Our staff of the finest ladies and gentlemen strive to maintain our mission to serve our community with integrity, compassion, and dignity. Our team at J.T. Morriss possesses extensive experience and are all committed to assisting you in commemorating your loved ones. We are accessible around the clock, reachable through email or phone, ensuring continuous support whenever needed.
Tolleison Morriss was born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia before attending and graduating high school at Saint Anne's Belfield in Charlottesville, Virginia. He continued his education and lacrosse career at Penn State University where he graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and concentration in Business. Directly after graduating college, Tolleison began working full time in the family business, which he has expanded greatly, becoming a licensed Funeral Director in 1999. Tolleison has been married to his wife, Angie Krishnamurthy, for over 25 years, and they have two children together. Tolleison and Angie enjoy travelling, spending time at the lake, and being outdoors together. Tolleison also enjoys golfing, running with his dogs, and visiting his children at their colleges. He is also active in the community, including being a longtime board member of the Cameron Foundation. Tolleison has worked hard over the years to maintain the tradition of his name sakes that have led to the success of J.T. Morriss & Son, while keeping an eye for the future.
Angie Morriss moved to Petersburg as a young child. She taught elementary education in Henrico County after graduating from James Madison University, returning to college in 2010 to earn a Certificate in Grief and Bereavement. Angie provides grief support for both J.T. Morriss and Crater Community Hospice. She is also the outreach assistant at Crater, teaching and presenting throughout the community. Angie is a member of the Chesterfield Council on Aging, the CCA Caregiver Committee and a Petersburg Home for Ladies board member.
Kenley Morriss, oldest child of Tolleison and Angie Morriss, was born and raised in Chester, VA. She will be graduating from JMU this 2024 fall semester with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a concentration in European Business. Through school, she's had the opportunity to study abroad, and looks forward to continuing to expand her worldview in the coming years. While her ultimate goal is becoming part of the family business, she also aims to learn different perspectives, tools, and skills. She has spent her time off from school helping in varying positions and capacities at the funeral home, such as assisting with services, liaising with families, and offering an objective viewpoint for the future. Whether it's running with her dog or reading a book on the beach, Kenley loves being outdoors. She enjoys visiting the Petersburg Home for Ladies with her mom and dropping off flowers whenever she gets the chance. Once she graduates from JMU, Kenley plans to continue her education and family legacy by obtaining her Funeral Director's License.
J.T. Morriss, the seventh of his namesake, was born and raised in Chester, VA. He attended Enon Elementary and Elizabeth Davis Middle before graduating from Trinity Episcopal School in 2022. J.T. currently attends Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, working towards a Business Management degree. In the summer of 2023, after his first year of college, J.T. began working full-time for the family business as a Certified Crematory Operator. By the summer of 2024, he was deeply involved in learning the funeral business and personally serving families in the community. When he's not in school or at work, J.T. enjoys spending time with his friends and can often be found grilling or at the gym. After graduating from CCU, J.T. plans to complete his internship at J.T. Morriss & Son, joining his immediate family and the coworkers who feel like family and have served as his mentors, with hopes to follow in his father's footsteps at the helm of the business.
Benjamin Barrett has lived in Prince George County most of his life. He graduated Prince George High school in 2011 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in History from Liberty University in 2024. He started working for J.T. Morriss in 2021. He feels like his position here in our funeral home gives him the ability to offer support to grieving families in his community. He is married to an elementary school teacher named Sara and the father of a beautiful son, Jackson Lee. He is a full time Firefighter/Paramedic in Colonial Heights, Virginia. In Benjamin’s free time, he enjoys reading history, bass fishing, metal detecting and Civil War reenacting. He is also a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Bob Rodgers moved to Petersburg in 2019 with his spouse Mike Street. He has two grown daughters and a very spoiled furry four legged daughter, Mupp. Bob attended high school in Henrico, Co. then graduated from VCU after which he taught school, worked for a major credit card issuer, and then had a career in hospitality with the University of Richmond catering operation, retiring from there in 2014. Since retiring, Bob has enjoyed working part time at J.T. Morriss, gardening, working on his circa 1830s home and traveling. He is a volunteer docent with Petersburg museums. He says working for J T Morriss & Son is a rewarding experience; being of service to others.
