History & Team

C. Terry & Darlene Pendley Owners

Terry and Darlene are from Powder Springs and McEachern High School graduates.

Terry graduated from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service and has served as a licensed professional in the funeral profession for over 43 years. Terry serves his community by being a member of the Marietta Rotary, Springville Masonic Lodge, Marietta Lions Club, WellStar Foundation Board, WellStar Hospice Board, and Chairman of the McEachern Trust Board for McEachern High School. Terry is past President of Marietta Country Club. 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.

Darlene retired from Little and Smith Insurance and served the community as a member of the North Cobb Rotary Club, WellStar Foundation’s in Philanthropy, and served on the Board of Directors at The Extension. She currently enjoys playing Bridge and spending time with her grandchildren.

Terry and Darlene have three sons: Jason, Chad, and Shane and are proud grandparents to four. They are active members of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church in Powder Springs. Terry and Darlene enjoy entertaining, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

T. Jason Pendley Team Leader at Macland Chapel/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Jason, a licensed professional and manager of Macland Chapel in Powder Springs, resides in Dallas, Ga. A 1996 graduate of McEachern High School, he also attended Kennesaw State University before graduating from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in 2005. While at Gupton Jones, he was a member of the academic honorary fraternity, Pi Sigma Eta and also voted by his peers to receive the Bill Pierce Award, for his exemplary service in the Funeral profession. Jason currently serves as President of the West Cobb Business Association and a member of the Paulding County Rotary Club. Jason enjoys leading worship and working with youth. Jason has two children in which he loves spending quality time with. Besides music and family, Jason is a creative photographer and has a passion for cooking and entertaining. When caring for families, Jason is sensitive, knowledgeable, personal and compassionate.

Email: [email protected]

J. Chad Pendley Team Leader at Historic Marietta Chapel, Funeral Director/Embalmer

Chad is a licensed professional and is a native of Cobb County, growing up in Powder Springs and currently living in Marietta 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 Fraternity. He was the recipient of the Bill Pierce award and Daniel E. Buchanan award, recognizing him as a leader in the funeral profession. Chad serves on the Board of the Marietta Metro Rotary Club and 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 member and attends Westridge Church in Dallas, Ga. He is married to Kristin and is a proud father to his daughters, Madison and Ellison; Chad enjoys the time he gets to spend with his family. 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: [email protected]

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.

Steve Duncan Funeral Director

Steve grew up in Cobb County and was a 1975 graduate of Wills High School. Steve graduated from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in 1991 and has been with Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home as a Licensed Funeral Director for nearly 30 years. He is involved with the Miss Cobb County Pageant where he is the Judges Chairman and assists with scholarship fundraising. Additionally, he is involved with fundraising for the Children's Miracle Network.

Steve is a long-time member of Floyd Road Baptist Church and he enjoys spending time with his family; including his great nephew, Carter, student at Adairsville Middle School, Emme, student at Bells Ferry Elementary, and Presley, special needs student at Bells Ferry Elementary. He is so proud of all three of them.

Steve enjoys meeting with families at Mayes Ward and building a trusting relationship.

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.

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 College, 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 became a licensed professional. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church and Marietta Kiwanis Club. Greg is married to Cheryl and they have a son and two grandchildren. Greg’s care and service to families in a time of need is an asset to Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home.

Allen Guertin Funeral Director

Allen is a licensed professional and a graduate of Osborne High School. He has lived in Cobb County for over 15 years; Marietta, specifically, for 10 years. Allen is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with his pets. He was one of the designers for the Imagine Entertainment Bodies Exhibit. Allen builds a trusting relationship with any family he serves. He brings with him almost 20 years of knowledge in the funeral industry.

Jeremy Harris Funeral Director/Embalmer

Jeremy is a graduate of North Paulding High School and is currently living in Rockmart, GA. Jeremy joined Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home as a Funeral Apprentice in early 2018, but graduated from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in October 2020. He is excited to begin his career as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with Mayes Ward-Dobbins. Jeremy is an attending member of West Ridge Church in Dallas. With his warmhearted and neighborly attitude, Jeremy will prove to be a valued part of our team.

