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Our Staff

Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service Staff Directory

Laurence F. "Larry" Spiaggi

Owner | Funeral Director/Embalmer | Certified Celebrant, CPC, CCO

Larry has been working in the funeral profession since he was 16 years old. He came to work at Morrissett as an apprentice and student in 1979. He became a co-owner of the funeral home in November 1996. On January 1, 2016, Larry and his wife, Sue, became sole owners of the funeral home upon the retirement of his business partner and friend, Dick Booker.

Larry is the President of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association, serving on various committees and the Board of Directors. He served as President of the Central District Funeral Association and serves on the advisory boards for the funeral program at John Tyler Community College and LifeNet.

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Sue Danielson

Owner | Funeral Assistant

Sue is a retired procurement officer with Chesterfield County. A native of Richmond and the oldest daughter of Robert G. and Dorothy P. Danielson, the former owners of Morrissett. She currently helps in the day to day operation of the funeral home and is available for special projects.

Larry and Sue were married in Richmond, VA on November 18, 1986, they reside in the Matoaca District of Chesterfield County, on their property which they lovingly refer to as Labrador Acres. They serve as the parents to Morrissett's two grief therapy dogs, Hope and Peace.

Larry enjoys traveling, Harley Davidson motorcycles and the company of his wonderful friends. Sue enjoys traveling, her sorority, reading and the serenity of the house when Larry is is off on one of his motorcycle adventures.

Margaret Edie

General Manager | Funeral Director/Embalmer | Certified Celebrant

Margaret has been a resident of Chesterfield County since January 2018 when she and her husband moved down from Northern Virginia. She graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science from the Funeral Services Program at John Tyler Community College in 2008. She has worked in the funeral service industry for over 10 years.

She and her husband Brion were married in 2013 and they have one beautiful daughter, Mea Marie. She is a member of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

Margaret enjoys gardening, cooking, and travelling internationally with her family. She has a passion for community outreach and is excited to explore her new home in the Richmond area.

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Larry Corey

Comptroller | Certified Celebrant, CPC, CCO

Larry Corey "LC", joined our firm in May 2008. He is the Executive Manager of the funeral home. He has an extensive business and customer service background. He achieved his Mortuary Science Degree through John Tyler Community College in Chester.

He and his wife, Debra, a native Virginian born in Petersburg, live in Chesterfield County after extensive worldwide business travel.

"LC" serves on the Board of Directors for the Shepherd's Center of Chesterfield. He is the past President of the Virginia Central District Funeral Directors Association.

His hobbies include reading, board games, spectator sports and assisting at his church, Heritage Baptist in Chesterfield.

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Roger Elder, Jr.

Funeral Director/Embalmer/Certified Celebrant/CCO

Roger Elder, Jr. (re)joined Morrissett in March 2021. He is a life long resident of Chesterfield County. he graduated with a degree in Funeral Service in December 2009 and has worked in the profession ever since.

He and his wife, Mary, were married in 2012 and have a son, Simon. He is a member of the Virginia Funeral Director's Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

Roger enjoys reading, theme parks, playing bass guitar and puzzles.

Leona Tjan

Funeral Service Licensee

Leona Tjan is a Funeral Service Licensee, she worked as an Embalmer Support Tech with the Virginia State Anatomical Program where she fulfilled the last wish of donors to donating their bodies to research and science. Leona has spent five years’ servicing families and caring for their loved ones. Leona loves her five dogs, Chinese martial arts movies (costume and period), exotic getaways with friends, art and crafts, nature reading and writing. Because of her love of writing, she became a publish author at Tidewater Community College in compilation of chosen students writing, “The Gift” (2008-2009 Edition). Leona loves to learn and as a result she has three degrees and training in Marketing, Paralegal, and Funeral Service. Her certifications include Grief and Bereavement, Litigation, Life Coaching, Crematory Operator and well as various of certificate in leadership and human services. Leona is a ten-year Veteran of the United States Army, serving campaigns in Desert Storm and Shield in Iraq, and United Nations in Mogadishu, Africa. Leona has numerous awards, commendations, and achievements from the U.S Army and Virginia State Government.

