Meet Our Caring Staff
Meet our team, proud members of the local community who are honored to serve you
Bland Mathews Jr.
Manager
Charlie “Bland” Mathews Jr., son of Charle and Susan Mathews, is a native of Statesboro. He was a 2005 graduate of Bulloch Academy, then attended Auburn University where he graduated in 2010 with a degree in Business Administration, and later graduated from Ogeechee Technical College in 2012 having completed the Funeral Service program. Bland is married to Jessica Mathews who is an RN and they have two children, a son Tripp and daughter Perry. Bland began working with Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in late 2010 and in November 2012, became a partner in the business. Bland is a member of Rotary Club of Statesboro, The Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, Georgia Funeral Directors Association, the Bulloch Bowmen Hunting Club, and First Baptist Church Statesboro.
Bland Mathews Jr.
Manager
Charlie “Bland” Mathews Jr., son of Charle and Susan Mathews, is a native of Statesboro. He was a 2005 graduate of Bulloch Academy, then attended Auburn University where he graduated in 2010 with a degree in Business Administration, and later graduated from Ogeechee Technical College in 2012 having completed the Funeral Service program. Bland is married to Jessica Mathews who is an RN and they have two children, a son Tripp and daughter Perry. Bland began working with Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in late 2010 and in November 2012, became a partner in the business. Bland is a member of Rotary Club of Statesboro, The Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, Georgia Funeral Directors Association, the Bulloch Bowmen Hunting Club, and First Baptist Church Statesboro.
Michele Rupar-Smith
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Michele Rupar-Smith is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with over 20 years of experience in the funeral service profession. She is also a certified grief counselor through the American Academy of Grief Counseling. With a deep passion for guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments, Michele brings both compassion and expertise to her work.
She holds a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Cultural Diversity. Michele is a well-recognized motivational speaker on topics related to death, dying, and critical illness, frequently presenting at professional conferences, community forums, and educational institutions.
In addition to her work in the field, Michele serves as the Lead Instructor and Department Chair for the Funeral Service Education Program at Ogeechee Technical College, where she is committed to training the next generation of funeral service professionals.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Michele is a devoted wife, the proud mother of four children, and a loving grandmother to ten grandchildren.
Michele Rupar-Smith
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Michele Rupar-Smith is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with over 20 years of experience in the funeral service profession. She is also a certified grief counselor through the American Academy of Grief Counseling. With a deep passion for guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments, Michele brings both compassion and expertise to her work.
She holds a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Cultural Diversity. Michele is a well-recognized motivational speaker on topics related to death, dying, and critical illness, frequently presenting at professional conferences, community forums, and educational institutions.
In addition to her work in the field, Michele serves as the Lead Instructor and Department Chair for the Funeral Service Education Program at Ogeechee Technical College, where she is committed to training the next generation of funeral service professionals.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Michele is a devoted wife, the proud mother of four children, and a loving grandmother to ten grandchildren.
Kay Strickland
Funeral Assistant
Kay G. Strickland was born and raised in Screven County and attended Screven County High School. She is an active member of the McDonald Baptist Church where she has been a member for many years. Kay is the widow of James M. Strickland, who was an owner and manager of Thompson Strickland Waters Funeral Home for many years and was later the manager for 37 years. Their daughter, Kristan S. Smoak passed away in 2015. Kristan gave Kay two grandsons to spoil, Kameron M. and Tanner K. Smoak. Kay has worked part-time in the funeral home for 37 years. She is honored to assist in serving the families of Screven and the surrounding counties.
Kay Strickland
Funeral Assistant
Kay G. Strickland was born and raised in Screven County and attended Screven County High School. She is an active member of the McDonald Baptist Church where she has been a member for many years. Kay is the widow of James M. Strickland, who was an owner and manager of Thompson Strickland Waters Funeral Home for many years and was later the manager for 37 years. Their daughter, Kristan S. Smoak passed away in 2015. Kristan gave Kay two grandsons to spoil, Kameron M. and Tanner K. Smoak. Kay has worked part-time in the funeral home for 37 years. She is honored to assist in serving the families of Screven and the surrounding counties.
Ed Thompson
Funeral Director
Ed Thompson, a native and lifelong resident of Screven County, is the son of Leo E. Thompson, Sr. and Catherine Tebeau Thompson.
A 1970 graduate of Screven County High School, he received an Associates Degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton in 1972 and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Georgia Southern College in 1975. He then attended Gupton-Jones School of Mortuary Science in Jonesboro and graduated with honors in 1977. He was licensed by the State of Georgia as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1978.
