Barry Curtis
Chairman & CEO
Barry Curtis, a graduate of Hampton High School, is the President and owner of Cooke Bros Funeral Chapel in Newport News. Barry has an undergraduate degree from Howard University, an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and is a CPA. Barry is also a Managing Director in the Real Estate Investment Banking Group at Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated in Baltimore, MD.
Carolyn L. Jones
COO/Licensed Manager
Email: [emailprotected]
Carolyn is a native of Newport News, VA. She was a 1984 graduate of Warwick High School. She attended St. Paul College and was a 1991 graduate of John Tyler Community College- Mortuary Program. She joined the Cooke Bros. family in 1984 and became licensed manager in 1997. She is married to James A. Jones, Jr. and the mother of three and grandmother of two.
Willye Dawkins- Baker
Senior Advisor
Email: [emailprotected]
Willye is a native of Rocky, Mt., North Carolina. She received her early education and graduated from Carver High School (North Carolina) in 1965. She joined Cooke Bros. in 1975. She is the widow of Andrew E. Dawkins, the mother of four, grandmother of twelve, and great-grandmother of ten. Aside from serving to the Peninsula community she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Robert E. Williams Jr
Funeral Service Licensee
Email: [emailprotected]
Robert E. Williams Jr. is a native of Pinetops, North Carolina and a 1994 graduate of SouthWest Edgecombe High School. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and retired after 21 years of honorable service as an Information Technician Chief Petty Officer. After retiring from the United States Navy, he attended Tidewater Community College and earned a A.A.S degree with a major in Funeral Service in May of 2017 and was licensed as a Funeral Service Provider in July 2018.
He completed his internship with Shivers Funeral Chapel in Smithfield, VA and later joined Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory in December 2018 as a Funeral Director and Embalmer. Robert is a dedicated member of Little Zion Baptist Church in Smithfield, VA. where he serves as a Deacon. He is also a Prince Hall Master Mason and Shriner.
In his leisure time, he loves being with family, bowling and motorcycle riding. Robert is faith driven and believes that having a good work ethic, education, a heart for serving others and letting God lead are the keys for success. He is married to Tekeema S. Williams and the father of three children.
Kenny L. Hargrove, Jr.
Manager of Operations & Funeral Media / F.D.A.
Email: [emailprotected]
Kenny L. Hargrove, Jr., born November 17, 1981 to Pastor Carolyn Hargrove & Elder Kenny L. Hargrove, Sr. He was raised in the Hampton & Newport News, Virginia community. He is a class of 2000 graduate of Bethel High School. After, he attended Norfolk State University & Tidewater Community College. He is a licensed crematory operator.
He has six sisters and three brothers, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles; also many church friends that are considered "family". He is a life member and serves as a Minister at Zion of Joy Church of Deliverance, (where his grandmother, the late Overseer Mable R. Hargrove founded in 1964) located in the heart of downtown Newport News; his parents currently are Pastor. He serves his local church in many capacities, while also serving, supporting and traveling to and from the many fellowship churches. He is very active in the community and different organizations.
Kenny is a member of the Hampton N.A.A.C.P., Kiwanis Club, Aberdeen Association and 100 Black Men of Virginia Peninsula Chapter. He is what we call "a willing worker". He has been a dedicated & faithful employee of Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory since 1999 and have a heart for the people.
One of Kenny's favorite scripture verses is Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath beguna good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
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"If God said it, I believe it, if I have the faith, God already has the power! - There is nothing too hard for God!" - Kenny
Sherelle Curtis
Office Manager
Sherelle Curtis was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia.Her favorite color is turquoise and she enjoys (or her hobbies include) reading, watching documentaries, shopping and trying new foods.
She has been an office manager at Cooke Bros. since 2012. She loves helping others in their time of need.
Doris Jones
Receptionist
Sharon Henry
Receptionist
James A. Jones, Jr.
Funeral Service Attendant
James is a native of Smithfield, VA. He is a 1978 graduate of Smithfield High School. He attended Thomas Nelson Community College. He became a member of the Cooke Bros. family in 1992. He is married to Carolyn L. Jones and the father of three and grandfather of two.
Andrew Woods
Funeral Service Attendant
Andrew is a native of Hampton, VA. He is a graduate of Hampton High School and he graduated with and Associate Degree in Business Management from Thomas Nelson Community College. He is a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and an avid bowler in his spare time.
Demond D. Shepard, Sr.
Funeral Service Attendant
Demond is a native of Newport News, VA. He joined the Cooke Bros. family in October 1996. He is a 1982 graduate of Warwick High School, and a graduate of Thomas Nelson Community College.
He enjoys traveling, spending time with family. He loves watching football (Washington Commanders). He is also a licensed crematory operator.
He is the husband of Linda Shepard and the father of three and grandfather of five. Demond is a member of New Living Well Full Gospel, where he serves as a Deacon.
Marvin D. Baker, Sr.
Funeral Service Attendant
Marvin is a native of Newport News, VA. He is a 1975 graduate of Menchville High School. He is a United States Army Retiree with 20 years of service.
He joined Cooke Bros Funeral Chapel in 2003. He is a licensed crematory operator. Mr. Baker is a hard and dedicated employee who is always willing to work and help others.
His hobbies include bowling, sports and community involvement with the youth. His favorite sports team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hartie T. Norwood, Jr.
Funeral Service Attendant
Mr. Norwood joined the Cooke Bros. family in December 1994. He is a graduate of Dunham High School located in Jenkins, Ky. He attended Adelphi University, Brooklyn, N.Y., and John Jay College, New York, N.Y. Mr. Norwood attends First Calvary Baptist Church on Henry Street in Norfolk, VA. He enjoys fishing, and bowling in his spare time.
Vernon T. Godwin
Funeral Service Attendant
Milton Jones
Funeral Service Attendant
Lance Jones, Sr.
Funeral Service Attendant
Mr. Lance Jones, Sr., was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Newport News, Virginia.
He attended the Newport News Public School System, graduating from Huntington High School in 1968. He is a member of the Church of Jesus on Anderson Lane in Hampton, Virginia.
Some of Lance hobbies include; fishing, site-seeing, watching football (Dallas Cowboys), and most of all, being around his family. He is a very gifted craftsman and good with fixing anything. He is an all around guy and is loved in his community.
Lance is the father of five children, he has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Calvin Robinson, Jr.
Funeral Service Attendant
Mr. Calvin R. Robinson, Jr. is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Va. and also graduated from Norfolk State University in 1974 with a B.A. in Sociology.
He is married to Mrs. Derrell Robinson, they have six children and five grandchildren. He is a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. He enjoy playing tennis, football and basketball. Mr. Robinson has been employed with Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel since 2019.
"I believe that great customer service will bring my greatest reward" - Calvin
Zse'Mar Kearse
Funeral Service Attendant
Mr. Zse'Mar Kearse, is a native of Hampton, Virginia. He attended the Hampton City Public School system, graduating from Hampton High School in 2012.
He is a devoted husband to his wife, Mrs. Tiffany Jefferson-Kearse and a beloved father to their children; Iyanah and Kayden. He is a dedicated member of the Historic First Baptist Church of Hampton, where he serves in many capacities.
Mr. Kearse enjoy bowling and watching sports tv; football & basketball. His favorite teams are the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Heat. Most of all, Mr. Kearse enjoy spending time with his family.
