ABOUT US

Brian Poole was only a senior in high school when he began working at Byrd Funeral Home in his hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Finding working hours that fit his school and sports schedule was important to him, not knowing at the time he had also found his future career. During his internship he aided with funeral visitations that occurred on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, working until 10 pm in the evenings.

Along his career path Brian would work in a variety of other capacities and businesses, but always came back to the funeral industry. As a student, it had made a lasting impression on him, and he found it meaningful. He felt it important to be there for families during stressful and sad times of their lives, a time when they needed sincerity and compassion most. Brian relates he had realized his “life’s calling,” with a capacity to minister and help families during heartbreaking times. He received his licensing (Alabama and Georgia) from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services and joined Byrd Funeral Home full time.

When Byrd was purchased by Service Corporation International (SCI) in 1995, it became one of 2,000 funeral homes acquired by the company, including one in Woodstock, which Brian was asked to manage. Having spent most of his life in the flat ‘wiregrass section’ of South Alabama, Brian and family made the move to the Appalachian foothills of North Georgia. The Poole family found what they have called ‘home,’ a place to live and grow. They not only discovered the beauty and convenience of the area where the ‘metro meets the mountains,’ but also the graciousness of the people. It would become the permanent home for Brian, his wife Amy and two daughters, Olivia, 15 and Ava, 12.

Brian Poole is a ‘people person.’ He enjoys getting involved in the community, serving as he can. He ran for county commissioner after only one year of living in Cherokee County, knocking on many doors and meeting many people, which he appreciated. He received a majority of the vote. “Because I was the new guy in town I never dreamed I would be elected, but it happened,” he said. “I am grateful for every minute I had to serve, and I am proud of the progress we made.”

Glenn grew up in Oxford Michigan and moved to Georgia in 2011. He attended Gupton-Jones Mortuary College where he was elected President of the student government. Glenn was the recipient of the Bill Pierce award as well as the Ralph S. Turner Memorial Scholarship. 

Glenn strives to provide the best care and service to the families he cares for. It is his goal to take the stress of planning a funeral off the family and allow them time to grieve. 

Glenn enjoyes spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, working in the community and with several pet rescue organizations and spending time with his basset hound. 

Keisha is the daughter of Thomas and Linda and has been working within the company since she was in high school. Keisha graduated from Forest Park High School in 1996 and went on to marry Rod Holbrook. She has three boys, and three grandchildren, who keep her very busy.  She works diligently to keep up with the fast pace of the funeral business. She is also licensed to work with you and your family with pre-need arrangements. Keisha is always happy to help with any questions that may arise.

Margie grew up in a small town in Georgia and made her way to Henry County 25 years ago. She married into the family 22 years ago and has been working with the family business for 21 years. She and Kevin enjoyed working side by side. They had four children together. Margie runs the day to day office tasks and is here to help you during your most difficult times. 

Hanna was born in Atlanta and raised in Cobb County. Since she was 17, she has aspired to become a funeral director. She was accepted into Gupton-Jones Mortuary College in 2020 and graduated the following year in 2021. Hanna is currently completing her funeral service apprenticeship and will be licensed in July of 2024. 

Hanna's goal while working in the funeral industry is to serve families with compassion and empathy during their time of need. Hanna’s focus is to provide an all inclusive service; keeping the grieving family’s needs in mind. 

Hanna spends her free time with her best friends and her cat, Mr.Petunia, creating candles and stuffed animals, and enjoys expressing herself through fashion and makeup. 

She is a great asset to the company and to the community