Our dedicated staff has many years of faithful service in the funeral buisness.

		Parnick Jennings, Owner parnickjennings@goodshepherdfh.net James Parnick Jennings, Sr. Born – June 4, 1930, Etowah, TN Moved to Rome Dec. 1930 with parents when father opened Jennings Funeral Home Graduated Darlington School 1947; University of Tennessee 1951, BS in Business Administration, Major in Journalism, Sports Editor College newspaper Junior & Senior year; Master Mortician Degree Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science 1955 1st Lt., US Army Transportation Corp, Korean War, Sept.1951-Sept. 1953 Licensed as a Georgia Funeral Director 1950; Embalmer 1955 Asst. Mgr. Jennings Funeral Home, 1955-1960; Manager 1960-1972; Vice-President co-owner 1972-1977;owner & President 1977-1988; opened 2nd. location in West Rome and third in Cartersville 1977; sold firm 1988 and remained consultant until 2007 when returned to ownership of Parnick Jennings, Sr.’s Good Shepherd Funeral Home in Rome. Member & Deacon, Fifth Ave. Baptist Church, Rome; member Shorter University Board of trustees 1963-1968, returning in 2007 for 8 year term; Past Director Floyd County Baptist Associational Brotherhood; founder Carpenters for Christ in 1981; current member Floyd County Baptist Executive Committee; member Southern Baptist Sunday School Board of Trustees 1978-1986; only living Life Member of Salvation Army Advisory Board having served since 1964, also Board Chairman twice and Capital Campaign Chairman twice. Past President Georgia Funeral Directors Association; past Chairman Constitution & By-Laws Committee National Funeral Directors Association; current member Independent Funeral Directors of Georgia. Hosted two hour Sunday morning program of Gospel Music on WRGA, Rome from 1958-2002; hosted one hour weekly TV program of Gospel Music on Comcast Rome, Calhoun, Cartersville, Canton & Cumming and CTN Kodak, TN. from 1996-2008; currently host 3 annual Gospel Music Concerts at Rome City Auditorium; member Southern Gospel Music Association; Southern Gospel Promoters Association. Recipient of 2010 Hugh Burnes Christian Service Leadership Award. Wife 51 years, Margaret Eads Jennings, who is his partner in business; son, James Parnick Jennings, Jr.(Tina), Cartersville; daughter, Jan Jennings Music(Clyde),Rome; grandchildren,Tara(Brian) Inman, Darlington; Clay(Becky)Kirkland, Chattanooga; Spencer Music, Guildford College; Jacob Music, Abraham-Baldwin College; four great-grandchildren, Maggie, identical twins, Wesley and Davis, Harrison Inman. In college I had determined that I would pursue a career in either sports writing or broadcasting. However during the Korean War, I had a spiritual conversion at which time The Lord plainly told me to follow in my father’s footsteps as a mortician. I have never regretted that decision for it has given me the opportunity to render a ministry of comfort and hope to over 18,000 families. To God be the Glory !!!
		Margaret E. Jennings, Co-Owner/Secretary/Treasurer margaretjennings@goodshepherdfh.net Margaret has been involved in funeral service at her husband’s side for 45 years. Like her husband, she is a people person, helping the bereaved with Social Security Benefits, Veterans Administration documents, and filing insurance claims. Along with these truly important tasks, Margaret has a compassionate listening ear, and provides comfort for families even months after the funeral. Not only has Margaret worked closely in the day-to-day operations of both the original firm, and now Good Shepherd Funeral Home, she raised two children, Parnick Jennings, Jr., and Jan Jennings (Musick). She and Parnick thoroughly enjoy the company of their four 4 grandchildren, and their 4 great-grandchildren. The Jennings family is truly blessed.
		Betty E. LeCroy, Secretary betty@goodshepherdfh.net Betty has worked in funeral service for thirty-two years, since 1977. A graduate of Model High School, she lived in Atlanta for 25 years; coming to Rome to work in the family funeral home. She is the loving sister of Margaret Jennings. “We are so fortunate to have her as secretary, and she also handles all ticket sales for the Gospel Singers – I don’t know what we’d do without her!” Betty is an active member of the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. She loves the outdoors, working in the yard and cutting the grass. Betty is also a fan of the Rome Braves team, and thoroughly enjoys going to the games.
		Bobby Don Rogers, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer/Ga & Al donrogers@goodshepherdfh.net With 34 years experience in funeral service, Bobby Don is an exceptional asset to our firm, and to the community. He began his career in funeral service back in 1974, with Parnick Jennings. The sixteen years he was part of the Jennings Funeral Home were followed by 18 years with Perry Funeral Home. We were delighted when he returned to the Jennings family in September of 2008. Bobby Don received his mortuary science degree from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in 1990. He’s married to Charlayne Hobbs Rogers, and together they have raised 3 children.
