OUR STAFF
Meet Our Caring Staff
Meet our staff, members of the local community who make everything that happens possible.
Eric M. Bester
Owner, Funeral Director & Embalmer NC/SC, Aquamationist, B.M.S.
Since the age of 17, I have always strived to serve families with Reverence and Grace. Over two decades later, after acquiring Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Shelby, NC, I have continued my core belief in serving our community, by excelling in the work and service we provide.
As a visionary leader, I continually look for ways to enhance our service to our families. In 2019, I, along with my professional team, were honored to be North Carolina's first funeral home provider of Human Aquamation. We were also honored to be the first complete Aquamation facility in the U.S., offering both Human and Pet Aquamation. In the fall of 2021, we expanded our footprint in North Carolina and opened Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation in Wilmington. As leaders in our profession, we now operate the first and second Aquamation system, covering the entire state of North Carolina and the East Coast.
I will always maintain my focus on providing Comfort and Peace to those who experience loss.
Eric
Eric M. Bester
Owner, Funeral Director & Embalmer NC/SC, Aquamationist, B.M.S.
Since the age of 17, I have always strived to serve families with Reverence and Grace. Over two decades later, after acquiring Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Shelby, NC, I have continued my core belief in serving our community, by excelling in the work and service we provide.
As a visionary leader, I continually look for ways to enhance our service to our families. In 2019, I, along with my professional team, were honored to be North Carolina's first funeral home provider of Human Aquamation. We were also honored to be the first complete Aquamation facility in the U.S., offering both Human and Pet Aquamation. In the fall of 2021, we expanded our footprint in North Carolina and opened Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation in Wilmington. As leaders in our profession, we now operate the first and second Aquamation system, covering the entire state of North Carolina and the East Coast.
I will always maintain my focus on providing Comfort and Peace to those who experience loss.
Eric
Nikki Hartman
Managing Director
Nikki Hartman joined the Clay-Barnette family in 2022. A Cleveland County native residing in Mooresboro with her husband George and daughter Tesla. A Crest High School graduate who graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2023 with an Associates Degree in Funeral Service. Nikki is dedicated to supporting families with dignity and compassion during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Actively involved in the community through Scouts, she serves as a Cub Scout Den Leader, a committee member for the local co-ed Troop, and the Membership Chair for the Broad River District committee.
Nikki Hartman
Managing Director
Nikki Hartman joined the Clay-Barnette family in 2022. A Cleveland County native residing in Mooresboro with her husband George and daughter Tesla. A Crest High School graduate who graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2023 with an Associates Degree in Funeral Service. Nikki is dedicated to supporting families with dignity and compassion during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Actively involved in the community through Scouts, she serves as a Cub Scout Den Leader, a committee member for the local co-ed Troop, and the Membership Chair for the Broad River District committee.
Britny Black
Apprentice Funeral Director & Embalmer
Britny has been with Clay-Barnette since March, 2025, but bringing with her a little over a year of funeral service experience in directing and embalming, along with funeral administrative experience. Britny is currently a full-time student at Fayetteville Technical Community College where she will obtain her Associates in Funeral Services, along with working as a full-time Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer.
Outside of work and school, Britny enjoys spending time with her fiance, Corey and their five children whether it be spent at the volleyball court, ball field, or dance.
Britny Black
Apprentice Funeral Director & Embalmer
Britny has been with Clay-Barnette since March, 2025, but bringing with her a little over a year of funeral service experience in directing and embalming, along with funeral administrative experience. Britny is currently a full-time student at Fayetteville Technical Community College where she will obtain her Associates in Funeral Services, along with working as a full-time Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer.
Outside of work and school, Britny enjoys spending time with her fiance, Corey and their five children whether it be spent at the volleyball court, ball field, or dance.
Leanne Jolley
Office Manager & Aquamationist
Leanne Jolley
Office Manager & Aquamationist
Rodney Roseboro
Funeral Assistant
Rodney Roseboro is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a lifelong commitment to serving others. His career in funeral services began at the age of 14, driven by a deep calling to support individuals and families during times of grief. A native of Cleveland County, Rodney is a proud graduate of Crest High School.
In addition to his work in the funeral industry, Rodney has served his community as a volunteer firefighter, where he rose to the position of Assistant Chief. He is also a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Lawndale, reflecting his strong faith and commitment to service.
Rodney is a family man, married to Monica Roseboro. Father to one daughter, a son-in- law, and proud grandparent to two grandchildren. His life and work are defined by compassion, leadership, and a deep connection to his community.
Rodney Roseboro
Funeral Assistant
Rodney Roseboro is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a lifelong commitment to serving others. His career in funeral services began at the age of 14, driven by a deep calling to support individuals and families during times of grief. A native of Cleveland County, Rodney is a proud graduate of Crest High School.
In addition to his work in the funeral industry, Rodney has served his community as a volunteer firefighter, where he rose to the position of Assistant Chief. He is also a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Lawndale, reflecting his strong faith and commitment to service.
Rodney is a family man, married to Monica Roseboro. Father to one daughter, a son-in- law, and proud grandparent to two grandchildren. His life and work are defined by compassion, leadership, and a deep connection to his community.
Charles Lowrance
Funeral Assistant
Charles Lowrance
Funeral Assistant