Kaylinn Bezenar

Funeral Director/Embalmer | Pre-need Specialist | VP Culture and Green Conservation | Certified Celebrant, CCSP

Kaylinn started with Morrissett early in 2016 while attending John Tyler’s Funeral Services Program. She graduated summa cum laude with her Associates Degree in Applied Science in May 2017. She is active in Morrissett's pursuit for Green Certification and is always looking for opportunities to improve upon Morrissett's mission for sustainability and providing families with green burial options.

Kaylinn is originally from Long Lake, Minnesota. She came to Richmond to attend the University of Richmond where she graduated with a degree in Russian Studies in 2014. During her time at Richmond, she studied abroad in Denmark and St. Petersburg and interned for the Department of State in Moscow.

Kaylinn enjoys dancing, rock climbing, yoga and spending time outdoors with her friends.

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Richard Booker (Retired)

Funeral Director Emeritus/Embalmer

Richard M. Booker (Dick) started working part time for Morrissett Funeral Home while in High School. Upon graduation, Dick began full time and worked here for 47 years. He acquired his license in 1972 for both the Funeral Director and Embalmer.

He is a graduate of John Tyler Community College Funeral Services Program, and a lifetime member of Branch’s Baptist Church.

Dick and his wife, Linda reside in Chesterfield. They have two children and five grandchildren. He enjoys traveling, golf and the outdoors.

After more than 47 years of amazing service to the families that we have served, Dick retired on December 31, 2015. Fortunately, you may still see Mr. Booker around the funeral home once in a while.

Curtis Sink

Funeral Director/Embalmer,CCO | VP Creative Implementation

Curtis brought 17 years of experience when he joined our firm in April of 2016.

He graduated from Meadowbrook High School in 1985 and became a full-time member of the Chesterfield Fire & EMS Department in 1989. Curtis currently serves in emergency operations as a Firefighter Specialist/Medic assigned to Phillips Station 13.

In 1999, he entered the funeral business and served an apprenticeship with a local Richmond firm. He attended John Tyler Community College, graduated and became licensed in 2003.

Curtis has been married for the last fifteen years to his best friend, Mary. They have three daughters ranging in age from seven to eleven. They are known as the three J girls: Julia, Jessica and Joanna.

Their family is an active member of Bethia United Methodist Church and enjoys swim team, scouts and camping.

Every year they travel to Arizona to visit Mary’s family and stay at the family cabin in the White Mountains of Eastern Az.

Curtis talents include woodworking. He enjoys building a variety of items for family, friends and local businesses.

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Greg Webber

Aftercare Assistant | Community Care Coordinator

Greg is a native of Winchester, Virginia and spent thirteen years as a high school football coach and teacher. A graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Ministries, Greg has twenty – five years of pastoral experience serving churches in Louisiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Virginia.

Greg brings pastoral insight and compassion to Morrissett Aftercare/Community Care with his desire to help the hurting and give grace to the grieving. His life mission is to love God and love people.

Greg enjoys music, reading, Notre Dame football and working on his Mustang GT.

Greg and his wife Kathy live in north Richmond and love spending time with each other, their three grandkids and their adopted German Shepherd, Xena.

Jennifer Bittner

Certified Celebrant | Tribute Designer

Jennifer is a longtime resident of the Richmond area, and graduated from Manchester High School. She then attended Radford University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in psychology, music, and speech. She has also taken classes at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, and previously served on the staff of several local churches.

Jennifer grew up as part of the Morrissett family, and joined the staff in 2015 after receiving training from the InSight Institute. She is now a Certified Funeral Celebrant and Life Tribute Specialist, and considers it an honor to help memorialize loved ones through the telling of their life stories.

Jennifer and her husband, Mark, are the proud parents of two boys. In their free time they often go fossil-hunting together as a family. Jennifer also enjoys singing, writing, and gardening. She is a proud member of the autism support community and is an advocate for neurodiversity acceptance.

JoAnne Edwards

Certified Celebrant | Tribute Designer | Licensed Hairstylist

JoAnne has been a hair stylist for Morrissett for over 20 years.

She is an entrepreneur for 45 years with 12 beauty salons and one barber shop in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement communities.

JoAnne is also a certified celebrant.

She is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, lives in Urbanna, VA on the Rappahannock River with her beloved Maltese dog, “Rhett Butler” and her cat, “Millie”.

JoAnne is a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Matthews, VA.

She is a avid volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the Hospitality House at VCU and participates annually with RAM a free medical clinic in Wise County, VA.

