History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

The Ward Family began funeral service in Dekalb and Henry counties in 1958 as a family owned company.  They later sold Horis A. Ward Funeral Homes and Fairview Memorial Gardens to an international corporate entity in 1993 who continues to own and operate those operations.  Scot Ward and his father Richard Ward decided to leave the international corporate structure and bring funeral service back to the way their family started.  Today, Scot Ward and Richard Ward continue their family legacy as the owners and operators of Scot Ward Funeral Services at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens.

Scot Ward and Richard Ward purchased Harry L. White Funeral Home which is one of the oldest licensed establishments remaining in Rockdale County.  It began as Almand Funeral Home in 1892 and later became Harry L. White Funeral Home in 1919.  Waldo and Evelyn Bowen, Mr. White's son-in-law and daughter, took over the business in 1965.  In February 2005 it became Scot Ward Funeral Services at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens – Harry White Chapel. 

Scot Ward and Richard Ward also purchased Green Meadow Memorial Gardens.  This beautiful cemetery was founded in 1965 by the Clarence Vaughn family.  The Vaughn Family operated the cemetery until it was purchased in 1995 by Waldo and Evelyn Bowen and their son, Chris.  The Bowen Family enhanced the cemetery with an elegant chapel mausoleum.  In July 2005 this beautiful cemetery became Scot Ward Funeral Services at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens – Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. 

Today, the combination of these three families has been brought together into one.  In February 2005 Scot and his father, Richard Ward, left the corporate entity to once again have a family owned business.

Scot and Richard purchased Harry L. White Funeral Home and Green Meadow Memorial Gardens with plans to build a new funeral home on the campus of Green Meadow Memorial Gardens.  This plan was accomplished in February 2011 and they are proud to have a modern facility with many features for today’s consumer.  They commit to continue the most respected services to the East Metro Atlanta area for many years to come!

Scot Ward Funeral Services at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens provides the same dignified services for people of all religions, cultures and races.  Scot Ward and Richard Ward believe in providing the personal touch that is only found in family ownership.  When you have a need for funeral services, consider the benefits of working with the owners and enjoy being handled with care by your local friends.

Our Valued Staff

  • Scot  Ward

    Scot Ward Founder and President

    Scot Ward is the founder and president of Scot Ward Funeral Services. Scot lives in Buckhead on Lake Oconee where he enjoys relaxing on the lake. He has two daughters Megan and her husband Jordan and Lauren and her husband Adam. Scot was born in Waco, TX while his parents were in school at Baylor University. After his father graduated, they moved back to his father’s home of Atlanta, GA. Scot grew up in Dekalb County, going to school at Mt. Carmel Christian Church elementary school and graduating from Lithonia High school in 1987. Scot went on to attend GA Southern College and later transferred to Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 1991. Scot began working in his family’s funeral business, Horis A. Ward, Inc., while in school at Gupton-Jones. He helped his family open the new Horis A. Ward funeral homes in Conyers and Stockbridge in 1992 and 1994. His family sold the Horis A. Ward Funeral Homes to a corporate entity in 1993 where Scot later became a general manager over six funeral homes and two cemeteries. In this role, Scot managed over 1,000 funeral services per year and had over 50 employees. In February 2005, Scot and his father, Richard, left the corporate entity and purchased Harry L. White Funeral Home and Green Meadow Memorial Gardens to form Scot Ward Funeral Services. Scot has been a member of the Rotary Club of Rockdale County since 1997 and served as president from 2008-2009. He has held several other directors’ positions in Rotary as well. He has also been a member of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce since 1992 and became a board member in 2007 and has remained on the board since. He has served as Chairman of the Board for 2020 and 2021. Scot previously served as a board member for Phoenix Pass, A. R. Gus Barksdale Boys and Girls Club in Conyers, Rockdale Hospital Foundation, Rockdale County Special Olympics, and the Conyers Jaycees. The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce awarded Scot the 2007 Community Spirit Award and the 2008 Jerry Barboe Small Businessperson of the Year Award. Scot is a graduate of Leadership Rockdale 2007 and has served as a facilitator of Leadership Rockdale since 2014. He has been a past board member of the Rockdale Special Olympics, Rockdale Medical Center Foundation, and the Rockdale Jaycees. Scot often states that he has had some of the best role models a boy could have ever had, referring to his father and grandfather. They taught him a love for the Lord, a love for others and a desire to give back to the Lord and to the community that gives to you.