Tylor K. Pate Funeral Director

Tylor is a graduate of Haralson County High school and is currently living in Bremen, GA. Tylor is married to his wife Jacey and together they have one son, Kasey. He graduated from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in the fall of 2022. Tylor enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with family. He is looking forward to developing in his career as a Funeral Director with Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home.

Lamar Newton Business 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.

Sarah Driskell Office Manager

Sarah grew up in Dallas, Georgia and graduated from East Paulding High School in 2007. She attended Reinhardt College in Waleska, Georgia. She became a part of the Mayes Ward-Dobbins family in 2013. Sarah has two children, Ashlynn (9) and Easton (5). She enjoys spending time with her family, baking, reading, decorating, and being outdoors any chance she gets. Sarah greets families with a warm smile and a caring heart.

Roger Moore Aftercare Coordinator

Roger has lived in Cobb County for 31 years. He is married to Sandy and they have two sons, Brandon and Brad. Roger enjoys reading, golfing, and snowmobiling in Yellowstone. Roger and Sandy have been a member of Macland Baptist Church for 12 years. Roger currently leads in the Aftercare division of the funeral home. He enjoys assisting families in their time of sorrow and letting them know we care beyond just laying their loved one to rest. Roger greets families with a smile and a genuine, caring, heart.

Gary W. Teate Pre-Need Coordinator

Gary has been a Georgia resident since 1982. He is an avid football fan and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Alabama. Gary is married to Cindy and they have 2 adult children, Sara and Patrick. Gary and Cindy are active members of McEachern United Methodist Church where they enjoy singing in the choir. Gary is a Funeral Assistant and also helps families with Pre-Need Planning.

Terry McLeod Funeral Assistant

Terry has worked as an assistant at Mayes Ward-Dobbins since October 2013 and currently leads in the Restorative Arts Division called Restore. He is a native of South Carolina and has lived in Georgia for the last 30 years. He has been married over 40 years to Kelly, who is a native of Marietta. Terry has a BA in Music Ed from Newberry College and a Masters Degree in Music from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as Worship Pastor in various churches for 33 years. He and Kelly enjoy their two grown children, Jonathan (Allison) and Anna (Adam) and love time with the five grandkids. Terry and Kelly attend Burnt Hickory Baptist Church. He enjoys time with family, studying the Bible, helping others, and listening to music, audiobooks and sermons.

Jerry Turner Funeral Assistant

Jerry is a native of Marietta and is married to Laquita. They have 2 children and 5 grandchildren who reside in the Metro Area. He is retired from the Federal Government and the Georgia Air National Guard, and has served as Worship Leader in local churches for over 30 years. He and Laquita attend Mount Paran Church in Atlanta. He currently leads the Outreach Division of Mayes Ward-Dobbins.

Ronnie White Funeral Assistant

Ronnie is a lifelong resident of Marietta. He graduated from Marietta High School in 1976 and went on to receive a B.S. in Education from Georgia Southern University and Master’s Degree from Emporia State. He retired after teaching thirty years in the Cobb County and Marietta City School Systems where he also coached Football and Baseball at Walton, Pope, Sprayberry, North Cobb and Marietta High Schools. He is a member of Marietta First Baptist and serves as a Deacon. Ronnie married his high school sweetheart, Renee, and they have 2 adult children, Bret and Kelly. Ronnie has trimmed his extracurricular activities to working to improve his golf game.

Grace Giles Funeral Apprentice

Grace grew up in Douglasville and moved to Kennesaw in 2016 to attend Kennesaw State University. She graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science. Shortly after, she attended Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science and graduated in September of 2022.Grace enjoys reading and loves spending time with her dogs. Grace is excited to begin her journey of becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer to be able to serve her community.

Don Griffin Funeral Assistant

Jimmy Turner Funeral Assistant

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.

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 sporting 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.