Leslie Alsing

Hospice Liaison and Wish Facilitator

Leslie came to Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Services in 2014 as the Hospice Liaison and Simple Wish Coordinator, the non-profit foundation that grants wishes to local hospice recipients.

She is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a degree in psychology and counseling.

Her career has included many aspects of healthcare from adolescent counseling, nursing home social work, hospital case management, and hospice liaison for community education.

She has spent the last 15 years in hospice providing community education to physicians, hospitals, nursing facilities, assisted living homes and churches.

She is married, has two children and two grandchildren.

She also facilitates our support groups in the community.

Sharon Pittman

Part time Receptionist/Funeral Assistant

Sharon joined the Morrissett team in 2015. She graduated from Meadowbrook High. Sharon is retired from Chesterfield County Government Human Resources. She and her husband, Raymond are long time residents of Chesterfield County as well as their sons, Raymond & Jason , 2 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and 1 great-granddaughter.

She enjoys traveling, beach, racing and spending time at Lake Gaston with family and friends.

Jackie Williams

Licensed Hairstylist

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Williams, aka “Lollipop” joined our staff as a hairdresser in 1971 and has been here ever since.

She is a member of Clowns of America Int and Clown Alley #3.

A life time resident of Richmond, VA and a graduate of John Marshall High School.

Jackie is a widow and has 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

Her hobbies are her clowning and spending time with her family.

Verta Blake

Organist Extraordinaire

Verta joined the Morrissett team in 1998. She is a native of Wilmington , North Carolina. She and her Husband, Donald , have lived in Virginia since 1961, where he was employed with Dupont. Verta attended University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she majored in music. She taught piano and organ, privately for thirty two years, and was an Organist for several churches over a period of fifty five plus years.

She and her husband are members of Chester Baptist Church where they are Deacons, and Verta substitutes for the Organist there. She also plays the piano for Companion Suppers at Chester Baptist , which is a Ministry Outreach to the Community.

Verta and Don , have two sons, Don, Jr. and wife Kimberly, Tim, and wife Rhonda, four grandchildren, Donald Ray ( Kim ), Alyssa Jordan, Meredith Erin, and Elizabeth Houston, and one great grandchild, Samuel Colton Blake. They enjoy being with their family and traveling to their home in the mountains of North Carolina. Their lives are full, with doing for others and serving God. Verta considers her position as Organist at Morrissett as a Ministry in helping those in need.

Nancy Jean Roberts

Organist and Vocalist

Nancy Jean has been an organist for Morrissett now for many years.

She has lived in the Richmond area all of her life, except for the four years she served as an Air force officer in Rome, NY.

She has served as a musician in many area churches. Nancy Jean loves what she does and refers to herself as "Songbird".

She loves to travel and loves to make applesauce to give to her friends.

Barney Robbins

Funeral Assistant

H. E. “Barney” started with Morrissett Funeral Home in March, 1999.

Barney is a North Carolina native, who moved to Virginia in 1968. He and his wife, Lucille, attend Webber Baptist Church where he serves as an usher and teller. She has been a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years at Webber.

Barney has worked as a deputy sheriff for Chesterfield County and is a retired Chesterfield County Magistrate.

Barney enjoys Deep Sea Fishing, traveling overseas, gardening, woodworking, and reading.

Mike Beard

Funeral Assistant

Mike joined our firm in 2011.

He previously worked at Dupont as a Class A Insulation Mechanic, where he retired after 31 years.

Mike is also an Air Force Veteran. He served as a Staff Sergeant in Inventory Management.

He is a graduate of Midlothian High School class of 1962.

Mike and his wife, Marjorie, live in Chesterfield County and are active members of Kingsland Baptist Church. They have three children who also live close by.

His hobbies include riding his motorcycle, reading, cooking and fishing.

He also teaches his senior Sunday school group at his church.

David Williams

Transfer Specialist and Funeral Assistant

David joined Morrissett in 2014. David was raised in Powhatan. He graduated from Powhatan High School in 1976. He also graduated from Ferrum College.

He has been living in Chesterfield since 1980. David was a Dispatcher with Chesterfield Police from 1979 to 1984. He worked at Estes Trucking for almost six years. He is now a Dispatcher with Virginia State Police for 24 years.

David and his wife Judy have two sons and four grandchildren.

David likes reading, old tv shows, football, baseball and trivia.

Jim Henry

Funeral Assistant

Jim joined the Morrissett team in 2019.

