Our Staff

William S. Coffman

Owner / President

General Manager

Willie is the founder of Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, having served the community of Staunton, Augusta County, and surrounding areas for over forty years as funeral service provider.

Born in Staunton, William is the son of the late Rev. Glenn F. and Elsie Pauline Coffman of Craigsville.

He is the husband of Barbara G. Coffman and they have a daughter Whitley B. Coffman and four grandchildren.

William is a native of Augusta County and graduated of Buffalo Gap High School Class of 1982. He attended Blue Ridge Community College and received his degree in Mortuary Science in 1989, graduating from the Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA.

William and his family are members of Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton.

He is a member of the Augusta Lions Club, a member of the Virginia Funeral Directors' Association, and a member and past President of the Shenandoah Valley Funeral Directors' Association.

Mr. Coffman began working in the funeral service in 1983 and has continued serving the families of Staunton and Augusta County for over forty years.

"Serving people has been a life-long endeavor and assisting families in their time of need is one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life." It is my commitment to provide the families we serve with compassionate and professional service they need during one of life's most difficult times.

Barbara G. Coffman

Co-Owner / Administrative

Barbara was born and raised in Wytheville, VA, a daughter of the late Jeanette Vaught Grubb and Warren Grubb.

She attended George Wythe High School and Wytheville Community College and has taken classes at Valley VoTech in Fishersville. Barbara moved to Staunton in 1988 and has two daughters, Michelle D. Bergos of Greenville and Whitley B. Coffman of Staunton.

Before joining her husband in funeral service, Barbara was a paraprofessional in the SPED programs at Beverly Manor Middle School and Riverheads High School.

Barbara enjoys the beach, camping, reading and spending time with her family.

S. Jonathan Hines

Funeral Service Licensee / CCO

Sergio P. Jonathan Hines was born in Guatemala, adopted as an infant, and grew up in Waynesboro. Jonathan married Candice (Raynes) in 2011. They have been blessed with three children, Brooklyn, Austin; and Lincoln, who finished his fight with cancer on June 14, 2025, at the age of four.

Jonathan attended Blue Ridge Community College for a degree in Business Management and is a graduate of John Tyler Community College and the Funeral Services Program (AAS).

He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and a Certified Crematory Operator (CCO), completing the Certified Crematory Operator Program through the National Funeral Directors Association.

Jonathan is a past President of the Shenandoah Valley Funeral Director's Association and a member of the Virginia Funeral Director's Association (VFDA).

He was appointed in 2022 by Governor Glenn A. Youngkin to serve on the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jonathan and his family are active members of the Aero Drive Church of God in Waynesboro, where his father, Daniel Hines is Pastor and his mother Melody Hines is pianist and organist. Jonathan enjoys singing, directing choir, and serves as sound technician at the church, along with his wife.

He enjoys music and making melodies with his saxophone, horseback riding with his family, playing golf, and traveling with his family, especially to the mountains of Eastern Tennessee, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and Ocracoke Island and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

He is passionate about giving guidance and assistance to the families we serve and being there for them at a time when they need help the most.

Whitley Brooke Coffman

Administrative Assistant

Whitley was born in Charlottesville Virginia, the daughter of William and Barbara Coffman. She is the mother of four precious children and resides in Staunton, VA.

She graduated from Riverheads High School class of 2010, and attended Valley Vo-Tech where she received a certificate in Office Quickbooks.

Prior to moving to office duties, Whitley served her funeral service internship under the direct supervision of her father.

Whitley’s single most important obligation is her children and filling in where needed in the office. Along with being a mother she enjoys fishing, camping, hunting and other outdoor activities.

Kristie Sours

Accounting Specialist

Kristie was born in Staunton, Virginia and is a lifelong resident of Augusta County. She and her husband Todd, who call Craigsville home, feel extremely fortunate to be surrounded by their families as neighbors. They are blessed with a beautiful daughter, Kynlea, who is truly their pride and joy. They praise her for keeping them young-at-heart.

