History & Staff

Mrs. Laina L. Hicks General Manager

Laina Hicks began her cemetery and funeral home career in 1971. She soon realized she had a love for helping families in the cemetery and funeral home industry and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Throughout the years, Laina has spread her knowledge and expertise of funeral homes and cemeteries throughout the United States. As an Independent Consultant, she strived to make each a thriving success and built some from the ground up.

After consulting with Abbey Funeral Home and Tallahassee Memory Gardens for a few years, in 2007, she decided to accept the General Manager Position. Since arriving in Tallahassee, Laina has put her heart into making the funeral home and cemetery something everyone can be proud of.

She continues to make her mark in Tallahassee by not only upgrading and improving the facilities and grounds, but by simultaneously uplifting anyone she meets with her positive attitude and caring spirit.

Laina’s extraordinary vision for the future, along with her amazing ability to make it happen, has absolutely made Abbey Funeral Home and Tallahassee Memory Gardens a place you will never forget.

Mr. Rocky L. Ezell CFSP/MBIE/Licensed Funeral Director in Charge/Licensed Embalmer

Rocky L. Ezell was born and raised in Thomasville, Georgia. He graduated from Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Georgia, with an Associate of Science in Funeral Service. In addition to being a dual licensed funeral director and embalmer in both Florida and Georgia, he is also the Senior Licensed Funeral Director in Charge at Abbey Funeral Home and Tallahassee Memory Gardens.

Rocky is a member of the Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, the Independent Funeral Directors of Georgia, the American Society of Embalmers and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He is also a member of the British Institute of Embalmers, North American Division.

He has been serving families, in all areas of funeral service, since 1998. With his move to Tallahassee, Rocky brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience in funeral service, along with a kind and caring spirit to share with each of the families he has the opportunity and privilege to serve.

Ms. Kimberly Ross Community Relations / Family Services

In addition to being our Community Relations and Family Services Coordinator, Kimberly is also the Cemetery Supervisor for Tallahassee Memory Gardens. She has 19 years of funeral industry experience and is an active member of the American Legion, Saul-Bridges Post #13 Auxiliary. Kimberly is very active in supporting our veterans and active military with Operation Valentine, Sweaters for Veterans, and Stockings for Soldiers. Each of these collect cards, clothes, and gifts for veterans which are given to local veterans or sent to our soldiers overseas on active duty.

Mr. John Osborn Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

John hails from Louisville, Kentucky, and has made Florida his home for over 30 years. In 2013, John retired from Culley’s Funeral Home and brought his wealth of experience to the Abbey Funeral Home team. A faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, he is also a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus. After serving family for over 40 years, John retired on March 8, 2019 and returned to his hometown of Louisville.

Mr. James (Jim) Cole Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

James has over 40 years of experience in the funeral industry. After having spent a number of years with Culley’s Funeral Home, James is happy to be part of the “family friendly” atmosphere at Abbey Funeral Home.

Mr. Troy Brewer Staff Associate

Troy is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired from the Federal Correction Institute. He is a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.

Mr. Earl Easter Staff Associate

Earl has served in the U.S. Air Force as a Captain, retired after 30 years of managing restaurants, and is an elder at Christ Presbyterian Church and a member of the VFW.

Mrs. Belinda McClellan Associate

Belinda, a Registered Nurse, has been an Associate with Abbey Funeral Home since 2014. She assists with visitations, funeral services and also helps coordinates the receptions that families often choose to have following a ceremony. A devoted member of United Church in Tallahassee, she is also in the Funeral Service Education Program, on her way to become a Licensed Funeral Director.

Ms. Janet Temkin Associate

Ms. Elizabeth Anne Bodiford Asspciate

Mrs. Wanda Waugh Pierce Associate

Mrs. Cindy Barineau Staff Associate

Cindy retired from the State of Florida and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after 30 years of service. She is a member of Seminole Baptist Church.

Mr. David Twomey Associate

Mr. Parker Boyd Cemetery and Grounds Maintenance