He previously worked at Chesterfield County, where he retired after 30 years.

Jim is also a United States Marine Corps Veteran. He is a graduate of Meadowbrook High School class of 1972.

Jim and his wife, Vicki, live in Chesterfield County and are active members of The Heights Baptist Church. They have two children and four grandchildren.

His hobbies include camping, traveling, hiking, woodworking and fishing.

Vicki Henry

Part time Receptionist/Funeral Assistant

Vicki joined the Morrissett team in 2019. She is a lifelong resident of Chesterfield County and retired as Office Manager from Manchester High School.

Vicki and her husband, Jim have two children and four grandchildren.

They enjoy traveling, visiting their children and grandchildren serving as military families.

Active member of The Heights Baptist Church. Vicki’s hobbies include, crafting, reading, exercising, camping, biking and hiking.

Evelyn Contreras

Hispanic Community Liaison & Graphic Designer

Raised in a family business, Evelyn worked her youth years side by side with that. She decided to explore a different path, building on her characteristics and growth along the way. Evelyn learned military structure in the DOC & learned serious teamwork, problem solving and brotherhood behind the line, practices that she still follows today. After correctional work Evelyn want to continue in the security field. A couple years in security made realize her want to help people, although finding a career in that is difficult. Morrissett found her, everything happens for a reason, and she is more than eager to help and see her potential shine. Throughout middle school and high school, she greatly enjoyed theater and drama. In high school she was accepted to Mass Communication center in Manchester High School. She absolutely loved production work and with the help and support of her father and family she was lucky to enroll in Full Sail University in Florida and in 2010 and graduated with a Film Bachelor of Science. Evelyn is second generation of Salvadorian but born and raised in America. Evelyn states “I embrace both cultures proudly. My family is the perfect example of the American dream, coming from a low country and making it here in the states. I am blessed to have a huge awesome family, a supporting loved one and my newest puppy, Joey.” Evelyn grew up attending mass at St. Augustine here in Chesterfield, where she still attends. She participates and is a proud member of Row House in Hancock Village. She explores the MMA institute and Crossfit Pushin Weights and would volunteer and attend events to support for her friends. This pass year, 2021 she volunteered with PVA to help paralyzed veterans of America team up with local fishermen in a friendly competition. Evelyn’s goal is to be helpful and assist with any great cause that she is passionate about.

Caleb Carr

Transfer Specialist

Caleb recently moved to N. Chesterfield from Fayetteville, NC. He joined the Morrissett team in March of 2021. He enjoys music, animals and nature. He adores his cat, Toots. Caleb has always worked in hospitality and enjoys caring for others. He is pursuing a degree in Mortuary Science and looks forward to becoming a licensed Funeral Director.

Doug Corrada

Building and Grounds

Doug joined the Morrissett team in 1997. Doug is retired from the Chesterfield County Fire Dept. He has also been employed at Dixie Sporting Goods and the YMCA.

A long time resident of Chesterfield County, he graduated from Meadowbrook High School and John Tyler Community College.

He now spends his time with family and his dog Max enjoying the outdoors.

His interests include motorcycles, boating and the beach

Edward Sasser

Funeral Assistant

Ed has been affiliated with our funeral home for over 25 years.

Originally from Cleveland, OH he has had ties to the greater Richmond, VA since 1964, less his time serving in the United States Marine Corps. Ed is an honorably discharged Vietnam era Marine and received numerous decorations for his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

Upon his discharge in 1976 Ed returned to the area and has dedicated many hours serving his community as a volunteer member of The County of Henrico, VA Division of Fire Station 5, The West End Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. and The County of King William Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, Inc..

He is a retiree of The Commonwealth of Virginia Supreme Court having served as a Magistrate in the 13th Judicial District, City of Richmond, VA. Other organizations that Ed is involved with, as a life member are The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Inc., The National Rifle Association, Inc., The Harley Owners Group, Inc., and The Professional Car Association, Inc... Also he is a member of The Virginia Magistrates Association, Inc..

Ed resides in The Meadowbrook Country Club Neighborhood.

Hobbies that Ed is interested include restoration of vehicles including motorcycles, home and garden activities and serving when people are in need.

Mary Lou Marple (In Loving Memory)

Aftercare | Community Care Coordinator | Certified Celebrant

Mary Lou is a long time resident of Chesterfield County. She is a graduate of VCU and hold a BA in Religious Studies.