Brandon Woody was born and raised in Colonial Heights to Mike and Angie Woody, but moved to the Chester area when he started a family. Brandon has been married to his treasured wife, formerly Maggie Vaughan, for over 10 years. They have a girl, Kensington, who fills their days and keeps them busy. Brandon is a 2007 graduate of Colonial Heights High School, 2009 John Tyler (Brightpoint) graduate, and became a licensed funeral director in 2010. He started at J.T. Morriss in 2010, and quickly became well-known by the staff as well as the families in the surrounding areas. In reflection of his dedication, Brandon won the People's Choice Award in 2023. In both 2023 and 2024, Brandon was voted top 40 under 40 for business professionals in the tri-cities area. Brandon has always been an active member in the community, including being the current treasurer at Enon Elementary School, where Kensington attends and Maggie works. The rare times when Brandon isn't busy, he can be found grilling or golfing and enjoys traveling with his family.
Buck Vargo is a lifelong resident of Prince George County and a graduate of Prince George High School, Class of 1980. He has been a dedicated employee at J.T. Morriss since October 28, 1985, where he finds his work rewarding, caring, and compassionate, helping families during their times of loss. Buck has been happily married to his wife, Susan, for over 25 years, and they have one daughter, Brendal, who recently earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. In his leisure time, Buck enjoys baseball, especially the New York Yankees, college basketball as a fan of the UNC Tar Heels, fishing, and recently started playing golf. He is actively involved in the community, being a member of Bethlehem Congregational Church, attending Newville United Methodist Church, and participating in several organizations including: the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, Crater Criminal Justice Training Academy Board of Directors, Riverside Regional Jail Authority Board of Directors, the Hopewell/Prince George Crime Solvers, Sons of The American Legion Hopewell Post 146, the Prince George Triad, and the Hopewell Moose.
Carly Story was born in Petersburg and graduated from Colonial Heights High School in 2017. She cherishes the moments spent with her close-knit circle of friends and family, finding joy in the laughter of her godson and the playful antics of her nieces and nephews. Whether it's a family activity or a casual hangout with friends, Carly enjoys a sense of togetherness. She has many hobbies, including "junk journaling" and finds solace and inspiration within the pages of a good book, often sharing her latest reads with those around her. In 2022, Carly embarked on a new professional journey at J.T. Morriss. The dynamics of the environment, consistency, and the fast-paced nature of her work not only brings her enjoyment but allows her to thrive and excel.
Charlie Andrews has been a lifelong resident of Petersburg, Virginia and has been a member of the J.T. Morriss & Son staff since 1959. Charlie is a graduate of Petersburg High School and went on to continue his education at Chowan University and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and has been a licensed funeral director since 1967. Charlie and his beloved wife of 60 years, Judy Andrews, have one son, Cliff, and two grandchildren. Charlie and Judy moved to Chester Village in 2023 where they have been enjoying a semi-retired lifestyle. When Charlie is not working, he enjoys history, hunting, fishing, and visiting the lake with Judy. Charlie is very active in the community and is a proud member of many organizations, including VFDA, Blandford Lodge No.3 A.F. & A.M., Petersburg P.O.G.O., Pamplin Historical Park, Fort Valley Hunt Club, Dearing-Beauregard SCV Camp No. 1813, North-South Skirmish Association, Cockade Rifles of Petersburg, Virginia and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 882, Petersburg, Virginia.
Curtis was born and raised in Wise County, Virginia. After graduating from high school he left the area and began his career as a funeral service apprentice with J.T. Morriss & Son in 1958. In 1961 Curtis completed his studies at The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and became a licensed Funeral Director later that same year. Several years later, he relocated to Northern Virginia but returned to J.T. Morriss & Son in 1988 and has been helping to serve their clients and the community ever since. Curtis resides in Dundas, Virginia and has enjoyed a long working relationship with J.T. Morriss & Son. He was married to the late Barbara Ann Hawthorne for 56 ½ years, and they have one son. In his spare time Curtis enjoys photography and golf. For several years, Curtis was a member of the Kenbridge Emergency Squad. He and his son Christopher were the first and only father-son life members of this squad.
David Watts has lived in Chesterfield County for the last 25 years. He is a 1981 graduate of Toccoa Falls Bible College in Georgia. He currently is the associate pastor for First Baptist Church of Hopewell. David has been employed with JTM for the last two years. He enjoys working the funerals and assisting families. David has three grandchildren, two of which live in the area. He currently lives with one of his brothers in Chester. When not at the church or funeral home, he volunteers as a chaplain with Chesterfield County Sheriff's Offices, plays golf, and rides his motorcycle.