		Raymond Sherold “Trey” Salmon III , Licensed Funeral Director/ Embalmer treysalmon@goodshepherdfh.net who graduated Feb.25 Summa Cum Laude from Gupton- Jones College of Mortuary Science, Atlanta has completed the required apprenticeship training and last week became a Georgia licensed funeral director and embalmer. He is the son of Raymond Sherold (Ramey) Salmon,Jr. and Carol Summerville Salmon and the grandson of Raymond Sherold, Sr. and Jean Lovett Salmon. He also received the Academic Achievement Award for maintaining an “A” average throughout his college career. Trey is a 2006 graduate of Model High School. Each year at Gupton-Jones, he served as Chaplain and was a member of the honor fraternity Pi Sigma Eta. Prior to completing his apprenticeship, Trey successfully passed the National Funeral Service Board examination and the Georgia Funeral Service Board examination. He began his funeral service career in August 2008 at Good Shepherd Funeral Home with Parnick Jennings, Sr. serving as his apprenticeship mentor.
		Wayne Allison, Manager/Assistant Funeral Director wayneallison@goodshepherdfh.net Wayne came to us in March 2008. While rather new to his position as funeral assistant, he is a remarkable asset to us, and to the families we serve. He is very compassionate, respectful and caring. Willing to serve when called upon, he feels his duties as funeral assistant is a ministry to the people he serves and is thankful to be a part of the staff at Parnick Jennings, Sr.’s Good Shepherd Funeral Home. Wayne is a native of Blacksburg, South Carolina, now calls Rome his home - in fact, he’s Parnick Jennings next-door neighbor. Retired from Burlington Industries, Galey and Lord, Shannon, Georgia in 2001 as weaving department manager. He was employed by Burlington for 35 years. Prior to moving to Rome, Georgia in 1986, he was preventive maintenance manager at plants in Waco and Sherman Texas, Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, Durham and Asheville North Carolina and also worked as a consultant in textile plants in the U. S. and Mexico during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. He attended numerous management seminars throughout his career. Wayne is an ordained deacon and has always been very active in church work. He has had many positions at the different churches he has been affiliated with. He is presently a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church Rome, Georgia. Happily married to the former Marilyn Gammon, they enjoy antiquing and auto racing. Together he and Marilyn have four daughters, one son, eight grandsons and one granddaughter.
		Evelyn Montgomery , Receptionist/ Secretary evelynmontgomery@goodshepherdfh.net Evelyn came to us in 2008, and is an important part of the firm. Serving as receptionist and secretary, Evelyn is often the first person to speak with client families when they call or drop by. She is a graduate of the Johnson High School, class of 1958, and also a graduate of the Coosa Valley Technical College. Evelyn fits right in; she’s another great “people person,” and enjoys sitting down with people to speak at the heart-level, and ease the burden of someone’s loss. She’s married to William Montgomery. Together they have 2 children, 1 grandchild, and 2 step-grandchildren. They live in Cave Springs, on a beautiful farm. Evelyn loves to collect antiques, cook, garden, and being around people.
		Rev. Bobby R. Stephens, Chaplain / Assistant Funeral Director bobbystephens@goodshepherdfh.net Bobby brings a deep dedication to his work. “It’s an honor to minister to those in sorrow.” At the age of 19 forward he pastured the following churches, Bethel Baptist, Fairview Baptist, Rehoboth Baptist, Antioch Baptist, Beech Creek United Methodist Church, and currently serving the Plainville Independent Methodist Church and the Mountain Springs Church on the Berry College Campus. He graduated from the Model High School, Reinhardt College and Mercer Extension Center. Bobby worked at the G.E. Plant from 1955-1993, as a quality control final inspector. He’s married to Kay Floyd, and together they raised two children. Now they enjoy spending time with their 3 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
		Joseph Edward Rickman, Sr. “Joe”, Assistant Funeral Director joerickman@goodshepherdfh.net Joseph joined the Jennings “family” in November 2008, and serves families as a funeral assistant. Educational Background: Graduated East Rome High School, 1961, where he was very active in athletics. Graduated from Floyd College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 1977. Joe is a native son of Rome and is actively involved in many activities of Floyd County. He responds with willingness to serve, whenever he’s called upon. He feels Good Shepherd is a ministry to the people and he is proud to be a part of this dedicated service. A veteran of the US Army, Joe served 3 years as assistant operations sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 1964. He retired from General Electric after 32 years of service, and has also worked part-time for Floyd County as a security officer at the Floyd County Courthouse. Joe has been a member of Second Ave Baptist Church since 1972, and a deacon since 1976. The many ways he’s served the church community are too numerous to list; we need to say only that he is tireless in his commitment. On a more recreational level, Joe has served as a local football official for 13 years and a baseball umpire for 23 years. He’s active every year in American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Joe is married to Joy Gammon, and has been for 48 years. They have 2 sons, and they have 5 grandchildren.
