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
K.L.Brown
Funeral Home came into existence in 1978 when Koven L. (K.L.) Brown
purchased Roebuck-Greenlawn Mortuary from Sammie F. Bryant. It continues
to operate as a locally owned, family operated business. In 1994, a
crematory was built to enhance offerings to families that choose
cremation. An electrical fire destroyed the crematory in 2001 and a
cremation center was built to further enhance facilities for families
that choose cremation. The cremation center is fully handicap accessible
and houses a Community Room with full kitchen facilities and seating
for up to 35 people, rest rooms, an arrangement office with cremation
products and spacious crematory with viewing window for families wishing
to witness the cremation.
Our Valued Staff
Craig Bodiford, CCO, President, Funeral Director, Embalmer
A native of Monroeville, AL, Craig has been Manager of K.L. Brown Memory Chapel since September 2006. He is married to Tonia Walker Bodiford and has a son, Walker Bodiford.
Craig graduated with an A.A.S. in Funeral Service Education from Jefferson State Community College and received a National Board Certificate from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. He is licensed both as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Alabama as well as the State of Georgia. Craig is a National Funeral Director's Association (NFDA) Certified Crematory Operator and is also a licensed life insurance agent in the State of Alabama. He is a member of the NFDA and the Alabama Funeral Director's Association. Craig has worked in funeral homes in Anniston and Birmingham, as well as Atlanta, GA.
He is also a veteran of the US Air Force and served in Operation Desert Storm in both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Craig is a graduate of Leadership Calhoun County, a member and incoming president of the Anniston Civitan Club, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Central Alabama. He and his family are members of Anniston Bible Church.
In August 2016, Craig and Tonia purchased both K.L. Brown Memory Chapel and K.L. Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
Chris Smith, CCO, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Chris is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with 30 years of service in the funeral profession. A native of Eastaboga, he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1983, then Jefferson State Community College. Chris began his career in the funeral service profession in 1987. He is a member at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he serves as a musician on the praise team. When not working, he enjoys playing drums at church, drawing, and painting murals. Chris and his son, Houston, reside in Alexandria.
Mr. Shannon Deese, Funeral Director, Embalmer
Stacey Lloyd, Office Manager - Anniston & Jacksonville
An Anniston native, Stacey has worked with K.L. Brown Funeral Homes since 2008.
She and her husband, Jay, reside in White Plains with their dogs, Wilson & Nicki, and are members of Church of the Highlands. In her spare time, Stacey enjoys teaching Dance Fitness, Yoga & Barre Fitness classes.
John Cassell, Licensed Funeral Director
Kenydia Bowie, Maintenance and Grounds
Janice Martin, Hostess
Rev. Hollis Martin, Funeral Assistant
Evin Thompson, Funeral Assistant
Sonya Lipham, Office Administrator - Jacksonville
Sonya joined K.L. Brown Funeral Homes in April of 2019. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Jacksonville.