History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens is independently owned and operated, serving Jefferson, Walker, Blount, Cullman and surrounding counties.

New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home was established and opened in 1994, and has since built a reputation of honesty, integrity and excellent service in times of need. The funeral home is staffed by local people who have been around this area for decades, and who know and understand the needs of those we serve.

Our Valued Staff

  • William Sparkman

    William Sparkman, Manager / Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Buddy is a thirty-five year veteran of the funeral industry. He graduated from Jefferson State College with a degree in Mortuary Science. Buddy along with his wife Tammy are residents of Dora, and attend Dora Church of God, where they serve as ministry directors of Project 29:11 ministry group. Buddy has also been the play-by-play voice of Dora Bulldogs football for the past 22 years. He is a 28-year Master Mason and a member of Acacia Lodge 670 F&AM in West Jefferson. Buddy began his funeral service career in 1988 and started at New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in 1998, where he has served the surrounding communities for the past 25 years.

  • Brittney  Watts

    Brittney Watts, Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Brittney has served in the funeral industry since 2013. She graduated from Gupton-Jones Collegeof Funeral Service in 2014. Brittney is from Tuscaloosa County, but in recent years has movedto Lynn, Alabama to live the farm life. She enjoys spending time with her husband and twochildren. Brittney is thankful for the opportunity to serve families during their greatest time ofneed.

  • Amy Steltenpohl

    Amy Steltenpohl, Funeral Director

    Amy has served in the funeral industry for six years. She became a licensed funeral director in May,2020 after graduating from Jefferson State Community College. Amy is married with two children, threegrandchildren, and four fur babies. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, thriftshopping, and crafting.

  • Glenn Minyard

    Glenn Minyard, Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Glenn has served families in the funeral industry for over 60 years. He is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Glenn is a US Navy Veteran who served in the Korean War. He and Frances, his wife of 62 years, reside in Adamsville. They have 2 sons and a daughter. Glenn is a member of the Adamsville City Council and Master Mason in the Brookside Masonic Lodge No. 522.

  • Bruce E. LeVan

    Bruce E. LeVan, Funeral Assistant

    Bruce was born in Dora and for most of his life has been a resident of Walker County. Bruce and his wife, Cynthia, currently are the Lead Pastors at Empire Church of God and have been there for sixteen years. He is a veteran and is currently the Alabama Church of God Chaplain Liaison to the military. Bruce and Cynthia have five children, and currently have eight grandchildren who all are involved in sports and keep them running. Bruce says, “We love people and love serving others” and this is what drew him to New Horizon. Serving people in a critical time is New Horizon’s priority.

  • Sarah Schniper

    Sarah Schniper, Funeral Assistant

    Sarah resides in Nauvoo and is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. A newcomer to the funeral industry, shewill be starting Jefferson State's Funeral Service Education program in the Fall of 2023. When she isn't assisting New Horizon's staff and families, Sarah enjoys traveling, learning French and spending time with her family and her two cats.

  • Tracie LeVan Weldon

    Tracie LeVan Weldon, Funeral Assistant/Housekeeper

    Tracie has been married for 27 years to Howard Weldon, and is a mother, aunt, coach,caregiver, and friend to many. In her free time Tracie enjoys singing, watching her children playsports, and loves doing any DIY project.

  • Ashley Whitlow

    Ashley Whitlow, Office Manager

    Ashley started in the Funeral Home industry in June of 2021. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, dog and her family. She and her husband live in Dora. They are members of Dora Church of God. Ashley is a 2014 graduate of Dora High School and a graduate of Jasper Beauty Academy. She has an older brother and sister along with 3 beautiful nieces and a handsome nephew.