OUR STAFF
Meet Our Caring Staff
Meet our staff, members of the local community who make everything that happens possible.
Eric M. Bester
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
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 ~ Embalmer ~ Aquamationist
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 with her daughter Tesla. She serves as a committee member for the only local co-ed Troop and as the Membership Chair for the Broad River District committee.
Nikki Hartman
Managing Director ~ Embalmer ~ Aquamationist
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 with her daughter Tesla. She serves as a committee member for the only local co-ed Troop and as the Membership Chair for the Broad River District committee.
Rodney Roseboro
Funeral Service Apprentice & Aquamationist
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 Service Apprentice & Aquamationist
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.
Kayce Armour
Funeral Director Apprentice
Kayce Armour joined the Clay-Barnette family in 2026 with a heartfelt calling to serve others during life's most difficult moments. She believes that every family deserves to be treated with compassion, kindness, and genuine care, and she considers it an honor to walk alongside them as they celebrate the life of someone they love.
A Cleveland County native, Kayce is a proud graduate of Crest High School and earned her Associate's Degree from Cleveland Community College. She resides in Mooresboro with her husband and daughter, where they enjoy spending time together and being active in their community.
Kayce is a devoted member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Mooresboro, where she serves in the children's ministry. Her faith is the foundation of her life and inspires the compassion and servant's heart she brings to every family she has the privilege of serving.
Whether offering a listening ear, a comforting presence, or guidance through the funeral planning process, Kayce is committed to helping families feel supported and cared for. She considers it a true privilege to serve her community with dignity, grace, and heartfelt compassion.
Kayce Armour
Funeral Director Apprentice
Kayce Armour joined the Clay-Barnette family in 2026 with a heartfelt calling to serve others during life's most difficult moments. She believes that every family deserves to be treated with compassion, kindness, and genuine care, and she considers it an honor to walk alongside them as they celebrate the life of someone they love.
A Cleveland County native, Kayce is a proud graduate of Crest High School and earned her Associate's Degree from Cleveland Community College. She resides in Mooresboro with her husband and daughter, where they enjoy spending time together and being active in their community.
Kayce is a devoted member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Mooresboro, where she serves in the children's ministry. Her faith is the foundation of her life and inspires the compassion and servant's heart she brings to every family she has the privilege of serving.
Whether offering a listening ear, a comforting presence, or guidance through the funeral planning process, Kayce is committed to helping families feel supported and cared for. She considers it a true privilege to serve her community with dignity, grace, and heartfelt compassion.
Leanne Jolley
Office Manager & Aquamationist
Leanne Jolley
Office Manager & Aquamationist
Janey Ollis
Community Outreach Specialist Kings Mountain
Janey Ollis
Community Outreach Specialist Kings Mountain
Charles Lowrance
Funeral Assistant
Charles Lowrance
Funeral Assistant
Jimmy Walls
Funeral Assistant
Jimmy Walls
Funeral Assistant
Tyrone Turner
Funeral Assistant
Tyrone Turner
Funeral Assistant
Jonathon Jolley
Funeral Assistant
Jonathon Jolley
Funeral Assistant
Dwight Tessneer
In Memory
Dwight Tessneer
In Memory
