Mackenzie Newman Meek was recently granted a Funeral Directors License by the Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Meek graduated from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in December 2025 then successfully completed the National Board of Funeral Service Examination and the Tennessee Funeral Directors State Law Exam. She credits mentors Tony Hysmith, Randy Mead and Marty Rowland, who trained and worked alongside her during her schooling and examinations, for helping her reach this goal. She is also appreciative of fellow employees Billie Autry, the funeral home’s Administrative Assistant, and Karen Stone who serves as the Pre-Need Service Counselor, for their constant encouragement. Mackenzie, who is married to Tyler Meek, is the daughter of B. J. and Stacy Newman. Hysmith states, “Mackenzie is a great asset to our staff. She has a passion for the funeral service profession and has dedicated herself to her studies while working full time the past few years.”
When asked her thoughts on reaching this milestone, Mackenzie said, “I could not have asked for a better group of people to have my back throughout these last few years, not only for their encouragement but their prayers. My family also played an instrumental role; I could not have made it through without my mom, Stacy, spending countless hours studying with me. When I was at the point of giving up and needed a shoulder to cry on, both she and my husband were there. Having these three men—Tony, Randy, and Marty— ‘my boys’, being my mentors has been the greatest blessing I could’ve asked for. It was an honor and privilege to have worked with Marty for the last several years before his passing. I was his favorite, though he probably would not admit it, but I knew. He is dearly missed, and I was fortunate to have learned from him.
“Tony and Randy have been there cheering me on in not only my studies but also improving my knowledge behind the scenes. After being in the funeral business for almost five years in April, I’m proud to say, I am the first female Licensed Funeral Director in Henderson and it is truly an honor to serve the families in this community.”