He returned to Sylvania and joined his father’s business, Thompson Funeral Home, which was established in 1922 by his great-uncle, Randolph H. “Bill” Thompson, and had been under the ownership of his father since 1955.
After Leo Thompson died in 1980, Ed assumed ownership and continued operating Thompson Funeral Home. His employees at that time included James M. Strickland and W. Ronnie Waters. Mr. Strickland and Mr. Waters left in 1981 and opened Strickland-Waters Funeral Home, purchased from Terry C. Massey Funeral Home.
Thompson Funeral Home and Strickland-Waters Funeral Home continued to operate separately until October 1992 when the owners of both sold to Loewen Corporation, a corporate giant based in Canada. The businesses were combined and Thompson-Strickland-Waters was established. All continued full-time in the business until in 2006 when Ed began to work part-time as a consultant. The corporation had by that time been sold twice more and was owned by Service International Corporation with headquarters in Texas. In 2008 Ed made the decision to give his support to Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and became one of the owners of Joiner-Anderson Screven Chapel, which opened in December 2008.
In the community, Ed has been a member of the Sylvania Lions Club since 1977, has chaired the local chapter of the American Heart Association Bloodmobile and continues to help with publicity, and has chaired the local American Cancer Fund drive for many years. He is a member of United Way of Screven County where he has served in many capacities, and is a past president of the Screven County Chamber of Commerce. He is currently serving as a mentor for a student at Screven County Elementary School.
Ed and his wife, Lee, live on North Main Street in Sylvania.
Ed Thompson
Funeral Director
Ed Thompson, a native and lifelong resident of Screven County, is the son of Leo E. Thompson, Sr. and Catherine Tebeau Thompson.
A 1970 graduate of Screven County High School, he received an Associates Degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton in 1972 and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Georgia Southern College in 1975. He then attended Gupton-Jones School of Mortuary Science in Jonesboro and graduated with honors in 1977. He was licensed by the State of Georgia as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1978.
He returned to Sylvania and joined his father’s business, Thompson Funeral Home, which was established in 1922 by his great-uncle, Randolph H. “Bill” Thompson, and had been under the ownership of his father since 1955.
After Leo Thompson died in 1980, Ed assumed ownership and continued operating Thompson Funeral Home. His employees at that time included James M. Strickland and W. Ronnie Waters. Mr. Strickland and Mr. Waters left in 1981 and opened Strickland-Waters Funeral Home, purchased from Terry C. Massey Funeral Home.
Thompson Funeral Home and Strickland-Waters Funeral Home continued to operate separately until October 1992 when the owners of both sold to Loewen Corporation, a corporate giant based in Canada. The businesses were combined and Thompson-Strickland-Waters was established. All continued full-time in the business until in 2006 when Ed began to work part-time as a consultant. The corporation had by that time been sold twice more and was owned by Service International Corporation with headquarters in Texas. In 2008 Ed made the decision to give his support to Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and became one of the owners of Joiner-Anderson Screven Chapel, which opened in December 2008.
In the community, Ed has been a member of the Sylvania Lions Club since 1977, has chaired the local chapter of the American Heart Association Bloodmobile and continues to help with publicity, and has chaired the local American Cancer Fund drive for many years. He is a member of United Way of Screven County where he has served in many capacities, and is a past president of the Screven County Chamber of Commerce. He is currently serving as a mentor for a student at Screven County Elementary School.
Ed and his wife, Lee, live on North Main Street in Sylvania.
Breeanna Daughtry
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Breeanna M. Daughtry is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, dedicated to serving families with compassion, dignity, and professionalism. A 2024 graduate of the Mortuary Science program at Ogeechee Technical College, Breeanna combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to providing respectful and personalized end-of-life care.
With a strong foundation in funeral service education, Breeanna is skilled in all aspects of funeral directing and embalming, including restorative art, grief support, and regulatory compliance. She brings empathy and attention to detail to every service, ensuring that each family’s wishes are honored and their loved ones remembered with grace.
Known for her calm presence and integrity, Breeanna is passionate about helping others navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. As she continues to grow in the profession, she remains committed to lifelong learning and excellence in funeral service.
Breeanna Daughtry
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Breeanna M. Daughtry is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, dedicated to serving families with compassion, dignity, and professionalism. A 2024 graduate of the Mortuary Science program at Ogeechee Technical College, Breeanna combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to providing respectful and personalized end-of-life care.