Kristie is a 1990 graduate of Buffalo Gap High School and continued her studies and later graduated from Dominion Business School. Further studies included business and accounting at Blue Ridge Community College. Kristie brings with her 31 years of experience in related fields.

She enjoys spending time with family and the beauty of nature's surroundings. Family trips to the majestic mountains of Tennessee are just one of her favorite pastimes.

Caitlin Campbell

Professional Administrative Assistant

Caitlin was born in Charlottesville, VA and has been a lifelong resident of Augusta County. She is the daughter of Mike and Mary Alford. Caitlin married her husband, Garrett in 2019 and together, they live in Greenville with their son, Grady.

Caitlin graduated from Riverheads High School in 2011 and attended Blue Ridge Community College and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Along with being a mother, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, planning events, flower gardening, reading, and traveling. Caitlin is a member of Greenville United Methodist Church and enjoys attending Bridge Christian Church.

Pamela Swink

Professional Administrative Assistant

Born in Staunton, Pam is the daughter of the late Glenn R. and Mary O. Thayer. She has been a lifelong resident of Augusta County.

Pam married Thomas (Keith) in 1981 and they have two children, Justin Keith and Amanda Kay. They have 4 beautiful grandchildren, Kaitlyn Grace, Summer Rose, Tucker Allen and Lincoln Grey.

She graduated from Riverheads High School and Valley Vocational Technical Center. Pam has over 10 years of experience with Coffman Funeral Home and has been a self-employed hairdresser for over 40 years.

Pam is a member of Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church and enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her precious grandchildren.

Chelsea Brooks

Professional Administrative Assistant

Kathy Lafon

Pianist and Vocalist

Kathy Walton Lafon is a native of Staunton and currently serves as a Musician for Coffman Funeral Home.

She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and then completed a Bachelor of Music degree from James Madison University in 1988. Kathy also serves as Director of Music and Worship at Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton.

She sees her opportunity to minister through music to families during their time of grief as a blessing.

Eugene "Gene" McIlwee, Jr.

Funeral Service Assistant

Eugene “Gene” Mcllwee, Jr. was born in Shenandoah County.

He and his wife Judy live near Middlebrook. They have a daughter, Megan; a son, Jason and his wife Katie and their son, Nick.

He is a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Swoope.

Gene retired after 40 years of service from the Augusta County School System as an agriculture teacher at Riverheads High School.

He is a graduate of Virginia Tech with B.S. and M.S. Ed degrees in Agricultural Education.

Gene has been employed part-time as a Funeral Service Assistant with Coffman Funeral Home since July 2008.

Kenny Nicholas

Funeral Service Assistant

Kenny was born in Staunton and married Linda Patrick Nicholas in April of 1995. He has a son, step-daughter and three grandchildren.

He is a 1974 graduate of Fort Defiance High School, he attended Blue Ridge Community College, is an U.S. Army Veteran and retired as a Fire Engineer with the City of Staunton.

Kenny and his wife Linda are members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and they reside in Lyndhurst. Kenny enjoys the outdoors, hunting, singing and playing music.

He began his employment as a funeral assistant with Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory in July of 2009.

Martin Chittum

Funeral Service Assistant

Martin and his wife, Shirley are long-time residents of Raphine. After serving in the United States Navy, Martin built a career with DuPont until his retirement after 30 years of service.

He and Shirley are active members of Fairfield Methodist Church, where Martin is a member of the choir.

He is an engineer for the Gypsy Express and assists with activities for the Raphine Volunteer Fire Department. After years of farming and mechanics, Martin enjoys woodworking and spending time with family and friends.

William "Bill" Trice

Funeral Service Assistant / Minister

Bill was born in Waukegan, Illinois, and raised in Arkansas. He and his wife Joan reside in Greenville. They have three children, four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

He attended Searcy High School in Arkansas, served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a City Letter Carrier in Waynesboro with a combined service of thirty-four years.
Bill is Licensed and Ordained through the Nationwide Pentecostal Evangelistic Association and attends Stuarts Draft Full Gospel Church. Bill presently serves as a Deacon and Adult Sunday School Teacher.

