LaCheryl Aikens-Guzman
Owner/Licensed Funeral Director In Charge
LaCheryl Aikens-Guzman has continued support from her parents and works daily with other family members and staff to provide excellent professional services to families.
A graduate from Tampa Catholic High School, where she excelled in Track and Field and Basketball (2013 Hall of Fame); The University of Florida, where she lettered in Track and Field; and the Mortuary School at Saint Petersburg College. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and former member of Jack N' Jill of America.
LaCheryl was a member of the University of Florida and an athlete where she lettered as a member of the Gators track and field team.
She is the mother of two sons and one fur baby Rex (York Terrier).
She was just recently honored at her former high school, Tampa Catholic high school and inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the track and field team and basketball team
She is the former chairman of the Florida Morticians Association Education Department. That appointment afforded her the opportunity to gain knowledge of new products, developments and services that she was ablr to introduce to families and implement in the services we provide.
La Cheryl believes every life deserves a beautiful tribute, whether a funeral ceremony, memorial ceremony or a feast of remembrance. She is committed to being a resource to the community.
LaCheryl Aikens-Guzman
Owner/Licensed Funeral Director In Charge
LaCheryl Aikens-Guzman has continued support from her parents and works daily with other family members and staff to provide excellent professional services to families.
A graduate from Tampa Catholic High School, where she excelled in Track and Field and Basketball (2013 Hall of Fame); The University of Florida, where she lettered in Track and Field; and the Mortuary School at Saint Petersburg College. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and former member of Jack N' Jill of America.
LaCheryl was a member of the University of Florida and an athlete where she lettered as a member of the Gators track and field team.
She is the mother of two sons and one fur baby Rex (York Terrier).
She was just recently honored at her former high school, Tampa Catholic high school and inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the track and field team and basketball team
She is the former chairman of the Florida Morticians Association Education Department. That appointment afforded her the opportunity to gain knowledge of new products, developments and services that she was ablr to introduce to families and implement in the services we provide.
La Cheryl believes every life deserves a beautiful tribute, whether a funeral ceremony, memorial ceremony or a feast of remembrance. She is committed to being a resource to the community.
Thomas L. "Tom" Jones, Sr.
General Manager/Licensed Pre-Planning Counselor
Tom, is a retired U.S. Army Veteran, with over 40 years’ experience in the death care industry; both in the U.S. and overseas. During his 21 years of active-duty service and five years civil service, assignments included the US Army Mortuary, Frankfurt, Germany; in charge of the Army Liaison team at Dover Port Mortuary (Dover AFB, DE); Team Leader Central Identification Laboratory at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii responsible for recovery operations of missing service members lost Vietnam and Laos during the Vietnam War.
Tom worked at Wiseman Mortuary while stationed at Fort Bragg, NC and throughout his career was mentored by several industry leaders including Joseph Hagan while working at Joseph Gawler’s Sons Funeral Directors in Washington D.C.
Educated in the Funeral Services programs of John Tyler Community College (Chester, VA), Fayetteville Technical Community College (Fayetteville, NC) and finishing with the University of District of Columbia (Washington, DC). In addition, he earned a Business degree at the University of Maryland University College, while serving on active duty.
After retiring from the Army, he was hired to the position of Lead Mortuary Affairs Specialist at Headquarters Department of Army, Mortuary Affairs (Washington, DC). While serving in that capacity, he provided lectures for Continuing Education credits to members of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, as well as the National Funeral Directors Association.
In 2006, he founded Metropolitan Funeral Assistance LLC, one of the nation’s first funeral concierge companies; and ran it until 2013.
He and his wife Laurell moved to Tampa from Northern Virginia in 2014. They enjoy the attractions of the Tampa Bay area, traveling the world on new cruise ships and meeting new people. Both are members of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa.
Tom has had the privilege of serving families at Aikens Funeral Home since 2016.
Thomas L. "Tom" Jones, Sr.
General Manager/Licensed Pre-Planning Counselor
Tom, is a retired U.S. Army Veteran, with over 40 years’ experience in the death care industry; both in the U.S. and overseas. During his 21 years of active-duty service and five years civil service, assignments included the US Army Mortuary, Frankfurt, Germany; in charge of the Army Liaison team at Dover Port Mortuary (Dover AFB, DE); Team Leader Central Identification Laboratory at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii responsible for recovery operations of missing service members lost Vietnam and Laos during the Vietnam War.
Tom worked at Wiseman Mortuary while stationed at Fort Bragg, NC and throughout his career was mentored by several industry leaders including Joseph Hagan while working at Joseph Gawler’s Sons Funeral Directors in Washington D.C.
Educated in the Funeral Services programs of John Tyler Community College (Chester, VA), Fayetteville Technical Community College (Fayetteville, NC) and finishing with the University of District of Columbia (Washington, DC). In addition, he earned a Business degree at the University of Maryland University College, while serving on active duty.