  • Richard  Ward

    Richard Ward Founder and Vice President

    He was born and raised in East Atlanta as the youngest child of Horis A. and Sara Debardlaben Ward. He grew up as a boy in the Candler-Glenwood neighborhood attending East Lake Elementary School and Murphy High School. He and his family later moved and he graduated from Southwest Dekalb High School in 1966. Richard then went to Waco, TX to Baylor University where he graduated in 1970. While in Waco, Richard met Daphene Whitaker and married her in 1968. They came home to Atlanta where Richard began working in his father’s funeral business, Horis A. Ward, Inc. He and Daphene had three sons, Scot, Jeremy and Kurt that were all raised in Dekalb County and graduated from Lithonia High School. Richard was a member and past president of the South Dekalb Rotary club for many years. He and his family were also active members of Mt. Carmel Christian Church where he taught the10th Grade Sunday School Class for over 20 years and later active members, teachers and past elder at Northview Christian Church in Dacula. He served as a deacon, elder and on many committees while attending Mt. Carmel and Northview. Richard and his brother sold the Horis Ward Funeral Homes and Fairview Memorial Gardens in 1993 to a corporate entity and worked for them until 2005. In February 2005 he and his oldest son Scot purchased Harry L. White Funeral Home and Green Meadow Memorial Gardens to begin Scot Ward Funeral Services. Today Richard and his wife Daphene reside in Braselton, GA and attend Gwinnett Church in Lawrenceville. He enjoys working around his home with his wife, playing golf with his sons and friends, playing with his dog Hogan, working as a funeral director but most of all being Pops to his 3 granddaughters and 4 grandsons. He is blessed to have his three sons living nearby. Kurt is an Attorney in Atlanta, Jeremy is a Dentist in Dacula and Scot is co-owners with Richard in Scot Ward Funeral Services.

  • Tammy Thompson

    Tammy Thompson Controller

    Tammy is a married mom with 2 sons and has over 25 years of experience in the accounting, tax, and bookkeeping fields. Her career path became clear in 1991 when she accepted an intern position at a CPA firm to assist in their upcoming tax season. Realizing she enjoyed working with numbers, Tammy immediately enrolled in accounting courses at Clayton State University’s continuing education program and from there became certified in Accounting I, II, and QuickBooks Software. She’s an active member of the (AIPB) American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and was awarded the 2009 Professional Woman of the year award by (NAPW) The National Association of Professional Women. Tammy's vision of a perfect day is any day spent making memories with loved ones.

  • Jane  Harbin

    Jane Harbin Front Desk Receptionist

    Jane started working with Scot Ward Funeral Services in January 2010. She had known the Ward family for many years prior to coming to work with them.She was born and raised in Lithonia, GA and attended Lithonia High School. She still lives in Lithonia and has lived at her current residence since May 1973. She is a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Jane was married to the love of her life, Jackie Harbin for 41 years until his passing on December 31, 2009. She has 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren (and more to come). She enjoys spending time with her family and attending activities with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loves to read and work in her flower gardens in her spare time.Jane loves working at Scot Ward Funeral Services. She is one of the front desk greeters/receptionists and also helps in other areas of the office as needed.‘It makes me happy to be able to help others in their time of need and sorrow.’

