A graduate of NC Wesleyan College and the Department of Funeral Service Education at Fayetteville Community College, he and his wife Lori opened Jenkins Funeral Home in 2004. He is fulfilling his life’s passion of guiding families in their difficult times. He has a lifetime of community service, having been a member of various service clubs throughout his career. In 1988, he founded The Widowed Persons Organization and helped start similar groups at funeral homes across several states.

Carl’s focus is family. His service to local families proves his compassion for the needs of those suffering a loss.

"I am experiencing a reward beyond words by working side-by-side with my husband Carl. We truly have something unique to offer our families: A husband and wife team that care for the community and the families. We value your support and thank you for allowing us the opportunity to show you how we uniquely serve your family."

Lori is a Fred T. Foard graduate and a NC licensed insurance agent. She invites all her friends and classmates to call upon Jenkins Funeral Home for the best in service. 

"I have been around funeral service all my life. Since I have been working at our family firm, I have learned so much about how to truly serve families correctly. My dad is a professional and a Christian and I am so fortunate to have learned and continue learning from the best."

Ben joined the family firm full-time in 2013. He is a 2006 graduate of Newton-Conover High School and a 2012 graduate from College of Funeral Service. He is a NC Funeral Service Licensee (funeral director/ embalmer). He is proficient in his work and family service skills. He and his wife Meghan (Bush) have a son, Tucker and a daughter Anderson. They make their home in Hickory. 

Aaron is as a licensed funeral director, manager and chaplain of the funeral home. He is also the pastor of the Connelly Springs Freewill Baptist Church. He graduated from Catawba Valley Community College in 2014 with an Associate Degree of Nursing. He is a graduate of the Department of Funeral Service Education at Fayetteville Technical Community College. He and his wife, Allison reside in Connelly Springs along with their sons Elisha and Graham and daughter, Parker Jo. Aaron loves to minister to families and will often play the piano and officiate funeral services.

"I am humbled and honored to serve alongside the Jenkins family. The people I work with are genuinely compassionate and serve each family with dignity and respect."

"It is great to work with a family funeral home where decisions are made quickly in the best interest of the family, I invite anyone wishing to plan ahead, and also those that may already have existing plans elsewhere, to give me a call and let us provide tremendous savings to your family." 

She has extensive experience in cemetery and advance funeral funding as well as helping families in follow-up activities and offerings as a way of maintaining complete family satisfaction. Kim joined our staff in 2013 as an Aftercare Coordinator. She and her family are members of LifePoint Church and they live in Newton.

Amanda graduated from Hickory High School and Lenoir-Rhyne University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health. She has worked in Health Care since graduation. She previously joined our staff as an Aftercare Coordinator and later obtained a Funeral Director's License. She and her husband, Nathan have a son, Oliver and a daughter, Charleigh. They are Hickory natives and are members of Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory.

"In the time that I have worked with Jenkins Funeral Home I have witnessed endless acts of compassion from all the staff, it is a true blessing to have the opportunity to work with such a caring organization. I am eager to help walk your family through this most difficult time. I encourage you to visit Jenkins Funeral Home and witness for yourself the true love and compassion this family has for the families and community we serve."

Ada graduated in 2003 from Miami Dade College with an Associate of Science Degree for Mortuary Science. Since graduation, Ada has worked as a dedicated Funeral Director and Embalmer. She grew up in South Florida and later moved to North Carolina in 2008. Ada began working for Jenkins Funeral Home in October of 2023 as a Funeral Director & Embalmer. Ada with her husband, Sean and their one son enjoy camping, traveling and spending time with their three dogs.

Sarah is a native of Rutherford County. She graduated from Rutherford Early College High School and received her Associates Degree in Funeral Service Education from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Sarah joined the Jenkins staff in June 2022.

Before joining the staff Jerry served in ministry for over 40 years.

