History & Staff

C. Terry Pendley, Owner - Funeral Director

Terry grew up in Powder Springs and has called Cobb County home all his life. After graduating from McEachern High School and Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service, he has served as a licensed professional in the funeral profession for over 43 years. Terry also serves his community by being a member of Marietta Rotary, Springville Masonic Lodge, Marietta Lions Club, Wellstar Foundation Board and Wellstar Hospice Board. He is married to Darlene and they are active members of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church and raised three sons, Jason, Chad and Shane. Proud grandparents of three, Terry enjoys spending time with the family as well as working with them at the funeral home. In his spare time, Terry can be found on the golf course or standing behind a grill making dinner for family and friends. As owner of the funeral home, Terry brings expertise to all matters involving the day to day operations as well as planning for the future. His kindness and regard for the families he serves is shown by the positive comments received from them and the continued support by the community.

T. Jason Pendley, Funeral Director

Jason, a licensed professional, resides in the hometown he grew up in, Powder Springs, Ga. After graduating from McEachern High School, he attended Kennesaw State before graduating from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service. While at Gupton Jones, he was a member of the academic honorary fraternity, Pi Sigma Eta and also received the Bill Pierce Award for exemplary service in the Funeral profession. Jason and his family attend Burnt Hickory Baptist Church where he assists in worship by playing in the praise band. He also works with youth, in praise and worship as a mentor in the field of music. Married to Summer, they have two children in which he loves spending quality time with the family. Besides music and family, Jason is a creative photographer. When caring for families, Jason is sensitive, knowledgeable, and compassionate.

Email: Jason@mayeswarddobbins.com

J. Chad Pendley, Funeral Director/Embalmer

Chad is a licensed professional and is a native of Cobb County, growing up in Powder Springs and currently living in Dallas Ga. After graduating from McEachern High School Chad attended Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service and graduated as a Master Artist of the Pi Sigma Eta Honorary Mortician Fraternety. He was the recipient of the Bill Pierce award and Daniel E. Buchanan award, recognizing him as a leader in the funeral profession. A member of different organizations in his profession, Chad also participates in monthly activities promoting the funeral home and networking with other professionals in the area. He is a life long member of McEachern United Methodist Church where he is married to Kristin. A proud father, Chad enjoys the time he gets to spend with his family. Chad is an avid hunter and a true outdoorsman. He has a gift of developing a warm, helpful, and strong relationship with the families he serves and is a valuable source of knowledge at Mayes Ward-Dobbins.

Email: Chad@mayeswarddobbins.com

Shane Pendley, Funeral Assistant

Shane is a licensed apprentice and newest addition to our staff. He grew up in Powder Springs and continued the family tradtion of graduating from McEachern High School. He attended Kennesaw State University where he studied communication. After serving his apprenticship, Shane plans to attend Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service to become a Funeral Director. He is recently married to Laura and they enjoy being together with their pet dog, Marlow. Shane has a passion of music and playing the drums.

Darlene Pendley, Office Director

Darlene is from Powder Springs and graduated from McEachern High School.
She is retired from Little and Smith Insurance. Darlene serves the community as a member of the North Cobb Rotary Club, Wellstar Foundation’s in Philanthropy, and serving on the Board of Directors at The Extension. Married to Terry, they are active members of the McEachern Memorial Methodist Church. They have three sons and three grandchildren. Bridge and entertaining are favorite activities along with being with her family.

Tandy Pendley, Funeral Assistant

Tandy is a Cobb County native grew up in Powder Springs and lives there today. A graduate of McEachern High School, he attended Jacksonville State and continued pursuing a degree in Business at Kennesaw State University. Tandy is married to Margaret and he has one daughter and enjoys the time spent with her, including playing in the orchestra together at Macland Baptist Church. Tandy is a member of the Marietta Kiwanis Club and McEachern Memorial Methodist Church. Hobbies include photography, grilling outdoors and entertaining friends and family. Tandy is always available to meet and exceed expectations around the funeral home.