After retiring from the Army, he was hired to the position of Lead Mortuary Affairs Specialist at Headquarters Department of Army, Mortuary Affairs (Washington, DC). While serving in that capacity, he provided lectures for Continuing Education credits to members of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, as well as the National Funeral Directors Association.
In 2006, he founded Metropolitan Funeral Assistance LLC, one of the nation’s first funeral concierge companies; and ran it until 2013.
He and his wife Laurell moved to Tampa from Northern Virginia in 2014. They enjoy the attractions of the Tampa Bay area, traveling the world on new cruise ships and meeting new people. Both are members of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa.
Tom has had the privilege of serving families at Aikens Funeral Home since 2016.
Eugenia Jackson
Licensed Funeral Director/Director of Funeral Home Operations
Check back to learn more about Eugenia.
Eugenia Jackson
Licensed Funeral Director/Director of Funeral Home Operations
Check back to learn more about Eugenia.
Joseph Evans
Operations Manager/Funeral Director & Embalmer
Joseph is a dedicated and compassionate licensed funeral director and embalmer at Aikens Funeral Home. He has been with the team for 5 years. Joseph started in the funeral industry at 16 years old. He graduated from Southeast High School and obtained his Associate Degree in Funeral Services from St. Petersburg College. He has over 10 years of experience directing all aspects of funeral services. He has an exceptional ability to cultivate a comfortable environment for families by providing information, resources, and consistently superior care with a personal touch. Joseph identifies and responds to client needs to ensure that quality standards are met, and the memory of the deceased individual is given the utmost importance.
Membership & Organizations:
Florida Mortician Association
National Funeral & Mortician 40 and Under Association
Joseph Evans
Operations Manager/Funeral Director & Embalmer
Joseph is a dedicated and compassionate licensed funeral director and embalmer at Aikens Funeral Home. He has been with the team for 5 years. Joseph started in the funeral industry at 16 years old. He graduated from Southeast High School and obtained his Associate Degree in Funeral Services from St. Petersburg College. He has over 10 years of experience directing all aspects of funeral services. He has an exceptional ability to cultivate a comfortable environment for families by providing information, resources, and consistently superior care with a personal touch. Joseph identifies and responds to client needs to ensure that quality standards are met, and the memory of the deceased individual is given the utmost importance.
Membership & Organizations:
Florida Mortician Association
National Funeral & Mortician 40 and Under Association
Simbryt "Bryt" Sylvester
Licensed Funeral Director/Administrative Manager
Simbryt "Bryt" Sylvester
Licensed Funeral Director/Administrative Manager
Christina Thomas
Pre-Planning Counselor/Lead Case Manager
Christina Thomas
Pre-Planning Counselor/Lead Case Manager
Robert "Robb" Bourne
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Robert "Robb" Bourne
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Verinda Jackson
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Verinda Jackson
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Stephanie Lawson
Preneed Counselor/Funeral Director/Aftercare Spc
Stephanie Lawson
Preneed Counselor/Funeral Director/Aftercare Spc
Darrell McClendon
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Darrell McClendon
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Seletha Jaskson
Preneed Counselor/Family Focused Funeral Assistant
Seletha Jaskson
Preneed Counselor/Family Focused Funeral Assistant
Deidre Spellman
Administrative Assistant/Aftercare Specialist
Deirdre works as part of our aftercare program reaching out to our families after services tocheck in on their well-being. Her greatest passion is to help and serve those in her community.She also enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.
Deidre Spellman
Administrative Assistant/Aftercare Specialist
Deirdre works as part of our aftercare program reaching out to our families after services tocheck in on their well-being. Her greatest passion is to help and serve those in her community.She also enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.
Rev. Kendrix Gardner
Staff Minister
Rev. Kendrix Gardner
Staff Minister
Rev. Michael Neeley
Staff Minister
Rev. Michael Neeley
Staff Minister
William Billy Wheeler
Staff Musician
William Billy Wheeler
Staff Musician
Jorden Aikens-Guzman
Family Focused Funeral Home Assistant
Jorden Aikens-Guzman
Family Focused Funeral Home Assistant
Norman Bacon
Family Focused Funeral Associate
Norman Bacon
Family Focused Funeral Associate
Deacon Charles Borders
Family Focused Associate
Charles has been serving families with Aikens since 2005 and is considered one of our lead Funeral Assistants.
Charles graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL, with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice.
In 2016, he retired from a position with the State of Florida, where he served as Career Counselor. During this time, he also worked with a local limousine company for over 23 years.
Charles is a Deacon at the Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist church, here in Tampa. He is an avid fisherman and loves to spend time with his family, but he says he is most inspired daily by his wife, his three adult children, and their children.
