Our Caring Staff

Dean Gentry

Funeral Director / Embalmer / Location Manager

Dean is a graduate of Sale Creek High School (1986) and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service (1997). He is a member of the Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity, which is the National Morticians' Honors Fraternity that recognizes excellence in Academics, Embalming, and Restorative Art. Dean received his Tennessee Funeral Directors and Embalmers License in 1998 and his Georgia Funeral Directors and Embalmers License in 2001. He joined the staff of Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services as Manager in January 2025.

Dean's career in Funeral Service started in 1993 and has over 30 years of experience and knowledge when it comes to serving families. Most of his career has been serving the families in the North Georgia / Chattanooga area. He has served numerous families and built many lasting friendships over the years. Dean strongly believes that you are “called” to this profession, as it is a ministry. “I can’t imagine any day being worse in life than to lose someone you love. Having a part in helping a family work through this process and celebrate the life of their loved one is very important. Celebrating their loved one's life gives their friends and community an opportunity to express their love and support. Every life has a story… and that story deserves to be told, and it’s my responsibility to help them do so.”

Dean is an avid Tennessee Vols fan and has lived most of his life in the Hixson / Soddy-Daisy area. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Ringgold, GA. They enjoy watching NASCAR, cruising, time at the beach, and watching the grandchildren’s sporting activities. They attend Parkway Baptist Church (Fort Oglethorpe, GA) and are involved with the Senior Adult Ministry Program.

Jenna Picou

Funeral Director/Embalmer & Family Counselor

Jenna is originally from South Louisiana, a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with her Bachelor's in Psychology and Sociology, as well as a graduate of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. She has held her Funeral Director/Embalmer and pre-arrangement license for over twelve years. Being in the Funeral Service Industry was a calling to serve her community in a time of great loss and to help plan a celebration of someone's lifelong journey.

Jenna also specializes in helping families make pre-arrangements in hopes to help to counsel families when questions arise about "locking in funeral cost" and/or reflecting on your wishes prior to death occurring. "I am always happy to discuss any questions that come up about what to do and how to manage funeral planning, because I believe, and have seen, the help and comfort it brings to each family member left behind." Having the conversation with your family and ability to share your wishes provides peace in knowing they will be choosing what is right for both you and them."

Jenna has been an avid runner all of her life and put herself through college with her track and field scholarship. She ran the heptathlon, pole vaulted, and was the strongest in the 3000m steeplechase. Jenna has a wonderful group of ladies that she runs with on a daily basis in Chattanooga, as well as supports the local community events and runs several races throughout the year. She is a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, the Chattanooga Track Club as well as the Chattanooga Bicycle Club. Recently, she has added "TRI"-ing, triathlons, completing the 2023 70.3 Half Ironman and the 2025 144.6 Chattanooga Full Ironman.

Jenna is a resident of Chattanooga with her Husband, Chris Dotter, and their cat Harvey. She is proud to serve her community and listen, as each family has their own journey through what can be the most difficult time in someone's life.

Jerry Bowman

Funeral Director

Jerry graduated from Northwest Georgia High Scholl in 1986 (Dade County High School). He began his funeral career in 1990 in the state of Georgia. Graduating from Gupton- Jones College of Funeral Services in 1996 and is a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Tennessee, as well as the state of Alabama.

He spent twenty- four years of service in the state of Georgia where he worked his way up to location manager. He then relocated with his wife, Norma, to the state of Alabama in 2014 where they still reside.

Jerry earned his bachelor's degree in business management in 2024 and has received many awards throughout his funeral career. Jerry is a University of GA football fan and enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and grandchildren.

Waymon V. "Buzz" Brown

In Memory

A lifelong resident of the North Chattanooga area, Waymon was sought after by several families and funeral homes in our area for his compassion and expertise.

He served families for more than 40 years; his care and compassion served the Hamilton family well.

He was a member of White Oak Church of Christ, where he served as song leader, and a member of the Red Bank Lions Club, where he formerly served in the capacity of Vice President. Mr. Brown served on the Chattanooga National Cemetery advisory board and was a long-standing member of the National Funeral Directors Association. Waymon served as a Deputy Registrar with the Hamilton County Health Department as well as the recipient of the Excellence in Service Eagle Award for Professional Funeral Service Practice.