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-year veteran of the funeral business. He began his career in 1988 in Birmingham, AL. He is a 1995 graduate of Jefferson State College. He has been employed at New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home in Dora, AL since August 1998. He is a resident of Dora along with his wife, Tammy, of 23 years. They have three children and two granddaughters. Buddy is the College and Career Minister at Dora Church of God and the Director of Project 29:11 ministry group. He is a Master Mason and also serves as the play by play voice of Dora Bulldogs High School football on the Alabama Cable Network.

  • 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.

  • Pamela J. Black

    Pamela J. Black, Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Pamela is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. She is a 2013 graduate of Jefferson State Community College. Pamela is a resident of Dora and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Adamsville. She has a deep interest in religion and a great respect for all faiths. Her experience in the various uses of cultural diversity is an exceptional asset in assisting families to honor those she serves through a wide range of options from Modern Celebrations of Life to Traditional Funeral Services.

  • 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.

  • Ashley Whitlow

    Ashley Whitlow, Office Manager

    Ashley started in the Funeral Home industry in June of 2021. Prior to working here she was a receptionist at St. Vincent's Hospital for an OBGYN office. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 dogs and also her family. She and her husband live in Dora, AL where they also attend church. Her mom and dad also live in Dora where they are College and Career Pastors over the group Project 29:11 at Dora Church of God. She has an older brother and sister along with 3 beautiful nieces and a handsome nephew.