Deacon Charles Borders
Family Focused Associate
Charles has been serving families with Aikens since 2005 and is considered one of our lead Funeral Assistants.
Charles graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL, with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice.
In 2016, he retired from a position with the State of Florida, where he served as Career Counselor. During this time, he also worked with a local limousine company for over 23 years.
Charles is a Deacon at the Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist church, here in Tampa. He is an avid fisherman and loves to spend time with his family, but he says he is most inspired daily by his wife, his three adult children, and their children.
Gladys Cousin
Family Focused Attendant
With over 25 years experience in providing excellent customer service, Gladys has been serving families with Aikens since 2014.
She tirelessly serves as a Lady Attendant during services, helping to ease the burden of our client-family’s loss. She doubles as an augmentee to the Administration office helping with data input and providing service information to inbound callers.
Gladys is a member of the St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, where she actively serves in several positions, including usher, secretary, greeter, and teacher.
You’ll also find Gladys heavily involved in various community activities around her local community.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading the bible, cooking, shopping and praying.
Gladys Cousin
Family Focused Attendant
With over 25 years experience in providing excellent customer service, Gladys has been serving families with Aikens since 2014.
She tirelessly serves as a Lady Attendant during services, helping to ease the burden of our client-family’s loss. She doubles as an augmentee to the Administration office helping with data input and providing service information to inbound callers.
Gladys is a member of the St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, where she actively serves in several positions, including usher, secretary, greeter, and teacher.
You’ll also find Gladys heavily involved in various community activities around her local community.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading the bible, cooking, shopping and praying.
Constance Bowers-Cross
Community Outreach/Family Focused Attendant
Constance Bowers-Cross
Community Outreach/Family Focused Attendant
Dave Cross
Family Focused Associate
Dave, a Tampa native of the Lincoln Gardens community, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in economics, from Benedict College, an HBCU in Columbia, SC.
After college, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corp as a finance officer, and was promoted to the rank of Captain. Upon his return to Tampa, Dave worked 22 years as a senior auditor with the State of Florida, Department of Revenue.
Dave has an “always willing to help” spirit. He does not shun work and is excited to assist. This personal mantra is what led him to work with the A-Team.
Dave has been married to Constance Bowers-Cross for over 33 years, and have been blessed with four adult sons and one godson, DJ. They worship at Mt. Tabor M.B. Church in the West Tampa community.
Dave Cross
Family Focused Associate
Dave, a Tampa native of the Lincoln Gardens community, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in economics, from Benedict College, an HBCU in Columbia, SC.
After college, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corp as a finance officer, and was promoted to the rank of Captain. Upon his return to Tampa, Dave worked 22 years as a senior auditor with the State of Florida, Department of Revenue.
Dave has an “always willing to help” spirit. He does not shun work and is excited to assist. This personal mantra is what led him to work with the A-Team.
Dave has been married to Constance Bowers-Cross for over 33 years, and have been blessed with four adult sons and one godson, DJ. They worship at Mt. Tabor M.B. Church in the West Tampa community.
Kimberly Dennis
Family Focused Attendant
Kimberly Dennis
Family Focused Attendant
Min. DeRon Graham
Family Focused Associate
Min. DeRon Graham
Family Focused Associate
Steve Humphries
Family Focused Associate/Care Team Specialist
Steve Humphries
Family Focused Associate/Care Team Specialist
Min. Theron "TJ" James
Family Focused Funeral Associate Min.
Min. Theron "TJ" James
Family Focused Funeral Associate Min.
Imani Killings
Family Focused Case Manager
Imani is a native Floridian and graduated from Albany State University, in Albany, GA with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science. Imani has a passion for serving others and wants families to have closure once their loved ones have transitioned.
Imani is a proud member of the First Baptist Church of Progress Village. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tampa Alumnae Chapter. When she is not working, Imani enjoys shopping, spending time with her family, playing sports, reading, and developing her entrepreneurial skills.
She's multi-talented and we're extremely happy to have Imani on board.
Imani Killings
Family Focused Case Manager
Imani is a native Floridian and graduated from Albany State University, in Albany, GA with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science. Imani has a passion for serving others and wants families to have closure once their loved ones have transitioned.
Imani is a proud member of the First Baptist Church of Progress Village. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tampa Alumnae Chapter. When she is not working, Imani enjoys shopping, spending time with her family, playing sports, reading, and developing her entrepreneurial skills.
She's multi-talented and we're extremely happy to have Imani on board.
Andrew Kinsey
Family Focused Associate
Andrew is a native of Atlanta, Georgia – with strong ties to the Sunshine State. Professionalism, compassion, and empathy are key words to describe Andrew in a nutshell. He takes pride in being able to guide families through some of their most difficult days.
