The employees of Folsom Funeral home all work together as a family. Full time employees are J. Bryan & Shari Folsom. Part-time employees are Keith Word, Rev. Orville Smith, Cody Burns and Andrea Harrell. Honorary employee (Retired) Vester Gowens

Bryan Folsom is a 1985 Pepperrell High School graduate. He is also a 1986 graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia with a degree in Funeral Service Management/Embalming. Academy of Graduate Embalmers in Georgia, Licenced in the State of Georgia and Alabama for both Funeral Service and Embalming, Licensed Eye Enucleator for Georgia Eye Bank. Both Bryan and Shari are Licensed Foster Parents for Calhoun County, Alabama. A member of the National Funeral Directors Association of Alabama and Georgia. A member of the local Lozahatchee Masonic Lodge and local government. Bryan is also a board member of various community groups.

Shari Folsom has served in the office of the funeral home since 2003 and instructs in all aspects of day to day office management. She is a 1982 Bridgewater Raritan High School graduate and also has a degree in Certified Medical Assisting. Shari also obtained a 2 year teaching certificate where she was attending Zion Bible Institute in Providence, Rhode Island. Having served in the medical field and having a strong Christian background, Shari has attained the highest level of caring to offer families in distress. Many of our families have expressed their gratefulness for having a female staff member who seems to just become a member of their family and one who always goes the extra mile.

Brooke Folsom is the oldest daughter of Bryan & Shari. She is a 2006 Piedmont High School graduate and is currently attending Gadsden State College to pursue a career in Radiolgy. Brooke was featured in the 2002-2004 “Who’s Who Among American High School Students”.

Beth Folsom is the youngest daughter of Bryan & Shari. She is a 2007 Piedmont High School graduate and is currently attending Gadsden State College to pursue a career in Elementary Education. Beth graduated 6th in her class with a 3.6 GPA. She is a charter member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and was featured in 2003-2005 “Who’s Who Among American High School Students”.

Reverend Orville Smith has been associated with the funeral industry since 1955. He worked for Oscar Mickelsen for many years and has been associated with this funeral home since it’s inception. He has ministered to many families and has served as pastor of many churches in the area as well as serving as a key employee having known many familes in Piedmont and surrounding communities.

Mr. Keith Word is a Piedmont resident and has been an employee for the last 2 years. He has recently completed his apprenticeship requirements and will soon begin his education in the embalming school. Keith currently serves as the Piedmont Housing Director. He has shown compassion for many residents of Piedmont. Keith is very active in local government activities and has a great desire to become a funeral director and embalmer. He will be one of the greatest assets to the death care industry.

Cody Burns is currently a senior at White Plains High School and will be a 2008 graduate. He is also serving as an apprentice funeral director and embalmer. Cody will begin embalming school upon graduation from high school. Cody also has a great desire to help families and to learn the art of embalming. He has planned funeral services as his career. He too will be a great asset to the company.

HONORARY EMPLOYEE

Vester "Granddaddy" Gowens

Mr.Gowens also known to our family as "Granddaddy", has been associated with our funeral home since 1955. He also worked in Piedmont at the Fred Pope Men's Clothing Store and was also a medical assistant in WWII. He also worked with Oscar Mickelsen for many years and has been associated with this funeral home since it's inception. Along with his funeral home duties, Mr. Gowens faithfully took care of all the maintenance and lawn care. Unfortunately, he is no longer physically able to work but he is a well loved and thought about as a very honorable man and an outstanding employee. We wish you well and we love you! Piedmont loves you!