J. Barrett Nelson
CEO / Licensed Funeral Director
J. Barrett Nelson
CEO / Licensed Funeral Director
Danny Gill
Vice President / Licensed Funeral Director
Danny Gill is the Vice-President and Co-Owner of Marion Nelson Funeral Homes and Johnson-Nelson-Gill Funeral Home in Lake Wales and Frostproof. He is a native Floridian, raised in Lake Wales and a graduate of Lake Wales High School. Danny graduated in 1991, with honors, from Miami-Dade State College with an Associate of Science degree in Mortuary Science. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1992 after successfully passing his national and state board exams. In 1997, he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Webber International University. After many years in business, Danny decided to return to further his education and received a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in 2017 from Warner University and was inducted into Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. He has served on many local boards, including Lake Wales Family YMCA, Lake Wales Little League, Lake Wales Amphitheatre, LWHS Athletic Booster Club, and LWHS SAC and previously on the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of trustees from 2010 until 2018 with two of those years as the board Chair. Danny has rejoined the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees in 2019 serving as the Board Chair. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Aaron and Zach, two grandsons, Kasen and Brogan and a granddaughter, Jernie Rayne. Other than his family, a proud accomplishment is being selected to umpire in the 2018 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.
Danny Gill
Vice President / Licensed Funeral Director
Danny Gill is the Vice-President and Co-Owner of Marion Nelson Funeral Homes and Johnson-Nelson-Gill Funeral Home in Lake Wales and Frostproof. He is a native Floridian, raised in Lake Wales and a graduate of Lake Wales High School. Danny graduated in 1991, with honors, from Miami-Dade State College with an Associate of Science degree in Mortuary Science. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1992 after successfully passing his national and state board exams. In 1997, he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Webber International University. After many years in business, Danny decided to return to further his education and received a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in 2017 from Warner University and was inducted into Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. He has served on many local boards, including Lake Wales Family YMCA, Lake Wales Little League, Lake Wales Amphitheatre, LWHS Athletic Booster Club, and LWHS SAC and previously on the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of trustees from 2010 until 2018 with two of those years as the board Chair. Danny has rejoined the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees in 2019 serving as the Board Chair. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Aaron and Zach, two grandsons, Kasen and Brogan and a granddaughter, Jernie Rayne. Other than his family, a proud accomplishment is being selected to umpire in the 2018 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.
Kristina Nelson Richels
Office Manager
Kristina Nelson Richels
Office Manager
Joy McCartney
Licensed Funeral Director
Joy McCartney
Licensed Funeral Director
Barry Werner
Retired Licensed Funeral Director
Barry Werner
Retired Licensed Funeral Director
Lisa Hatch
Preneed Agent
Starting at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in 1998, Lisa has helped thousands of families with pre-planning for funeral or cremation as well as assisting them with continuing care after a death has occurred. She and her husband Jim live in Bartow.
Lisa Hatch
Preneed Agent
Starting at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in 1998, Lisa has helped thousands of families with pre-planning for funeral or cremation as well as assisting them with continuing care after a death has occurred. She and her husband Jim live in Bartow.
Chelsey Bryan
Funeral Directors Assistant
Chelsey has been a dedicated Funeral Director’s Assistant since 2019, bringing compassion, reliability, and a strong sense of purpose to her role in funeral service. With a deep commitment to supporting families during some of life’s most difficult moments, Chelsey plays an essential part in ensuring that services are carried out with dignity and care.
In August 2025, Chelsey earned her Associate of Science in Business Management, and she is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration along with her funeral directing license.
Chelsey’s approach to her work is grounded in empathy and professionalism, and she is known for her calm presence and attention to detail. She looks forward to becoming a licensed funeral director and continuing to serve her community with integrity.
Outside of work, Chelsey enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Ross, their daughter Josie, son John, and their family dog Luna. Whether it’s a family walk or a weekend adventure, she finds joy in nature and quality time with loved ones.
Brenda Wilbanks
Funeral Directors Assistant
Brenda has been a valued part of the Marion Nelson Funeral Home family since 1988, beginning her journey while still in high school. Her connection to the Nelson family runs deep—before officially joining the team, Brenda babysat for Barrett Nelson, caring for all four of his children. She later transitioned into a role as secretary during her high school years, laying the foundation for a lifelong career in funeral service.