Lamar Newton, Office Manager

Lamar was born in Marietta but found his home in Powder Springs and graduated from McEachern High School. After working in the dental supply business for over 10 years, he began his career at Mayes Ward-Dobbins in 1997. Lamar is married to Vicki and they have one daughter and one grandchild. He has a passion for music and has served as pianist and organist for several churches for the past 45 years. Lamar has also traveled professional with southern gospel singing groups and has performed across the south. He will greet funeral home visitors with a warm smile and friendly disposition.

Steve Duncan, Funeral Director

Steve grew up in Cobb County and has lived in the Smyrna area most of his life.
After graduating from Wills High School, Steve continued his education at Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service and has been a licensed director at Mayes Ward-Dobbins for over 20 years. Steve is involved with the Miss Cobb County Pageant where he is the Judges Chairman and also assist with scholarship fundraising. Additionally, he is involved with fund raising for the Children’s Miracle Network. He is an active member of the Floyd Road Baptist Church. Steve enjoys spending time with his family and extends warmth and builds a trusting relationship with the families he serves at the funeral home.

James Southerland, Funeral Director

James is a Cobb County resident and lives in Marietta where his family has been for several generations. A graduate of Marietta High School, he attended Kennesaw State University before graduating from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service. Before his 39 years in the funeral industry, James proudly served his country in the Georgia Air National Guard. He has served on many community service boards and is currently a member of Cobb Landmarks Society, Marietta Development Authority and Marietta Kiwanis Club. He is married to Mary Ansley and they have two children and they attend First Presbyterian Church Marietta. James is a history buff and enjoys genealogy, particularly concerning family and his Marietta roots. He brings to the families he serves a valuable history of tradition, a knowledgeable experience and a warmth of good friendship.

Cecil Anderson, Funeral Director/Embalmer

Cecil is a native of Pickens County and graduated from Cherokee High School before becoming a resident of Cobb County where he as live thirty eight years. He is a graduate of Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service and has over forty three years of experience in the funeral business. Cecil owned Atlanta Mortuary Service before joining Mayes Ward-Dobbins. He is married to Pamela and they are parents to two sons and four grandchildren. They attend Marietta Alliance Church. In his off time, Cecil loves to spend weekends in Blue Ridge, fishing and being outdoors. He and Pamela hope to retire in the mountains. Knowledge and experience are key assets that Cecil provides the families he serves at Mayes Ward- Dobbins.

Greg Briscoe, Funeral Director

Greg is a Cobb County native, growing up in the city of Marietta and graduated from Marietta High School. Earning a degree in Psychology from Presbyterian Collage he went to work for Delta Air Lines and continued there for 27 years. After an early retirement from Delta, Greg joined Mayes Ward-Dobbins in 2008 and subsequently returned to school and graduated from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service and is currently our newest licensed professional. Local community involvement includes membership in the Marietta Kiwanis Club, working with the Juvenile Drug Court and MUST Ministries. A member of First United Methodist Church, Greg sings in the adult choir. He is married to Cheryl, they have a son and have recently welcomed a grandson into the family. He enjoys travel, cooking and entertaining at home with Cheryl. Greg’s care and service to families in a time of need is an asset to Mayes Ward-Dobbins staff.

Luann Spearing, Funeral Director / Record Keeper

Luann was born and raised in Nebraska before moving to Georgia in 1988. After graduating from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service, she joined Mayes Ward-Dobbins in 1990, and is a licensed professional. She is a member of the Episcopal Church of Ascension in Cartersville GA and has been involved in many facets of her church. Married to John, they have two sons and two granddaughters. Luann is passionate about trees and recycling. She loves to cook, travel and tend to her herb garden. Luann’s compassion, attention to detail and dedication to every task given proves to be a valuable resource at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home.

