor Middle School in Augusta County and enjoys cooking, reading and home decorating.

Telephone: 1-434-286-2791

Allison C. Spears

Licensed Funeral Director

Allison was born and raised in Elkins, WV. She currently lives with her husband, Derek, and their dog, Amelia, in Staunton, VA. 

Allison graduated from John Tyler Community Collage Mortuary Program and attended the University of Virginia.  

Allison actively volunteers with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of her late father and co-facilitates a peer-to-peer support group, The Healing Connection-SOSL, for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. In her spare time, she greatly enjoys playing piano and traveling.

She believes there is no higher privilege than serving this community through honoring the lives of their loved ones.  

Telephone: 1-434-286-2791

Email: 

Duane D. Karr

Funeral Assistant

Duane is a retired Albemarle County Police Officer and has a variety of responsibilities at the funeral home. He is active with the Scottsville Fire Department and a member of the Scottsville Presbyterian Church. He and his wife Trev live in Scottsville.

Telephone: 1-434-286-2791

Pete Banton

Funeral Assistant

Pete is the owner of Pete Banton's Lawn Service and wears quite a few hats at the funeral home as well.  He and his wife, Norma, live in Keene where Pete has been a lifelong resident. He and Norma attend Bethany Baptist Church in Charlottesville. Pete is an avid hunter. He also enjoys visiting local nursing homes where he and his family sing for the residents.

Telephone: 1-434-286-2791