Over the decades, Brenda has become known for her compassion, dedication, and steady presence in the lives of the families she serves. Her role as Funeral Director’s Assistant is marked by a genuine commitment to helping others through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Outside of work, Brenda is deeply involved in the community. She is an active member of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge 2391, Women of the Moose Chapter 1974, and the Lake Wales VFW. She also channels her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit into her catering business, Twisted Sisters Catering, which is beloved for its flavorful dishes and personalized service.
Brenda is a proud mother to her son Dalton, who is married to Daria, and expecting their first child, Daxton—making her a soon-to-be Nana. She can always be found with her sidekick, Asher Lee. Her warmth, experience, and community involvement make her an indispensable part of the Marion Nelson Funeral Home team.
Kaylee Morris
Funeral Directors Assistant/ Apprentice Embalmer
Kaylee Morris began her journey in funeral services in 2021 and has since become a compassionate and dedicated member of the team. In August 2025, she earned her Associate of Science degree in Funeral Services from Saint Petersburg College, further solidifying her commitment to supporting families with care and professionalism.
As a Funeral Director’s Assistant and Apprentice Embalmer, Kaylee plays a vital role in ensuring every detail is handled with empathy and respect. Her dedication to the field is reflected in both her work and her continued education.
Outside of her professional life, Kaylee enjoys attending concerts and spending quality time with her dog, Eden, and her boyfriend, Sawyer.
Landon Morales
Crematory Operator
Rick Shaw
Funeral Associate
Rick Shaw
Funeral Associate
Stephen Bolden
Funeral Associate
Pastor David Durham
Funeral Associate / Local Clergy
David Durham has faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Waverly since 1996, bringing decades of spiritual leadership and dedication to his congregation. He also served as a Regional Facilitator for the Evangelism Response Center (ERC) with the North American Mission Board, where he provided training and support to those passionate about sharing the gospel. For inquiries or training related to the ERC, David can be reached at 863-439-3400 or via email.
David and his wife Diane have been happily married for 35 wonderful years and are proud parents to three children: Jessica, Shana, and David Jr. Outside of ministry, David enjoys hunting and fishing and is always open to a good hunting invitation. His favorite dessert is banana pudding—a reflection of his Southern roots.
Pastor David Durham
Funeral Associate / Local Clergy
David Durham has faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Waverly since 1996, bringing decades of spiritual leadership and dedication to his congregation. He also served as a Regional Facilitator for the Evangelism Response Center (ERC) with the North American Mission Board, where he provided training and support to those passionate about sharing the gospel. For inquiries or training related to the ERC, David can be reached at 863-439-3400 or via email.
David and his wife Diane have been happily married for 35 wonderful years and are proud parents to three children: Jessica, Shana, and David Jr. Outside of ministry, David enjoys hunting and fishing and is always open to a good hunting invitation. His favorite dessert is banana pudding—a reflection of his Southern roots.
Pastor Denny Cothern
Funeral Associate / Local Clergy
Funeral Associate / Local Clergy Denny and his wife Denise moved to Lake Wales from Green Cove Springs, FL in 1994, after being transferred by their church there to serve as pastors of The Golfview Church of God here in Lake Wales. Denny is a native of Alma, GA, but got to Lake Wales as soon as he could! Whenever anyone asks Denny where he lives, you will hear him say proudly..."Beautiful" Lake Wales, FL! "We have fallen in love with the city and the people, and we are so very honored to be of service to the community."
Pastor Denny Cothern
Funeral Associate / Local Clergy
Funeral Associate / Local Clergy Denny and his wife Denise moved to Lake Wales from Green Cove Springs, FL in 1994, after being transferred by their church there to serve as pastors of The Golfview Church of God here in Lake Wales. Denny is a native of Alma, GA, but got to Lake Wales as soon as he could! Whenever anyone asks Denny where he lives, you will hear him say proudly..."Beautiful" Lake Wales, FL! "We have fallen in love with the city and the people, and we are so very honored to be of service to the community."
Tom Morse
Funeral Associate
Tom Morse
Funeral Associate