Rev Richard Rollins, Funeral Assistant

Richard was born and raised in Powder Springs and now resides in Dallas GA. A graduate of McEachern High School, he entered the construction business followed by a twenty five year period as a Baptist pastor. He now attends Macland baptist church. He joined the staff at Mayes Ward-Dobbins in 2006. Richard is married to Linda and they have three children and nine grandchildren. When Richard is not working, he enjoys attending sport and music activities that the grandchildren participate in. Richard’s personality makes visiting at the funeral home a genuine experience for all who come in.

Richard Doss, Funeral Assistant

Richard is a Powder Springs native and a resident of the Lost Mountain community in West Cobb, graduating from McEachern High School. Retiring as an executive in the flooring industry, Richard joined Mayes Ward-Dobbins in 2008 and is a licensed apprentice. He is married to Jan, they have three children and five grandchildren . Richard is a member of Macland Baptist Church where he serves a deacon and trustee of the church. Golf is a avid pastime for Richard as well as being a gentleman farmer. His warmth and friendliness is felt in his presence at the funeral home.

Rev Ted McClung, Funeral Assistant

Ted is a Powder Springs native, graduating from South Cobb High School. After serving our country in the US Air Force, Ted became the training Chief and Chaplin of the Cobb County Fire Department. Additionally, he was a Baptist preacher and has since retired from the county and ministry. He is married to Vickie and they have three boys, and ten grandchildren. Family is very important in Ted’s life and when he has time, southern gospel music is one of his favorite pastimes. Ted offers to all a kind word and helpful attitude.

Tim McClung, Funeral Assistant

Started in the funeral business in 2006 while still serving as a Captain for Cartersville Fire Department. Member of West Ridge Church in Dallas, Ga. Married to Shelly McClung.

Mike Rich, Funeral Assistant

Mike is a native of Atlanta and graduated from Cross Keys High School. He continued his education at UGA and there played football, joined Lamda Chi Alpha, and was a member of the Phi Beta Lamda business fraternity. Mike has lived in Marietta for 35 years and is married to Pat. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. He was in the car business for 34 years. Mike is a member of North Metro Church where he serves a the director of Stephen Ministries. He is compasionate and willing assist our families.

Rev Johnny Foster, Funeral Assistant

Johnny was born in Cobb County and his lived in both East and West Cobb. He currently resides in the City of Marietta. Johnny graduated from Wheeler High School, Kennesaw Jr College, Antioch Bible College, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served over thirty years as a pastor before joining Mayes Ward-Dobbins. Married to Judy, they have two sons, two grandchildren and one more on the way. Johnny is an avid baseball fan and enjoys southern gospel music. He is the music coordinator at Eastwood Baptist Church where is also a member. Johnny offers a kind and encouraging word to all who enter the funeral home.

Reid Brown, Funeral Assistant

Reid is retired from Marietta School system last serving as Principal of West Side Elementary. He is a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Marietta and Member of the Marietta-Lost Mountain Golden K Kiwanis Club. Reid serves on the Board of Directors of Marietta Schools Foundation, Advisory Board of Cobb Senior Services and Supervisory Committee of Credit Union of Georgia. Married to Annette Brown.

Susan Smith, Administrative Assistant

Susan was born in Gastonia NC and graduated from Hunter Huss High School. She moved to Cobb County in 1993 and loves calling Powder Springs home. Susan is married to Bob and they have two children; three grandchildren and one on the way. She and Bob are members of Macland Baptist Church. Being around family is important to Susan and she enjoys all the time she has with her children and grandchildren. Susan is helpful and courteous in her duties.

Sarah Driskell, Administrative Assistant

Dianna Bradley, Administrative Assistant

Christi Vanderhoof, Administrative Assistant

Emil Sutton, Preneed

Jill Turner, Community Director/Pre-Need

Nelson Foster, Pre-Need Family Counselor

Don Griffin

Jimmy Turner

Jerry Roddy, Maintenence