Jennifer Lindell-Roys, location leader for Kersey Funeral Home in Auburndale, Florida, is the American Funeral Director magazine 2024 Funeral Director of the Year.

Breaking Barriers in the Funeral Business: “The guy told me that I would have to probably work at Kmart because women weren't really supposed to be in the funeral business at that time.”

Breaking into the Funeral Industry: “I came into one funeral home in in Hollywood, Riverside and talked to the secretary, and then the funeral director came out to see me. And he says, ‘Oh, absolutely. We would love to have you.’”

Old-School Anatomy Lessons: “The one thing that we had to do is when we had anatomy, we had these plastic bodies in front of us and all these plastic pieces that like a puzzle that would be put in there. And we had to listen to a cassette tape on, you know, where this part went and what this part did and, you know, how many bones are there.”

The Challenges of the Holiday Season: “Christmas is a hard time for everybody. And it's even double hard when you've lost somebody. So we try to help them, make it through and let them know that we're here.”

Growing Community Support: “We do a business expo, which we have in March or April, and it's gotten bigger and bigger and bigger every year.”

Curiosity in the Classroom: “There was one kid that was really interested in it. He had so many good questions. He wanted to know all about the, the cremation and what happens and the embalming and what happens.”

Balancing Funeral Directing with Site Management: “I want to meet my families. I wanna be with my families and help them.”