Darryl graduated from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in 1984, with a degree in Funeral Directing and Embalming.  He has been in Funeral Service for 41 years, serving his community during their time of loss. 

Darryl was raised in Clinton, NC, and has lived and worked in many different parts of North Carolina over the years. He moved to Statesville from Willmington, in 2024, with his wife Lisa. Together they have 4 children, and 10 grandchildren. 

Darryl started his lifelong journey of helping others during difficult times when he was only 16 years old, volunteering at multiple Rescue Squads throughout North Carolina. He earned his title of EMT-I as a young man, and served his community for over 39 years, until he retired at age 57. 

Darryl was an active member of the Wilmington Masonic Lodge 319 A.F & A.M for many years, has been in the Shriners International throughout North Carolina for decades, and acted as the past president of the Yadkinville Lions Club. He continues these memberships here in Statesville and is ready to serve his community however he is able. 

From a young man to a beloved grandfather, Darryl has given his life in the pursuit of assisting and guiding others during their time of need.

Bill Brater is a graduate of the University Of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati College Of Mortuary Science. He is currently in his 45th year of funeral service. He and his wife Linda, live in Troutman and he has one son and three grandchildren. He has been awarded the Citizen Of the Year by the Greater Statesville Chamber Of Commerce, has served as that organization’s President, as well as serving formerly as President of the board of directors of Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County and the United Way of Statesville and the Statesville Jaycees. He is a former two term member of the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board Of Education and currently serves on the Iredell County Board Of Adjustments. He is a member of the Greater Statesville Rotary Club and serves on the board of Iredell Memorial Hospital. He is a past campaign chair for the United Way of Iredell County and formerly served on the S.C.A.N. board of directors as well as the American Red Cross and the former North Iredell Unit Of The American Cancer Society.

David is a native of Catawba County and earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from Gardner-Webb University, an associate’s degree in Funeral Service from Fayetteville Technical Community College and Emergency Medical Science from Davidson County Community College. Beginning in 1990, David began serving his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, retiring as Captain of the Newton-Conover Rescue Squad in 2020. David has in depth experience with preplanning funeral and cremation services, working with estate planning attorneys specializing in guardianship, Medicaid qualification, and healthcare power of attorney cases.

Alana is originally from Statesville but spent 28 years in the High Point/Thomasville area. She returned in 2005 following the death of her father to be with her mother. She is a graduate of High Point Central High School and Fayetteville Technical Community College where she earned her Funeral Directors License. Alana formerly was a member of the Exchange Club and Rotary, was an office manager and holds an insurance license. She is involved in her church, loves to read, cook, listen to music, and spend time on the lake and at the beach. Alana not only serves as a Funeral Director, but also helps many in preplanning their own funeral services. “Growing up in a parsonage, we went to funeral homes quite often. I always felt kinship there and finally decided that, perhaps, this was my calling in life. I love people; and helping them during some of the hardest days in their lives brings me a sense of fulfillment.” Alana has been in the funeral industry since 2007 and has been with Nicholson Funeral Home since 2015.

Emanuel Clifford Longino, Jr. was born November 11, 1986, in Atlanta, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Clifford Longino, Sr. Emanuel has always had a passion for helping people in some way, he just never knew how at the time.

Emanuel attended Atlanta Public Schools which consisted of Beecher Hills Elementary School, Jean Childs Young Middle School and Benjamin E. Mays High School. While in grade school he acquired an interest in Mortuary Science and matriculated to Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, GA.

During his educational time at Gupton-Jones, he was voted by his classmates and the staff and given the Bill Pierce Award at graduation in February of 2007. After graduating from Gupton-Jones and becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer in December of 2008, Emanuel continued to work at several funeral establishments as a licensed funeral director. Later, he made the move to be a faithful servant and manage several Georgia funeral homes and crematories.

Receiving his call to preach the Gospel in 2011 by God Almighty, Rev. Dr. Gregory A. Sutton and the late Rev. Dr. R. B. Sutton, Emanuel has grown in grace with his ministry and knowledge in grief and bereavement. Emanuel has taught Sunday School, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School at numerous churches consecutively. To further his education in Christ, Emanuel attended Carver College, formerly named, Carver Bible College in Atlanta, GA, studying Psychology and Pastoral Studies. He is receiving additional studies in Psychology and Christian Counseling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.