  • Hannah Brown

    Hannah Brown Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Hannah Brown grew up in Twin City, GA and graduated from David Emanuel Academy in 2014. She then attended Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA, where she earned her A.A.S. in Funeral Service in December 2019. When she is not at work, Hannah enjoys reading, watching her favorite TV shows and movies, attending concerts, and spending time with her family and friends. She also spends her free time taking her dog, Jax, to the park.

  • Nayya McKoy-EL

    Nayya McKoy-EL Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Nayya Mckoy-EL, is licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer at Scot Ward Funeral Services since December 2023. Hailing from Portsmouth, VA. . In 2016 he graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services. This provided him with a strong foundation in funeral service , grief counseling, and funeral home management. When Nayya is not dedicating himself to his profession, he enjoys staying active and exploring his surroundings. His free time is filled with biking, fitness training, and discovering new places to eat. This balance between work and personal interests allows Nayya to approach each day with a renewed sense of energy and genuine passion for helping others during their most challenging times.

  • Greg  Fuller

    Greg Fuller Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Greg Fuller, native of Conyers, GA. Graduate of Rockdale County High School, U.S. Navy Veteran, 1991 Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, Member of Academy of Graduate Embalmers. Married to Amy, they enjoy bike riding and camping.

  • Kini T. Burrell

    Kini T. Burrell Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Kini is a 1991 graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. He lives in Stockbridge with his wife, Sandra and their beloved Toy Poodle, Molly. They are members of The Ole' Country Church in McDonough. His favorite pastime is riding his motorcycle.

  • Rachel Leigh Dunn

    Rachel Leigh Dunn Apprentice Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Rachel Dunn is native to Monroe County Ga. She graduated from Mary Persons High School in 2013 and from Wesleyan College in 2017 with a BFA in Theatre. She currently attends Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in hopes to obtain a Funeral Director and Embalmer's License. Rachel's hobbies are reading, creating art, and spending time with her family.

  • Bethany Jones Clontz

    Bethany Jones Clontz Apprentice Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Bethany is a graduate of Eastside High School class of 2019 and a native of Covington, Ga. Starting her freshman year of college at Georgia Southern University she was majoring in Psychology. After a year at GSU she realized her true aspiration was to become a licensed funeral professional, caring for families in a great time of need. Bethany earned her Associates degree in Funeral Service Education at Ogeechee Technical College in May of 2023. Bethany has always admired Funeral Service and sees it as a ministry. In 2021, Bethany met her husband, Jacob, who is a licensed funeral professional. She is very thankful and excited to begin her career in the profession. Bethany and her husband are members of Higher Praise Tabernacle in Covington, Ga and enjoy fellowship with their church family and friends. In her spare time, Bethany loves hunting and fishing. She also enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the outdoors.

  • Isabelle Kardoes

    Isabelle Kardoes Apprentice Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Isabelle grew up in LaGrange, GA. She obtained her mortuary degree in November 2021 from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. Outside of work, she enjoys knitting and spending time with her cats Indy 500 and Simon.

  • Jill  Ivey

    Jill Ivey Administrator

    Jill has been associated with the Ward family for many years. Her mother, Joyce Matthews, began working for Scot’s granddad, Horis Ward, in 1982. Jill worked part-time for Horis A. Ward, Inc. at the Fairview location in the early 1990’s. Since that time she has worked as an administrative assistant in other fields of business but returned to work with Scot and Richard at Scot Ward Funeral Services in 2009. Jill enjoys helping families during their time of need. Jill and her husband, Kenneth, reside in Loganville. They have two married children and five grandchildren

  • Melanie Hill

    Melanie Hill Administrator

    Melanie was born and raised in Covington, GA. She has over 25 years of experience in administration in various fields, from healthcare to transportation, and now embraces being a part of the funeral service industry. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. She has 6 children and 11 grandchildren and still lives in Newton County with her husband, John.