 He pastored three churches in Florida and North Carolina. He is an ordained minister with National Association of Christian Ministers. He joined the Jenkins staff in January, 2020. Jerry is proud to be a part of a family owned funeral home serving families during their time of sorrow.

He and his wife Linda and Benji, their Shi Tzu, reside in Hickory.

Michael is a Catawba County native, raised in Maiden NC. He is a 2018 homeschool graduate and a Minister of the Gospel. Michael is dedicated to serving his community as a community outreach event coordinator and by assisting in funeral services.

“It is my honor to serve this community alongside such a caring and dedicated staff. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to make a positive influence in people's lives during such a difficult season.”

"I am pleased to help families and I derive great joy in doing so. It is a pleasure working at the funeral home with such great staff."

Pete is a lifetime Catawba County resident. He is a member of Gateway Baptist Church in Newton. He and his wife, Treva (Miss Treva's Dance Studio) live in Conover.

“It is a pleasure being a part of a caring organization. I never realized how much goes into putting together a meaningful ceremony until now. Jenkins Funeral Home goes well beyond what is expected and we are able to do it at a very reasonable cost. Having worked in textile management and sales, I understand the pressures of operating a business and trying to balance the needs of both the public and the company. Our team at Jenkins does a good job with that. Our service reflects it and our costs reflect it.” 

Frank recently retired from Carolina Container and joined our staff to serve as a funeral assistant. Frank graduated from Bandys High School in 1982 and is an active member of the Mays Chapel Global Methodist Church.

 He resides in Newton with his wife, Beth and his children, Mason and Payton.

Josh Frye is the newest addition to our staff. He graduated from Statesville Christian School in 2018, and also graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College with his degree in funeral service in 2023. He is an active member of the Oxford Baptist Church were his father, Joel Frye serves as the pastor. He is pursuing a career in funeral service, and we are honored to have him on our staff.

Luke 12:48 “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:”

Kim serves as the bookkeeper with Jenkins Funeral Home. She has a background of working with the public and office experience in multiple areas including customer service, always putting the customer first. She also has a nursing degree and does some weekend work with Bayada. "I have come to know and love the staff and owners at Jenkins Funeral Home by watching how they treat others and me as an employee. The care and professionalism they exhibit towards each family is truly genuine and compassionate."

Kim and her husband, David, are members of Warlick's Baptist Church in Connelly Springs where they reside.

Michelle Diciuccio is an assistant bookkeeper for Jenkins. She comes from a background in insurance. 

"I have been very impressed with the care and concern Jenkin's employees show to each family they serve. I am so happy to be associated with such an ethical and caring company."

She has been married to her husband Mike for 34 years and they have a daughter in Portland, OR, a daughter in Denver, CO, and their son lives in Hickory, NC. They are enjoying being empty-nesters and having time to travel, especially to see family. They love nature, the outdoors, hiking, and camping.

Michelle is a longtime member of East Maiden Baptist Church where she helps chair the East Maiden Toy Store that has been helping Maiden High School feeder school's families in need give their kids Christmas since 2006. She is also a mentor through the Catawba County Council on Adolescence Lunch Buddy Program and was a 2023 nominee for the Joann Spees Youth Advocacy Award and a 2023 nominee for the Catawba County United Way Giving from The Heart Awards.

She is originally from Beckley, WV but loves giving to the Maiden community that she has been a part of since 1993. 

"Having worked in the funeral profession for many years at another funeral home, I found it the most rewarding work of my career. I feel like I am back home now... working with the Jenkins family."

"Jeannine is one of the most compassionate people we know and we are fortunate to have her as a part of our team."

“I want to invite my Romanian and Slavic friends to visit with us at Jenkins. We are here to help you with services that will accommodate our culture. I am personally aware of the needs to the Romanian and Slavic communities and am here to work with you when you need us.”