She has been a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church since 1978. She is a Lector and the Funeral Coordinator for the church.

Her hobbies include reading, travel, music & theater, gardening and caring for her dog Delila.

Eleanor White (In Loving Memory)

Eleanor joined the Morrissett family in August 2016 and was a loved and valued employee until her death on September 21, 2017.

A California native, Eleanor's father was in the Navy, and her husband, Carl was in the United States Army. She was happily married to her husband Carl for over 31 years. She was a member of Zion Baptist Church where she served as Deaconess.

Eleanor was very much a people person who never met a stranger.

Walter Edward Mittelstadter, Jr. (In Loving Memory)

Walter and his wife, Dorothy were stock holders in the funeral home and he worked part time for the Morrissett team beginning in 1974 and was an active employee until his death on December 29, 1994.

Walter resided in Chesterfield.

He was an active Mason and a member of the Eastern Star. He enjoyed working in his garden and tinkering in his shop.

Walter retired from Phillip Morris as a machinist supervisor.

Howard "Elwood" Jenkins (In Loving Memory)

Elwood joined the Morrissett team in 1974 after the funeral home opened on Iron Bridge Rd. He was an active employee until his death on July 10, 2006.

Elwood resided in Chexsterfield with his wife, Dorothy "Dot".

He retired as a maintenance supervisor at E.I. DuPont.

He was a very active member of Branch's Baptist Church and was awarded the status of Deacon Emeritus.

Bernard Lee Dyer (In Loving Memory)

Bernard joined the Morrissett team in 1981and was an active employee until his death on March 29, 2002.

Bernard resided in Chesterfield with his wife, Virginia.

He was retired as a Postmaster for the US Postal Service.

He was active in his Masonic Lodge and a faithful member of Branch’s Baptist Church.

William "Bill" Lane , Jr. (In Loving Memory)

Bill joined the Morrissett team in 1997 as the first employee hired after Larry & Dick became the owners and was an employee until his death on November 30, 2015.

Bill resided in Midlothian, VA.

He retired from the Richmond Times Dispatch as a Staff and Feature photographer.

He loved doing photography, music, writing and church (Weatherford Memorial Baptist, Swift Creek Baptist, Bethany Place Baptist, Tomahawk Baptist.)

Bill will be remembered for his conversations and creative ideas.

O.E. “Buster” Greene (In Loving Memory)

Buster joined the Morrissett team in 2002 and was an active employee until his death on June 21, 2013.

Buster resided in the Winterpock area of Chesterfield.

He was a deacon and the Financial Chairman of the Epiphany Baptist Church.

Buster retired from the Chesterfield Police Department. He is also a life member of Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad and Virginia Association Volunteer Rescue Squads.

Buster is a charter member of the Masonic Lodge # 253 and a member of Chesterfield Chapter # 139 O.E.S. He is also a member of the F.O.P. Lodge #47.

Buster is also an inductee into the Chesterfield Volunteer Hall of Fame, and the Rescue Hall of Fame.

Ven Barnes (In Loving Memory)

He joined the Morrissett team in 2001. Ven retired from W.O. Grubb as a crane operator after 43 years of loyal service.

Ven gave back to the community as a Chesterfield Volunteer Fire Fighter for 13 years.

In his spare time Ven likes to ride his motorcycle and loves to stay busy tinkering and being a Mr. Fixit.

Dave Hunt (In Loving Memory)

Funeral Assistant

David started with the company in 2000. He is always eager to assist the families with any concerns they might have.

David is an Air Force Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War Era. He completed classes at Ferrum Junior College and also at several other schools while working at Reynolds Metals Can Division, R&D, where he later retired.

David lives in Chesterfield. He has two children and one granddaughter who also live close by.

His hobbies include golf, yard work and writing.

Jerry Critcher (In Loving Memory)

Funeral Assistant

Jerry joined the Morrissett team in 2005.

Jerry was born in Chesterfield County and has been a steady resident for 77 years.

He is a retiree of Chesterfield County where he was vehicle maintenance facility supervisor. Prior to that he was service manager at Ross Ford.

Jerry has attended Colonial Heights Nazarene Church for over 27 years. He was a Sunday School Attendant and currently serves as Song Leader.

His hobbies include vintage cars and singing with the Lamplighter Gospel Group.

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