  • Wendy Marshall

    Wendy Marshall Cemetery Administrator

  • Jason Norton

    Jason Norton Cemetery Administrator

    Jason is a fourth generation native of Rockdale County, growing up in Rockdale and Newton Counties. Jason has a background in banking and hospitality services. He is a graduate of Leadership Newton County for the graduating class of 2018. His work with the Covington Fire Department earned him the City of Covington Fire Departments Citizen of the year award in 2021. In his free time Jason enjoys traveling and aerial photography.

  • Clark  Dowdy

    Clark Dowdy Funeral Attendant

    Clark was born in Savannah, GA and he and his wife, Joyce, currently live in Stockbridge. They have two children, Tony married to Donna and Teresita married to Ted, 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Clark has been with Scot Ward Funeral Services for 5 years and is starting his 25th year in the Real Estate business. He has an associate degree in mid-management and served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. He is past president of the Rockdale Rotary Club and has been the Assistant Governor for District 6910 for 3 years. Clark enjoys Florida Gator football, golf and crossword puzzles.

  • Mike Sellers

    Mike Sellers Funeral Attendant

    Mike joined Scot Ward Funeral Services in January 2013, after retiring from The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office with over 30 years of service.Mike is a lifelong resident of Rockdale County and has been married to Deborah Dawkins Sellers since 1975 and is active members of Crosspoint Christian Church for over 25 years and has served as an Elder in the past.Mike and Deborah have two children and four grandchildren.Mike is a graduate of Rockdale County High School and Columbus State University Law Enforcement Command College Professional Management Program.Mike’s hobbies include motorcycles and golf. He is a member of Snapping Shoals EMC Trust Fund Board and a past board member of Rockdale Emergency Relief and Project RENEWAL Battered Women’s Shelter.Mike considers it an honor and privilege to serve the community thru Scot Ward Funeral Services

  • Ron  Walker

    Ron Walker Funeral Attendant

    Ron Walker has lived in Conyers 25 years and has been an active member of the Rockdale County community. He is involved and serves at his church, Crosspoint Christian Church, where he has been a member for 24 years. Ron has been married to his wife, Malinda, for 40 years and they have two children. Ron worked for Delta Air Lines for 35 years before retiring in 2004. He came to work for Scot Ward as the grounds maintenance supervisor at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens in 2005 and also assists with funerals. Ron has enjoyed helping people through his work at the cemetery as well as through the funeral home.

  • Pat Cavanaugh

    Pat Cavanaugh Funeral Attendant

    T.Pat Cavanaugh joined the staff of Scot Ward Funeral Services in August of 2015, after retiring as publisher of the Covington News and Rockdale News for the past 8 years.During his 50 year newspaper career which he began at age 14, he published award winning newspapers across the country and owned a community newspaper with his wife Molly in Southern California.In an editorial in Editor and Publisher, the industries trade magazine, he was named a "Publisher of Distinction" for his coverage of the O. J. Simpson trial.During his career he served and chaired many non-profit boards including the Salvation Army, Red Cross, United Way, YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, Rotary, Jaycees, Main Street program, Chamber of Commerce and Special Olympics.In addition he was named "Distinguished Man of the Year" in Orange, Va. and Elizabeth City, N.C.Cavanaugh also served on the Planning Commission in Casa Grande, Az.In addition to his newspaper career Cavanaugh served as Volunteer Coordinator for Hospice in Casa Grande, Az. and was the Community Relations Manager of a Ford dealership in Phoenix, Az.Locally he has served as the 2013-14 chairman of the Conyers Chamber of Commerce. Was a 2012 graduate of the Rockdale Leadership program, is a member of the Conyers Rotary and serves on the board of Education Foundation of Rockdale. He also served on the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club board of Directors in Rockdale County.In Covington he served on the Main Street board of directors, and also the Covington "Y"Board. He is married and the couple have 5 children and 11 grandchildren. They reside in Horseshoe Springs and are members of St.Pius X Catholic Church.