Debbie Westmoreland has lived in Dinwiddie County all of her life. She graduated from Richard Bland College and Medical Technology school in 1978. She worked at Petersburg General Hospital and SRMC as a Microbiology Technologist. Debbie retired in 2022 and began working at J.T. Morriss in June of 2024. She loves working with people, encouraging and supporting them in their time of need. Debbie's sister, Cheryl Perkins, works at J.T. Morriss, as did her cousin Barney Perkins. In her free time, Debbie enjoys the beach and dancing, and is a member of Smyrna Baptist Church in Dinwiddie. She loves her family and 5 grandchildren.
Ed Rivers has been a resident of Chesterfield for over 30 years. He joined the staff of J.T. Morriss & Son in 2019 where he fills his time working, as he enjoys everyone he works with. Ed is widowed and has three boys. He is a life member of Greensville Rescue Squad in Emporia, Virginia. He is active in the community in other ways as well, including being a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church and the American Legion.
Evan Coryell, originally from Northern Virginia, moved to Chester in 2019 with the plan of becoming a Funeral Director. In 2022, he began to make this plan a reality when he joined the J.T. Morriss staff, learning as much as he could from the wealth of expertise and experience from the rest of the staff. With the support of his family and coworkers, he graduated from Brightpoint in 2023 and became licensed in 2024, becoming one of the youngest Funeral Directors at J.T. Morriss. He has worked hard to carve a place for himself in the storied history of J.T. Morriss and hopes to continue to serve the families of Chester, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Dinwiddie for the years to come.
James Christopher Toney was born in Hampton, Virginia to the late Rev. Albert L. Toney, Jr. and the late Amanda H. Toney. He is the husband of the former Jessica L. Letson and father of Jaylin, Joshua, Jazzlynn, Jeremiah and Jaxson. Affectionately known to most as "J. Toney," he is a 2002 graduate of Matoaca High School; 2006 graduate of Howard University and 2010 graduate of John Tyler (Brightpoint) Community College. He is member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Free & Accepted Masons P.H.A. #43 and the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine North & South America #229. He also serves the Petersburg, Dinwiddie and Richmond communities as a musician for several ministries. He is an active member of the Southside Funeral Directors’ Association, Richmond Funeral Directors Association and Central District Funeral Directors Association. James now proudly serves J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home as Care Center Manager.
Jonathan was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and moved to Hopewell, Virginia when he was three years old. Jonathan has been a member of the J.T. Morriss & Son staff since 2010. He is a graduate of Hopewell High School, received his degree in funeral service from John Tyler Community College (now Brightpoint), and in 2004 became a licensed funeral director. Jonathan is married for over thirty years to his high school sweetheart, Tina, and they have four daughters, Jordan, Amanda, Mariah and Rebecca. His absolute pride and joy are his five amazing grandchildren. When not working at J.T. Morriss & Son, Jonathan enjoys four wheeling, hunting, fishing, spending time with the family, swimming, and playing softball with the girls. Jonathan also served as a volunteer firefighter with Prince George County fire services for over ten years. His dedication to his family and community are palpable through his animated stories and sincerity in arranging.
Originally from Gettysburg, PA, Laura Tibbett has lived in Richmond since 2016. She graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Music Education and taught elementary music in Prince George County for five years. She is currently enrolled at Brightpoint Community College earning her degree in Funeral Services. Laura began working as an intern at J.T. Morriss & Son in July 2024 and hopes to become licensed as a funeral director and embalmer. She enjoys reading nonfiction, playing cello, and watching baseball alongside her husband and two cats.
Laura Zicarelli grew up in Northern Virginia and moved to Richmond in 2007 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University. After earning her bachelor's and master's degrees from VCU, she completed her Mortuary Science Degree at John Tyler (now Brightpoint) and began working in the funeral industry in 2015. Laura joined the J.T. Morriss team in 2021. Her role involves working closely with families to plan and execute all aspects of their loved one's funeral services. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horses, and caring for her many animals. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights which is reflected in her love for her pets and thoughtful food choices.
Maggie Holleman was born and raised in the Petersburg area but recently relocated to Richmond. She graduated from Colonial Heights High School in 2016 and furthered her education with Richard Bland College of William & Mary and Virginia Commonwealth University. Maggie and her family are members of Christ & Grace Episcopal Church in Petersburg. Maggie started working with J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home in 2022, as an administrative assistant. Maggie enjoys getting to know families over the phone while working on their memorial packages and documentation. When she is not in the office, Maggie can be found walking her dogs, gardening, reading, or out with her friends. She also volunteers her time working with local animal rescues.
