Charlotte Marie Faggett, Hayward-Stanmore Funeral Home, Marshall, TX
Charlotte Marie Faggett was born in Longview, TX. She graduated with honors from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in 1983. Upon graduation, Charlotte completed her training at Stanmore Funeral Home located in Longview, TX where it turned into a 30 year span. Charlotte spent ten of those years managing the Hayward-Stanmore Funeral Home located in Marshall, TX, before working as the funeral director in charge at the Lewis & Walker Funeral Home in Jefferson, TX for 20 years. In 2009, Charlotte purchased the Burton & Burton Funeral Home in Jefferson, TX.
An antique shop in Waco, TX had a plaque that said, “Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down,” which helped her make her mind up to purchase her own funeral home. Charlotte served as the Texas state president for the Independent Funeral Directors Association, Inc from 2004 through 2006, and is currently serving as the recording clerk.
Nicole Sheree Kelly, Lincoln Funeral Home, Dallas, TX
A native of Oklahoma City, Nicole Sheree Kelly received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Funeral Service from the University of Central Oklahoma. At a young age, Nicole became intrigued with the funeral industry after attending the service of her great grandfather. Her career began as an apprentice at Temple and Sons Funeral Directors in Oklahoma. In 1999, Nicole joined the staff of Lincoln Funeral Home and Cemeteries as a licensed funeral director and embalmer until she was promoted to office manager. Nicole continues to seek knowledge in mastering the art of funeral service by attending industry seminars and completing required course hours to maintain her license. Nicole is a member of the Dallas County Funeral Directors Association and the Texas Funeral Directors Association. Nicole believes that life is full of challenges and opportunities and she chooses to live her life by this creed, “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.”