With a strong foundation in funeral service education, Breeanna is skilled in all aspects of funeral directing and embalming, including restorative art, grief support, and regulatory compliance. She brings empathy and attention to detail to every service, ensuring that each family’s wishes are honored and their loved ones remembered with grace.
Known for her calm presence and integrity, Breeanna is passionate about helping others navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. As she continues to grow in the profession, she remains committed to lifelong learning and excellence in funeral service.
Jonah Rackley
Funeral Apprentice
Jonah Rackley has lived in Screven County since 2009. He is a graduate of Screven County High School. He is married to his lovely wife, Elizabeth Wright Rackley. He is the son of Charles Kemball Rackley and Diane Rackley and the grandson of Charles Richard Rackley and Carole Hunt Rackley. Jonah is a member of McDonald Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Sylvania. He is currently enrolled at Ogeechee Technical College in the Mortuary Science program. He is honored to serve the families of Screven County.
Jonah Rackley
Funeral Apprentice
Jonah Rackley has lived in Screven County since 2009. He is a graduate of Screven County High School. He is married to his lovely wife, Elizabeth Wright Rackley. He is the son of Charles Kemball Rackley and Diane Rackley and the grandson of Charles Richard Rackley and Carole Hunt Rackley. Jonah is a member of McDonald Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Sylvania. He is currently enrolled at Ogeechee Technical College in the Mortuary Science program. He is honored to serve the families of Screven County.
Mark Yocoo
Family Service Advisor
Mark Yocco has worked in funeral service for 24 years helping people make funeral arrangements, pre-arrangements, and caring for families after they have experienced the loss of a loved one. He began working with James Strickland and Ronnie Waters in 2000, helping with funeral services and funeral pre-arrangements. Mark believes that serving people in their most difficult hour is living the gospel and serving the Lord by serving His families. He enjoys spending time with his children, grandchildren, and time in the kitchen cooking.
Mark Yocoo
Family Service Advisor
Mark Yocco has worked in funeral service for 24 years helping people make funeral arrangements, pre-arrangements, and caring for families after they have experienced the loss of a loved one. He began working with James Strickland and Ronnie Waters in 2000, helping with funeral services and funeral pre-arrangements. Mark believes that serving people in their most difficult hour is living the gospel and serving the Lord by serving His families. He enjoys spending time with his children, grandchildren, and time in the kitchen cooking.
In Loving Memory of James Max Strickland
April 11, 1949 - September 26, 2022
Since the 1980s James Strickland helped families in the Sylvania and Screven County communities with compassion and an understanding manner during the worst time in their lives: the passing of a loved one. Born and reared in Royston, Georgia, James graduated with honors from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta and was certain that the main goal of a funeral service provider was to offer only the best service, sympathy, and respect for people who need a funeral director.
James devoted many years to the funeral profession and was a Rotarian, a Gideon, a deacon and song leader in his church, McDonald Baptist Church, and the coroner of Screven County for nearly 30 years.
In Loving Memory of James Max Strickland
April 11, 1949 - September 26, 2022
Since the 1980s James Strickland helped families in the Sylvania and Screven County communities with compassion and an understanding manner during the worst time in their lives: the passing of a loved one. Born and reared in Royston, Georgia, James graduated with honors from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta and was certain that the main goal of a funeral service provider was to offer only the best service, sympathy, and respect for people who need a funeral director.
James devoted many years to the funeral profession and was a Rotarian, a Gideon, a deacon and song leader in his church, McDonald Baptist Church, and the coroner of Screven County for nearly 30 years.
In Loving Memory of William R. Waters
December 23, 1943 - January 20, 2023
Since the 1960s, William "Ronnie" Waters has been associated with the funeral business and helping families with the loss of their loved ones. He dedicated his life to serving grieving families with care, honor, and sympathy.
Ronnie attended certificate courses in management and supervision at Georgia Southern University. He served on the Screven County School Board for 13 years and was deputy coroner for 24 years.
In Loving Memory of William R. Waters
December 23, 1943 - January 20, 2023
Since the 1960s, William "Ronnie" Waters has been associated with the funeral business and helping families with the loss of their loved ones. He dedicated his life to serving grieving families with care, honor, and sympathy.
Ronnie attended certificate courses in management and supervision at Georgia Southern University. He served on the Screven County School Board for 13 years and was deputy coroner for 24 years.
