Our Valued Staff

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  Melinda Gaulden, Manager

  Melinda was born and raised in Poplar Bluff, MO and attended college at Cameron University in Lawton, OK. She graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service as a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in 1997. She worked as a student, serving her internship and as a Licensed Funeral Director for Restland Funeral Home for five years at which time she moved into a management position for Laurel Land Funeral Home and Cemetery for six years. Prior to coming to Sullivan Funeral Home, she was the Managing Partner for Aria Cremation Service in Dallas, TX. Melinda and her three children, Sara, Billy and Charlsey married Richard in 1997, making Dallas their home. The newest pride and joy of their life is their granddaughter, Lexi Mitchell. Melinda takes pride in the care and compassion she and the staff of Sullivan Funeral Home give to each family they serve. Every family is a Sullivan Family and she feels blessed to call Marshall, TX her home.

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  Richard Gaulden, Funeral Director/Embalmer/Cemetery Superintendent

  Richard was born and raised in Garland, TX and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University in 1979 with a Bachelor's Degree. He graduated in 1983 from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service as a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer. Richard worked at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas as a student, serving his internship and was a licensed Funeral Director there for almost 28 years. In 1997 he married Melinda and her three children, Sara, Billy and Charlsey (Charlie). He is the very proud "Papa" to Lexi Mitchell aka "Knee High". In June, 2009, Richard and Melinda accepted positions with Sullivan Funeral Home, making Marshall, TX their home. Richard has had the honor of serving over 2500 families during his carreer and has been blessed to have made many friends as a result of the quality care he extends.

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  Sara Stapp, Funeral Director/Embalmer

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  Heidi Payne, Funeral Home Adm.

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  Earlean Smith, Funeral Home Administrative Staff

  Earlean moved to Marshall from Louisiana in February 1966. She has loved Marshall for all these years. Her husband, Clifford, retired from American Norit - Marshall after 32 years. Earlean retired from Sullivan Funeral Home after 30 years in 2008, and then came back in 2009. Meeting folks and maybe making their loss of a loved one a little lighter has been her calling in life.

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  Don Brinson, Cemetery Sales Manager

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  Sharon Cox, Cemetery Sales

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  Brad Root, Family Service Counselor

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  Peggy Warden, Cemetery Adm.

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  Tracy Jackson, Cemetery Superintendent

  Tracy was born in Shreveport. LA and graduated from Pittsburg, TX High School. He is married to Samantha and they have three beautiful children, Tristen, Amiya and Logan. He has worked with Sullivan Funeral Home, Algoma Cemetery and Colonial Gardens Cemetery since 2009 and takes great pride in helping families and providing them with a beautiful environment to visit their loved one's final resting place.

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  David McCarty, Ambassador

  David is the son of Russell and Imogene McCarty and was born and raised in Marshall, Tx. He graduated from Marshall High School. David and his wife, Vicky have 2 grown children and 8 grandchildren. David is currently attending ETBU in the Theological Program and has been an employee of Sullivan Funeral Home since 2007.

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  Milly Green, Ambassador

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  Gene Stinson, Ambassador

  Gene moved to Marshall July, 1962. He taught school and served as a principal in MISD system for 34 years. Gene retired from MISD in June, 1996 and began working for Sullivan Funeral Home in May, 1998. He married Fern Mowdy June 25, 1960 and they celebrated 50 years of marriage in June, 2010. Gene and Fern have one daughter in Marshall, Kim Burton.

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  Lea Howell, Ambassador

  Lea was born in Delight, Arkansas. She lived there until she finished high school and worked for the State of Arkansas for 2 years. After moving to Marshall in 1952, Lea has worked for Lentz Jewelers, McWilliams Furniture, Wood Motor Co., and retired from Thiokol Corp. after 26 1/2 years. She has 2 children, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Her husband passed away in 2000 and also had 2 children that have passed away.

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  Patsy Gaines, Ambassador

  Patsy was born and raised in Harrison County and graduated from Marshall High School in 1947. She worked for SouthWestern Bell Telephone Company for 34 years. She has one son and daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Patsy is a member of First Baptist Church. She has enjoyed helping families in their time of need at Sullivan Funeral Home since July, 1991.

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  Emma Woodfin, Ambassador

  Emma is a lifelong resident of Marshall. Actually, she was born in Scottsville and lived there until she married Wayne Woodfin in 1951. They are the parents of four children, Mike, Marty, Mindy and Mark. They were married for 49 1/2 years. Emma taught school in MISD for 22 years. She now has ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Emma has been employed part-time as an Ambassador for Sullivan Funeral Home for 6 years. She loves her job because she loves people.

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  Tom Malcolm, Ambassador

  Tom graduated from Marshall High School in 1959 and attended Panola College. He retired from the US Air Force in 1982 and also from the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division in 2006. He has been back in Marshall since 1981. Tom married Harriette in 1964 and they have two daughters. Tom has been an employee of Sullivan Funeral Home since 2009.

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  Harriette Malcolm, Ambassador

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  Brenda Abraham, Ambassador

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  Pat Odom, Ambassador

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  Jeff Thompson, Ambassador