Brittany Lawrence Teaster is a 37-year-old funeral director and office manager at Boone Family Memorial Home in West Jefferson, North Carolina.

How long have you worked in funeral service?

I have worked at Boone Family Funeral Home for 11 years.

Why did you begin working in funeral service?

My family owns the funeral home. I was a medical assistant even though I had a great interest in the business. I began as a funeral and office assistant for nine years and, loving my job, I decided to proceed in getting my director's licenses. I have now been licensed for two years.

What is the most rewarding part of your occupation?

The sincerity of the hugs, gratefulness and appreciation that I receive after a family has been able to say goodbye to their loved one. Most of all knowing their wishes were honored with dignity. At the end of the day, I know I have given my best to try and ease the pain in each family.

What are your professional goals?

To advance in all areas of the funeral industry and continue our family business. Also, to be an encouragement to other young people who might hold an interest.

What are you proud of that you have achieved so far during your career in funeral service?

My greatest moment was receiving my director’s degree! Then learning to work with all different personalities in moments of grief. Sometimes that can be a great hurdle and I’m very proud when I am able to help the families with decisions at some of their most grief-filled moments.

What are some important/notable trends that you have noticed in funeral service?

Cremation is a noticeable change in our society, especially within the last five years at Boone Family Funeral Home.

How do you spend your time outside of work? Is there anything in particular that you enjoy doing?

I spend a lot of my spare time outdoors, working in our yard and especially my flowers. Kayaking has been a favorite thing of mine. There is nothing like floating the river for the day to clear your mind. Family is the largest part of my life, so my husband and I never miss a chance to involve them in our everyday activity.

What are three of your personal goals?

My three personal goals are quite simple. My first would be achieving my preneed license, which is such a vital part of funeral service. Another would be stepping out of my comfort zone. I think day-by-day we tend to get very passive with schedules always being the same. When the opportunity arises, I look forward to accepting the challenge. Thirdly would be to live in the moment and enjoy life.

Who or what inspires you?

I have been inspired in my career by my mother and stepfather. They have always encouraged, taught, listened, motivated and laughed with me.

What is your favorite phone app?

I have two favorite apps; one is Pinterest when I’m looking for new ideas for my home. Secondly, a relaxing game of Solitaire.

What is one thing your peers would be surprised to know about you?

My peers may not know that I am a very organized and detailed person. When I find myself stressed, cleaning and organizing seem to clear my mind.

What is one thing that you think is just “golden,” wonderful or exciting?

Golden is waking up every morning, knowing I’m blessed to have a wonderful husband, wonderful job, work family and God’s guidance throughout each day.

What do you value most about OGR?

The values of OGR are endless. The service I use most often is the Family Contract Survey. It allows us to recognize our shortcomings and correct them. If we receive a complaint, it gives an opportunity to correct it and build a positive trust with our client family. The positive comments always help build encouragement and confidence for our staff. OGR allows us to establish friendships with member firms throughout the country. This is vitally important when we need services provided from outside of our service area. We always turn to an OGR firm first.

The organization as a whole tries to ‘follow the Golden Rule.’ What other words do you try to live by?

All marketing starts in the hearts and minds of people. Find what their wants and needs are and meet them. “KGDS:" Keep Going, Don’t Stop!

This spotlight was originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Independent® magazine. Click here to read the entire issue.