Emanuel, Jr. is the proud parent of Emanuel, III who aspires to become a funeral director.

Emanuel has held many positions on the district and state levels of the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioner’s Association, Inc., Amongst this organization, he is also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, where he received the designation as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) and joined the International Order of the Golden Rule.

Currently, Emanuel Clifford, is serving as an active Funeral Service Licensee for the State of North Carolina continuing his servanthood of helping others.

Stacy Boudreau, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, enlisted in the U.S. Army where she honed her sense of duty and discipline. After her service, Stacy pursued an education in the sciences, earning an Associate of Science degree from Cape Fear Community College. She furthered her studies at Fayetteville Technical Community College, earning an Associate's degree in Mortuary Science, where she developed a deep passion for helping others in times of need. Outside of her professional pursuits, Stacy enjoys spending quality time with her friends, family, and beloved pets. A compassionate animal lover, she also dedicates time to caring for feral cats and animals in her community.

Victoria Heacock is a Licensed Embalmer, Funeral Director, and OutReach Director at Nicholson Funeral Home since 2024. Victoria graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute of NYC with high honors in 2020. Victoria also studied ASL at Fayetteville Technical Community College, in 2021-2022, in the hopes of being able to communicate with our deaf community during their time of loss. 

Victoria’s chosen path for directing is non-traditional, humanistic (loved one focused) funerals and memorial services. She is welcoming of all and has the desire to serve families with diverse beliefs, while honoring their loved one with personalized services, such as: sharing their loved one’s favorite snack or drink together during a private family goodbye or tucking their loved one in for the last time. She encourages the grieving to speak of the good, and not so good times with their loved one or write notes to place forever with their loved one during cremation or burial.  

Victoria lives with her spouse of 23 years, Scott, and their 6 children, ages 22-10, in Wilkesboro, NC. Her house is always bustling with lots of food, pets, sports, chorus, dates, sleepovers, grocery deliveries, endless laundry, and her parents who moved in a few years ago. 

Reba Smith is from Campobello, South Carolina, and has lived in North Carolina for over 8 years. Reba has been with Nicholson Funeral Home since the early part of 2023. As Office Manager, she oversees the finances and bookkeeping, as well as working closely with our vendors, local Register of Deeds, and community banks. Reba oversees the ordering of supplies and keeping detailed accounts of the Funeral Home's billing and receiving. 

Reba's compassionate personality is always ready to assist the families who have lost a loved one, either by phone or with a smile and kind word here at the Funeral Home. Reba also assists with services as needed, or when a family requests her. 

Reba is a loving mother to her 3 children: Elizabeth, Kimora & Noah. She is also a devoted Grammy to her “favorite” grand dog Bella! Reba had worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years when she decided to make a change to have a better work-life balance. She loves to bake, cook, listen to music & spend time with her family. 

Kenny Wallace is a native of Statesville. He served our country in the United States Army. In June 1992 he married Debbie Johnson. Kenny’s passion is his Lord and Savior, family, and Veterans. Kenny has a servant’s heart. One of Kenny's favorite Bible passages is Psalm 100. Kenny has been with the Nicholson family since 2022.

James Lewis is a native of Statesville and is a graduate of North Iredell High School. In 1992 he married his best friend Melanie and together they have two daughters and one son. "Our home is truly blessed." "At age 30, God began to call me to begin a very special work in the Statesville, NC area. At age 32, I left my full-time job to fulfill God’s call. Since that day, God has blessed and increased our lives as well as this ministry." James has been with the Nicholson family since 2018.

Bobby D. Holmes Jr., affectionately known as BJ, was born to Bobby D. Holmes Sr. and Audrilla D. Lowery in Statesville, North Carolina. BJ was raised by his late grandparents, James “Whimp” Gray and Beryline Lowery Gray, who played a central role in shaping his values of family, community, and service. Their guidance and love provided him with a solid foundation that he continues to carry with him today. BJ’s early years in Statesville were filled with love and support, and his bond with his grandparents has remained a cornerstone of his life.