From as far back to age twelve, Andrew found himself fascinated with helping grieving families after attending the funeral of his grandmother in Lexington, Virginia. He knew then that he wanted to be involved in the end-of-life rituals, helping bereaved families.
Serving and Walking families through the grieving process has deep roots in Andrew’s DNA, however he was encouraged to live life – before returning to the funeral business.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications from Clark Atlanta University and is furthering his education at St. Pete Community College, where he will soon obtain his funeral arts advance technical certificate – making him eligible to become a licensed funeral director.
Each day, Andrew is motivated by his desire to truly impact the lives of those around him – especially the families he serves.
Besides his responsibilities in the funeral industry, Andrew is TV news journalist, active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a volunteer in several community organizations. We are proud to have him on the "A Team!"
Andrew Kinsey
Family Focused Associate
Andrew is a native of Atlanta, Georgia – with strong ties to the Sunshine State. Professionalism, compassion, and empathy are key words to describe Andrew in a nutshell. He takes pride in being able to guide families through some of their most difficult days.
From as far back to age twelve, Andrew found himself fascinated with helping grieving families after attending the funeral of his grandmother in Lexington, Virginia. He knew then that he wanted to be involved in the end-of-life rituals, helping bereaved families.
Serving and Walking families through the grieving process has deep roots in Andrew’s DNA, however he was encouraged to live life – before returning to the funeral business.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications from Clark Atlanta University and is furthering his education at St. Pete Community College, where he will soon obtain his funeral arts advance technical certificate – making him eligible to become a licensed funeral director.
Each day, Andrew is motivated by his desire to truly impact the lives of those around him – especially the families he serves.
Besides his responsibilities in the funeral industry, Andrew is TV news journalist, active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a volunteer in several community organizations. We are proud to have him on the "A Team!"
Dana (Lamar) Middlebrooks
Intake Coordinator
Dana (Lamar) Middlebrooks
Intake Coordinator
Marvin Millner
Mortuary Technician/Care Team Specialist
Marvin Millner
Mortuary Technician/Care Team Specialist
Melvin Monroe
Family Focused Associate
Melvin Monroe
Family Focused Associate
Althea Montgomery
Family Focused Attendant
Althea Montgomery, a Tampa Native, born and raised in East Tampa and has been employed at Hillsborough Community College for several years, serving as a Financial Aid Counselor and is looking forward to retiring in the near future. She spends her leisure time with friends and family, or you'll find her heavily involved with her grandkids' sporting activities (baseball, and basketball).
Althea Montgomery
Family Focused Attendant
Althea Montgomery, a Tampa Native, born and raised in East Tampa and has been employed at Hillsborough Community College for several years, serving as a Financial Aid Counselor and is looking forward to retiring in the near future. She spends her leisure time with friends and family, or you'll find her heavily involved with her grandkids' sporting activities (baseball, and basketball).
Cordell Nelson
Family Focused Funeral Associate
Cordell Nelson
Family Focused Funeral Associate
Danyelle Perry
Family Focused Attendant
Danyelle Perry
Family Focused Attendant
Debra Perry
Family Focused Funeral Assistant
Debra Perry
Family Focused Funeral Assistant
Lula Powell
Community Outreach/Sr. Attendant
Lula Powell
Community Outreach/Sr. Attendant
Simone Reddick
Community Outreach/Family Focused Attendant
Simone Reddick
Community Outreach/Family Focused Attendant
Min. Paul Robinson
Family Focused Associate
Min. Paul Robinson
Family Focused Associate
Hariena "Riena" Saffold
Family Focused Attendant
Hariena "Riena" Saffold
Family Focused Attendant
Omar Smith
Family Focused Associate/Care Team Specialist
Omar Smith
Family Focused Associate/Care Team Specialist
Hollis Snead
Family Focused Attendant
Hollis Snead
Family Focused Attendant
Christian Staten
Family Focused Associate/Care Team Specialist
Christian Staten
Family Focused Associate/Care Team Specialist
Sharon Thompson
Community Outreach/Lead Lady Attendant
Sharon Thompson
Community Outreach/Lead Lady Attendant
Shanea Walk-Dyer
Family Focused Funeral Attendant
Shanea Walk-Dyer
Family Focused Funeral Attendant
Genea Ward
Family Focused Attendant
Genea Ward
Family Focused Attendant
Gloria Washington
Receptionist
Gloria Washington
Receptionist
Ronald Washington
Family Focused Associate
Ronald Washington
Family Focused Associate
Jakare Williams
Family Focused Associate
Jakare Williams
Family Focused Associate
Deacon Lorenzo Williams
Family Focused Associate
Deacon Lorenzo Williams
Family Focused Associate
Vanessa Wynn
Family Focused Attendant
Vanessa Wynn
Family Focused Attendant