From an early age, I was blessed with two parents who taught me the value of remembering loved ones who have died, as well as the importance of visiting their final resting place. Therefore, I believe this lesson contributed to my keen interest in the historical value of cemeteries. Furthermore, it is the primary reason that I have so many pictures of the monuments and the cemeteries where my family members and other loved ones are interred. I have enhanced my contributions by posting death notices and obituaries from many individuals whom I have known over the years (which is still a work in progress!).

I am also a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Missouri. In addition, I was employed 16 years as an Associate Professor and the Program Director for the Certificate of Specialization in Funeral Directing in the Department of Funeral Service Education at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park (where I graduated in May 1994 with my Associate in Applied Science degree in Funeral Service Education).