After graduating from Statesville High School in 2006, BJ furthered his education by taking courses at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His time at UNC Chapel Hill gave him invaluable experiences and broadened his perspective. Though his academic journey took him in different directions, BJ’s desire to give back to his community remained a guiding force.

BJ has held numerous roles throughout his career, but one of his most cherished experiences was his time at Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary, Inc. For many years, BJ worked there, helping the Funeral Directors serve families in his community with care and compassion. In 2024, BJ transitioned to Nicholson Funeral Home, continuing his work in funeral services. Beyond his work in the funeral industry, BJ also serves as an Administrative Assistant and Bus Driver at South Iredell High School. Through these roles, BJ has become a trusted presence in the school, playing an integral part in the lives of both students and staff.

In 2023, BJ took on an important leadership role in revitalizing the Black History Club at South Iredell High School, which had been absent for 26 years. As the Club Advisor, BJ has created a space for students to explore and celebrate Black history, culture, and heritage. His dedication to education and social justice has made a profound impact on the school community, fostering an environment where students can learn from the past and build a more inclusive future.

BJ’s faith journey began early in life, as he was an active member of Bethel Congregational Church United Church of Christ until his family moved their membership to Christ Cathedral of Deliverance in 1996. His faith has been a cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and decisions both personally and professionally.

In addition to his work and faith, BJ is deeply committed to service and community involvement. He is an active member of the Mt. Carmel Masonic Lodge, the UNC Rams Club, and the NAACP, where he works to promote social justice, equality, and community empowerment. As the Vice President and Sponsorship Coordinator for the Statesville Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning Committee, BJ plays a pivotal role in organizing events that honor the legacy of Dr. King and advance the cause of civil rights in his community. BJ also serves as the President of the Statesville High School Class of 2006 Reunion Committee, working to keep the alumni connected and ensuring that future generations of Statesville graduates have a strong sense of pride and unity.

Outside of his professional and community roles, BJ has a passion for fashion and enjoys expressing himself through his impeccable style. Known for his sharp dresser persona, BJ has a particular love for top hats, always ensuring that his appearance reflects his confidence and personality. His love for football, however, is equally strong. Whether playing a football video game or watching the game, BJ finds great joy in the sport, which has also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

BJ is an avid traveler. He enjoys exploring new places and experiences, with a special fondness for the beach, the mountains, and Chapel Hill. Whether he’s relaxing by the ocean, in the mountains with a cocktail, or visiting his alma mater, BJ cherishes the opportunity to reconnect with nature and his roots.

In September 2017, BJ married Telia Holt, and together they have three children: MaKennley, King Asher, and Empress. BJ strives to set an example for them of hard work, love, and service. He is passionate about creating a legacy that reflects the values instilled in him by his grandparents.

With a deep commitment to his faith, family, and community, BJ continues to make a positive impact in all areas of his life. His journey has been defined by his relentless pursuit of excellence, his desire to uplift others, and his unwavering belief in the power of service and education. As he continues to grow and serve, BJ remains dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy for future generations, much as his grandparents did for him.

Ronny Thompson was born in Rowan County, and has lived in Iredell County since he was 7. He attended Iredell County Schools and graduated from South Iredell High School. Ronny married his wife Gladys, in 1970, and they have a daughter and son.

Ronny served the Statesville Fire Department for 30 years and then the Iredell County Fire Marshal's Office for 10 years. Ronny has been serving the citizens of Statesville and Iredell County for over 40 years. He continues to serve his community as a funeral assistant at Nicholson Funeral Home. 

Patricia (Patti) Sherrill Sloan was born and raised in the Troutman community of Iredell County. She has been a lifetime resident. She retired from Binder Chiropractic. She is a member of  Fallstown Baptist Church and the Troutman Exchange Club. She loves people and loves assisting families as needed. She also loves giraffes.

Connie Dellinger is a native of Statesville. She graduated from South Iredell High School. She attended Mitchell Community College & Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree Summa Cum Laude in Religion. She is also a NC Notary Public. Connie joined our staff in 2023 as a funeral assistant. She has a passion to work with families to encourage hope during the tender moments of losing their loved ones. In her free time, she enjoys singing and playing the piano. She is a member of the Mitchell Community Choir.