J. Vernon Peterson is a funeral director licensee and a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, and the Funeral Directors & Morticians Association of North Carolina.
He began learning the funeral business as young child in his relative’s funeral home in Fayetteville, NC. He is a proud graduate of E. E. Smith Senior High School. While studying and working in other endeavors, Peterson remained involved in funeral service. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University (Pennsylvania), a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Development from the University of Michigan, the MBA Degree from the University of Maryland University College, and the North Carolina Funeral Director diploma from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Peterson is a former Director of Veterans Affairs at Methodist University in Fayetteville.
A retired Fortune 100 company executive, he previously served on the Board of Trustees of Lincoln University and the Board of Directors of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Peterson has served as a staff member at Carlton L. Gray Funeral & Cremation Services in Raleigh; and as Assistant Manager and Funeral Director at Lea Funeral Home in Raleigh. He is a member of Wake Chapel Church in Raleigh and also is affiliated with the Church of God in Christ.
James E. Smith is a funeral service licensee with the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service; and licensed with the Georgia Board of Mortuary Science as a funeral director and embalmer. For several years he served as the chief mortician at Lea Funeral Home in Raleigh. Smith is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science with the Associate of Science Degree in Funeral Service. He is married and has one daughter. Smith is a member of Pi Sigma Eta Mortuary Science fraternity. He serves as a steward at St. Augustine’s AME Church in Clayton.
Shelton L. Melvin, a 1961 graduate of E. E. Smith Senior High School, earned the Associate Degree in General Studies and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Tarleton State University – Central Texas. A retired Army Major, he is a decorated hero of three tours of duty during the Vietnam War. Melvin also retired from the North Carolina Department of Corrections as a Correctional Supervisor at McCain Correctional Hospital. A Fayetteville businessman, Melvin’s leadership and management experience along with his strong ties to the community is a valuable asset to our organization. He and his wife, Margie, have two sons; and are the proud grandparents of four. Melvin is a member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
Daron R. Holland is the Military & Veterans Coordinator. A U. S. Army retiree, he served tours of duty with the 101st Airborne Assault Division, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, 29th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Holland is a former Brigade Operations NCOIC for the 5th Brigade Headquarters at Fort Bragg, NC. He currently is pursuing the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service Education at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Holland is married to the former Sonya Bryant; and has two children, Kiara and DaQuan. He is a member of Corinth Chapel United Church of Christ.