Mike grew up in Warren, Connecticut and moved to Virginia in 1999. In 2005 Mike joined the staff of J.T. Morriss & Son. After completing the Mortuary Science Program at John Tyler Community College, Mike became a licensed funeral director in 2007. Prior to coming to J.T. Morriss & Son, Mike served eight years in the U.S. Army as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist. He and his wife, Tamara, have two children, Ethan and Savannah and it is with his family that Mike finds his greatest enjoyments. In addition, Mike is also a proud member of the VFW.
Mike was born in Rockbridge County, VA and graduated from Buffalo Gap High School in 2001. After relocating to the Richmond area, he graduated with a degree in funeral service from John Tyler Community College (now Brightpoint) and in 2007 became a licensed funeral director. Mike has been a director at J.T. Morriss & Son since 2014. Mike is married to Allison and has three children, Ryleigh, Cullen, and Romie Cochran, and one stepdaughter, Blakely. When not in the office, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, watching a variety of shows curled up with his four French Bulldogs, Lala, Darla, Luna, and Waylon. He also loves hunting, fishing and coaching football and softball. Mike has been a member of several civic organizations throughout his career, as well as a current member of the Virginia Historical Society. Overall, he is passionate about providing the most professional care to his community.
Mike Street has called the City of Petersburg home for a handful of years. He's been working for J.T. Morriss since 2023 where he has the opportunity to work with a variety of co-workers with whom he has great relationships with, including his partner, Bob Rodgers. Mike finds immense satisfaction in his work, knowing he is providing assistance to family members who are left to lament for their loved ones. Mike often experiments with new recipes in the kitchen, as he finds great joy in cooking. Mike also has an appreciation for art and architecture, which has not only led him to local landmarks, museums, and galleries but also has inspired creativity when working on his own historic home.
Neely was born and raised in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. After graduating Dinwiddie County High School in 1995, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University. Neely joined the J.T. Morriss & Son staff in 2014. She is the busy mother of three boys, Jett, J.J. and Declan. She has been a long time soccer coach for her sons, and many others, with the Dinwiddie County Department of Parks and Recreation. Neely enjoys running with her sisters, going to concerts, and traveling with her boys.
Rhonda was raised in Colonial Heights, Virginia. She graduated from CHHS in 1984 and completed college courses to support her financial career. When she met her husband Donald in 1985, they moved to Prince George, where they raised their children, Danielle and Drake. The Hannuksela family are members of Oakland Baptist Church. She began working for J.T. Morriss & Son in 2022. Her position allows her to assist families in their time of need, and she enjoys working alongside all of her JTM family. When she has spare time, Rhonda enjoys time with her family and snuggling with her gramdog, Dakota. Most of all, Rhonda loves the beach, sitting in the surf and soaking up the sun.
Richard Saunders was born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia. He is currently a teacher with Prince George County Public Schools. He began working with J.T. Morriss & Son in 2023. Richard's position allows him the opportunity to assist with funerals and visitations as a funeral service associate. When not teaching or helping with funerals, Richard enjoys watching sports and working out in his spare time. He is also a member of Village Church in Midlothian, and he has lived in the Enon area since 2019.
Tammy Harrell, a lifelong resident of Dinwiddie County, is a proud alumna of Dinwiddie County High School's class of 1985. Married to her high school sweetheart with two children, Tammy delights in the joys of family life, especially when spending time with her spirited granddaughter. Tammy's faith plays a significant role in her life; she is an active member of Rocky Run United Methodist Church. She leads with passion and dedication as the President of the Petersburg Chapter 1 of Woodmen Life. She started at J.T. Morriss in January of 2024. Enjoying every aspect of her job, Tammy is known for her unwavering dedication to her community and her warm, caring nature.
Tommy Do is an active-duty military member who began working with J.T. Morriss in March of 2024. He works as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Army and studies Funeral Services at Brightpoint, so he believes his position with the funeral home will continue to help develop his skills in deathcare and set him up for a successful career in the industry. While his family immigrated to America after the Vietnam War, Tommy has recently put down roots and bought a home in the Hopewell area. In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Tommy enjoys Muay Thai and Kick Boxing in his free time.
Toria Tomlinson has lived in Chesterfield County for most of her life. She graduated from Thomas Dale High School and then continued her education at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. Toria started at J.T. Morriss & Son in 2020 as an administrative assistant, and three years later found herself in an ever growing position classified as Human Resource Manager. Toria's current role gives her endless opportunities to connect with her coworkers, whether it's through getting to know them during onboarding and training, going to see them when assisting with tech challenges, or jumping in wherever she's needed. When she's off the clock, you'll find her behind the lens (her photography is featured on our website) or cozying up with a good book, her cat, and her dog. She loves to travel, especially to visit her young niece and nephew in Baltimore as well as her family in Norway.