Our Staff
Joseph Swords
Owner/Operator, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer (GA & AL)
Joseph began working with our funeral home on a part-time basis in March of 2004 while working full time for the Georgia State Patrol, Department of Public Safety. He joined our full-time staff in May of 2013. Joseph is a 2000 honor graduate of Chattooga High School and studied at Jacksonville State University and Georgia Highlands College.
He is a 2014 Cum Laude graduate of Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama, holding an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service Education. He is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in both Georgia and Alabama. He serves families and manages the vital records for the funeral home. He is a member of the Sigma Phi Sigma Mortuary Science Fraternity as well as the National Funeral Directors Association. He is also a member of Lyerly Lodge # 338, F&AM.
Joseph is married to the former Jenna Brazier of Cedartown and they reside in Summerville. They are the proud parents of their daughter, Adelynn and twins, Ethan Charlie and Abigail Kathryn, and also have a four-legged "child" named Sadie.
Telephone: 1-706-857-2211
Cris C. Clark
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer (GA & TN)
Cris is a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in both Georgia and Tennessee.
Cris is a graduate of Trion High School, Shorter College, and Jefferson State Community College. He has been involved in the funeral industry since the 1980's.
Cris, his wife Marisa, and their son Mason make their home in southern Walker County and are members of LaFayette First Baptist Church.
Telephone: 1-706-857-2211
Jeremy A. McElhaney
Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer & Logistics Coordinator
A native of Rock Spring, GA, Jeremy ("Big Mac") is an Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer, GA insurance agent and certified crematory operator. He has been part of the Mason Funeral Home family for over 10 years. He also owns and manages Summerville Monument Company located inside the funeral home.
Before entering the funeral industry he served as a Human Resource/ Operations Director for a local non-profit organization. He is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician in both Tennessee and Georgia, and a former firefighter, having served our local and surrounding areas. He holds a degree in business management and is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Walker County.
Jeremy has worked in the funeral industry for several years serving the North Georgia and Chattanooga areas, and in June of 2024, he was elected Chattooga County Coroner.
He is the former member of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and is active serving his community through various organizations. He has served as music director at several churches and is a fan of Southern Gospel Music.
Jeremy, has 2 children and makes his home in Lyerly, GA. He is a member of Mountain View Baptist Church.
Telephone: 1-706-857-2211
Rev. Kevin J. Norton
Funeral Assistant/Lead Chaplain
Rev. Kevin Norton is the pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church in Trion, GA. He assists us on a part-time basis as our Lead Chaplain, and he is often the first to respond to accept a loved one into our care.
He resides in the Mountain View Community and has one son, and one granddaughter.
Rev. Matthew Willingham
Apprentice Funeral Director / Chaplain
Rev. Matthew Willingham is often the first to respond to receive someone into our care.
He is the pastor of Menlo First Baptist Church, a licensed insurance agent, and serves his community as the Assistant Fire Chief of the Menlo Fire Department.
Matthew, his wife Courtney, and their 3 children make their home in Menlo, GA.
Telephone: 1-706-857-2211
Bobby Nixon
Funeral Assistant
Bobby is a native of Chattooga County and is retired from Mohawk Industries in Lyerly. He has been part of the Mason Funeral Home family for more than 20 years.
He assists us on a part-time basis and is often the first to respond to accept a loved one into our care.
He has three sons and resides in Summerville.
Jerry Davenport
Funeral Assistant
Jerry has served the citizens of Chattooga and surrounding counties for many years in law enforcement and EMS.
He is always willing to assist with family visitations and funeral services.
Jerry is retired from a dedicated career with the Chattooga County Sheriff's Department, as well as Chattooga County EMS and Floyd EMS.
He makes his home in the Spring Creek Community.
Rev. Justin Ward
Funeral Assistant
Rev. Justin Ward is the pastor of New Oak Grove Baptist Church and serves as Captain/Chaplain at the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department.
He is often the first to respond to receive someone into our care.
Justin, his wife, and their sons make their home in the Teloga Community.
Telephone: 1-706-857-2211
Chad Spraggins
Funeral Assistant
Chad is the newest member of the Mason Funeral Home team. He is often the first to respond to accept a loved one into our care. He is retired from the Chattooga County Sheriff's Department and works full time at the Town of Trion.
Jim Brooks
Funeral Assistant
Jim is one of the newest members of the Mason Funeral Team. He assists with funerals, visitations, and is often one of the first to respond to accept a loved one into our care.
Jim and his family make their home in Summerville, GA.
James Carr
Funeral Assistant
James is the one of newest members of the Mason Funeral Home family. He serves as an Emergency Medical Technician at CHI Memorial in LaFayette and is currently in paramedic school.
Telephone: 1-706-857-2211
Larry Anthony
Funeral Assistant
Henry & Peggy Mason
Founders
Henry Mason, along with his wife Peggy, founded Mason Funeral Home in July of 1999.
Henry is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in both Georgia and Alabama, having been licensed for over 45 years. He is a veteran of the United States Army having served in Vietnam. Mr. Mason was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
Henry and Peggy have been married for over 50 years and have 1 daughter and 2 granddaughters. They now make their home in Mentone, AL.
Jimmy Thompson
Funeral Assistant
In Loving Memory
1948 - 2020