Dawn Mull joined our staff in January 2024 as the HR/PR Director. She is a Catawba County native and a graduate of Fred T Foard High School. Dawn had a career in banking of 20 years before changing careers to Human Resources and office management. Her and her husband, William Mull are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC and are residents of Maiden, NC. They have 3 children and one grandchild. Dawn is active with The Chamber of Catawba County and on the Board of Directors for Senior Information Resources, Inc (SIR). Dawn and her husband love to travel. Some of their favorite destinations are Disney World, Vero Beach Fl and Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica.

Angela is a native of Haywood County, North Carolina.  She moved to Morganton in 1994 after graduating from Western Carolina University with a degree in Education.   She began her teaching career in Burke County and recently retired from the state with thirty years of service.  She is a wife, mother, and active member of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church.  She serves alongside her husband, Shane, as an active Auxiliary member of Gideon’s International.  She also loves to sing and play the piano.

“I am honored to work alongside the staff at Jenkins Funeral Home to minister to those in the community.”

Shane is a native of Burke County, North Carolina.  He graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Education and a M.S.A. in School Administration.  He worked as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Special Education for Burke County Public Schools.  He retired from the state with thirty years of service in 2022.  Shane is an active member of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church where he teaches Sunday School and serves on several committees.  He is also an active member of Gideon’s International, Burke East Camp, where he serves as Chairman of Church Ministry.  He has a lot of experience working with the public and enjoys meeting and talking to new people. 

“I am excited and honored  to work alongside the staff at Jenkins Funeral Home to minister to those in the community.”

Sherry Bowditch has been a resident of Catawba County for the past 21 years. Sherry is married to Gregg Bowditch, they are blessed with two sons and four grandchildren, who bring immense joy to their lives. Sherry finds great happiness in spending time with family and friends, creating lasting memories through her warmth and generosity and her deep commitment to serving others.  

An avid entertainer and traveler, Sherry has a passion for antiquing and design work, pursuits that reflected her creativity and eye for beauty. She is also a dedicated member of the Newton Garden Club, where she cultivates not only plants but also meaningful connections within her community.   

 I am originally from Lima, Peru, and moved to the United States in 1991. I first lived in Florida, where I met my husband, and in 1995, we relocated to North Carolina. In 1998, I graduated with High Honors from Catawba Valley Community College, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration – Marketing & Retailing. My professional background is in banking and retailing.

As a Hispanic, I have always been passionate about serving the Hispanic community. In every role I’ve held, I made it a priority to develop and offer educational workshops to support and empower others. My dedication to community service led me to be a featured speaker at the Leadership for Minority Women Conference, sponsored by NC State A&T University Cooperative Extension Service, in 2005. In 2007, I was honored as one of 30 finalists for the Nine Who Care Awards, sponsored by Channel 9, recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact through volunteer work.

Additionally, I have served as a member of the Human Relations Council for the City of Newton and collaborated with numerous nonprofits, governmental agencies, and community action committees to advocate for and support the Hispanic community.

I currently live in Newton, NC, with my husband, Gary. We have a daughter and a baby granddaughter. We are active members of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, where I also serve as the Hispanic Ministry Coordinator.

In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, traveling, writing poetry, and baking traditional Peruvian desserts.

Sandra Compton is a resident of Abernathy Laurel's retirement community. She has a daughter, son, and two granddaughters. Sandra retired as a Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent in Iredell County and volunteered at the Iredell Public library. 

She enjoys cooking, home decorating, reading and traveling. She sings in the choir at Abernathy Laurels. Sandra is honored to work with the Jenkins Funeral Home family and to assist folks at a difficult time in their lives.

Zac brings a heart full of compassion and a strong work ethic to everything he does. As a Funeral Assistant, he plays a vital role in helping families through some of their most difficult moments—with kindness, respect, and care.

Zac lives in Connelly Springs, NC, and when he’s not with us, he’s making a difference at Autism 360, where he supports individuals with autism—a true reflection of his commitment to serving others in every part of his life.