		Ray Trussell, Pre-Need Insurance Advisor raytrussell@goodshepherdfh.net Ray brings 46 years of experience in the insurance field to his position as our Pre-Need Insurance Advisor. He’s been with Good Shepherd for 1 year, and considers his work here very important. “Each family needs and desires are personal, and always treated in a confidential manner.” He serves as deacon in the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church and enjoys the opportunity to spend time with children of the church as a substitute Sunday school Teacher. Ray is married to Betty Joyce Dobbs Trussell. They raised 3 children, and now enjoy the company of their 9 grandchildren whenever possible.
		Rev. John Vines, Assistant Chaplain / Assistant Funeral Director johnvines@goodshepherdfh.net Rev.John Vines is a native of Haralson County, but since being ordained in 1992 has pastored churches in Polk County. Currently, he pastors Truth and Life Ministries at the Floyd- Polk County line and lives in Cedartown. John began his funeral service career with Henderson & Sons in Lindale and came with Good Shepherd in July of 2009. He serves as assistant chaplain and assistant funeral director being of great comfort to grieving families.
		Joel Pearson, Assistant Funeral Director Joel was reared in Floyd County, graduated from Coosa High School, David Rankin Technical College and worked at Lockheed-Marietta, Cobb County, 30 years retiring in 1993 as Managaer of the Machine Shop. Prior to joining the Good Shepherd Staff in 2009, he worked at Heritage Chapel 15 years. Joel is a member and Past Master of Cherokee Lodge #66 F & A&M, is a Shiner, member and deacon of Riverside Baptist Church and served in the US Marine Corp during the Korean War. He has been married to the former Juanita Anthony since 1955, has two sons, Michael and David, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Joel know the heartache of losing children, Tabathia at age 16 and Charles at 36, which enables him to compassionately serve parents experiencing a loss.
		Chris Boswell, Assistant Funeral Director
		Parnick Spencer Musick, Assistant Funeral Director parnicksmusick@gmail.com My wife and I are privileged to welcome to the Staff of Good Shepherd our third grandchild, Parnick Spencer Musick, son of Jan Jennings Musick and Clyde A. Musick, owners of Cave Spring Pharmacy. Spencer is a graduate of Berry Elementary School, the Webb School, Bell Buckle, TN, and of Guilford College, Greensboro, NC. An active communicant of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Rome, he was previously a lay leader at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Shelbyville, TN while at Webb and at St. Mary’s House campus ministry in Greensboro while at Guilford. This fall, Spencer will attend Central European University in Budapest, Hungary for a Master’s degree in Modern European History on a full academic scholarship. Over the summer, he is working apprentice embalmer-funeral director with Good Shepard and is the fourth generation of the Jennings family to serve Rome and Floyd County families since 1931 in their hour of grief
		Howard Mathis, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer howardmathis@goodshepherdfh.net I'm Glad To Be Home Howard Mathis Where is home ? With my mentor, Parnick Jennings, Sr. My father died when I was nine years old. I had a deep seated feeling after that to be a funeral director someday. I graduated from Pepperell High School in 1974 and attended Troy State University where I was a member of the Sound of the South Marching Band and the Sigma Chi Fraternity. There were no funeral home openings at the time, so I went to work at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital as a Property and Supply Supervisor. In 1985, I heard Parnick Sr., who owned Jennings Heritage Chapel and Jennings West Oak Chapel, was seeking an apprentice funeral director-embalmer. I made an appointment with him to apply for the opening and he hired me that day. I served my apprenticeship directly under Parnick Sr,, graduated from Gupton – Jones College of Funeral Service in 1987 and became a Georgia licensed funeral director and embalmer. When Parnick Sr. went back in business March 12, 2008 as Good Shepherd Funeral Home, I knew someday we would be re- united. After 38 months, families throughout Floyd and Bartow Counties in Georgia and Cherokee County Alabama have made Good Shepherd the leading funeral home in Rome and Parnick Sr. needed a fourth licensed director. I answered the call and now “am back at home”. I’ve never been as free to minister to grieving families with Christian compassion, serving each family at their point of need emotionally and financially. I can tell you from experience that Good Shepherd’s prices are up to $4000.00 less than other Rome funeral homes and Parnick Sr. has an “open door policy” . This policy allows us to be certain that each family is served equally with dignity and compassion. I am also thrilled to be working again with Bobby Don Rogers, who I regard as a brother. My wife Jane and I have a daughter Laura, who is an early childhood education major at Georgia Highlands College. We are residents of the Armuchee Community and active members of Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church. In my time away from the funeral home I am active with the Myrtle Hill – Oak Hill Cemetery Committee where I portray characters during the Annual Myrtle Hill Cemetery Tours and the Rome Christmas Parade Committee.