Get to Know Us: Meet Imelia
When Imelia McAllister was studying criminal justice at East Tennessee State University, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduation. One of the professional fields that interested her was funeral service, so she began exploring it.
“I was looking into mortuary school,” Imelia says, “but I didn’t want to rush into it because I wanted to be positive that it was the right step for me.”
When Imelia saw the job posting in front office administration at Morris-Baker, she decided to apply. “I liked the fact that it was a family-owned business, and everyone was so nice when I came to interview,” she says. “I started here with reception hoping to see how I would feel about becoming a funeral director.”
Imelia did see. As the months passed—and her skills and knowledge deepened—she learned a lot more about the field. “I decided that becoming a director wasn't for me, but I have also discovered that I enjoy working on the administrative side and helping out in that way.”
She has also discovered how different a funeral service staff can be in contrast to the stereotype. “You see all these portrayals of people in the funeral business as being very stuffy and strict, but everyone that I have talked to in this business is so kind and funny and just a delight to be around,” she says. She adds, “Everyone here is so helpful. They really make me feel like there are no stupid questions.” There never will be.
We’re happy that Imelia came to Morris-Baker and that although path might not have been the one she thought she would be on, that she’s on a path with us.