His hobbies include family time, meeting people, enjoying outdoor activities, tinkering with and admiring old cars.

Bill has been employed with Coffman Funeral Home since March 2015.

Tom Ross

Funeral Service Assistant

Tom and his wife, Judith of 53 years of Verona, father of two children and four grandchildren.

He is a long time member of Laurel Hill Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and on numerous committees. Toms faith in Jesus Christ is and has been his source of strength and blessings in all areas of his life.

Tom worked in industry for 28 years as a draftsman, designer and mechanical engineer. He retired from Woodman of The World as a activities director/youth camp director with 19 years of service.

His interests include camping with family, fishing, NASCAR, restoring classic automobiles and taking care of his home and several rental houses.

Debbie Walker

Funeral Service Assistant

Debbie is a lifelong resident of Augusta County. She is a graduate of Buffalo Gap High School and Blue Ridge Community College, and holds a B.A. from Mary Baldwin University with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Computer Information Systems.

She began her career in banking with then United Virginia Bank, later Crestar Bank, where she worked for 22 years. She left banking to accept employment in the criminal justice/ community corrections sector with Blue Ridge Court Services. Debbie retired in 2018 from the position of Pretrial Services Program Manager and having completed 22 years of service.

Debbie is an active servant at Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton. She is a Deacon and a long-time ringer with the Sounds of Joy hand bell choir. She sits on several committees and is very involved with her Sunday School Class.

Debbie enjoys time at the beach, music concerts, plays, and spending time with family.

She joined the Coffman Funeral Home Staff in August 2021.

Doug Harris

Funeral Service Assistant

Patricia Fahrney

Funeral Service Assistant

Patricia “Pat” Fahrney is from the New Hope area of Augusta County. She and her husband, Ron of 29 years, now reside in the Fishersville area along with her husband’s service dog, Marshall. They are the proud parents of two sons and their wives and two granddaughters.

She is a long-time member of Laurel Hill Baptist Church, serving as a children/youth Sunday School Teacher, and numerous committees. She is also a member of the Greater Augusta Alzheimer’s Committee and a Trustee with the Rion Bowman VFW auxiliary. She is an avid supporter of all veterans, especially her husband, who is a purple heart, bronze star Vietnam vet.

Pat is a cancer survivor, crediting her faith in God as her strength through cancer and life.

She is retired after 40 years with Columbia Gas of Virginia as an operations coordinator, resource planner and engineering technician.

She is a graduate of Fort Defiance High School and Elizabeth Brant School of Business and took classes at Blue Ridge Community College.

Her interests include foremost being involved in her children and grandchildren’s activities, as well as scrapbooking, reading and traveling with her husband.

Terry Howard

Funeral Service Assistant

Terry was born in Abilene, Texas. He grew up in Waynesboro and graduated high school there with the class of 1982. He and his wife, Evette were married in 1986 and moved to Staunton in 1989. They have a daughter, Carmen (son-in-law, Deon), a son, Tory (daughter-in-law, Lindsey), and six grandchildren.

Terry retired from Columbia Gas of Virginia after 38 years, serving as the area supervisor for the last 11 years. He also retired from the Virginia Army National Guard after 25 years, serving as the unit First Sergeant in units in Staunton and Lynchburg.

He enjoys traveling with his wife, especially taking cruise vacations, reading, playing golf, and watching his grandchildren with their various activities, and meeting new people.

Scott Garber

Funeral Service Assistant

Ryan Brown

Funeral Service Assistant

Michael Craig

Funeral Service Assistant

Michael was born in Staunton, Virginia and has been a lifelong resident of Augusta County. He is a graduate of Riverheads High School and attended Blue Ridge Community College. He retired as a Director of Operations from Food Lion after 35 years. Later, he continued to serve the community as an Assistant Vice President at Frontier Community Bank.

Michael and his wife Amy reside in Stuarts Draft, Virginia. They have two sons, Dylan and Erik. Michael enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family, whether it’s relaxing by the lake or riding 3-wheelers at the family farm.

Brenda Thorne

Funeral Service Assistant

Hunter Childress

Funeral Service Assistant