Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
Lynn Born
Cemetery Administrator, Crematory Operator, & Preneed Sales
Lynn is a dedicated mother of three, with one daughter and two sons, as well as a proud grandmother of five boys. With over 12 years of experience in office administration, Lynn brings a wealth of expertise to her role at Holder-Wells since joining in 2017, and is deeply passionate about her career in assisting families during their time of need. As a Preneed Agent since 2019, Lynn is committed to providing families with the utmost care and support. She understands the importance of clear and empathic communication, and works diligently to ensure families are prepared for the future, thereby minimizing unnecessary stress. When meeting with families who are experiencing the loss of a loved one, Lynn offers compassion and understanding, recognizing the grieving process and assisting with the burial arrangements. Lynn's unwavering dedication to her community is evident in her daily efforts to provide the best possible service. She continuously strives to go above and beyond to meet the needs of families with warmth, professionalism, and empathy, making her an invaluable asset to the Holder-Wells team.
Martha Thompson
Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Preneed Sales.
Martha is a seasoned Funeral Director and Embalmer with a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism. With a career that spans back to 1985 and graduating from the esteemed Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1987, Martha has honed her expertise over the years and is recognized as a Master Embalmer. Her unwavering dedication to her profession is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate approach to serving families during their time of need. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Martha finds joy in spending time with her pets and three adult children. Her caring and empathetic nature extend beyond her work, reflecting her genuine concern for others and her commitment to fostering meaningful connections.
Martha's extensive experience, coupled with her considerate and empathetic approach, make her an invaluable asset to the Funeral Director profession and a trusted resource for families in their time of grief. Her unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care and service is a testament to her passion and dedication to her craft.
Niesie Wiggins
Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Preneed Sales.
Creniesha, "Niesie", is a dynamic professional with over a decade of dedicated experience as funeral professional. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Creniesha embarked on her journey in 2011 and honed her skills at the prestigious Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, GA, graduating with distinction in 2012. Now boasting an impressive twelve years of expertise, she brings compassion, empathy, and unparalleled proficiency to every aspect of her work. As a devoted mother to her son, she embodies the high level of empathy, strength, and attention to details needed to guide families through difficult decisions. Her unwavering dedication to providing solace and support to families during their most challenging times underscores her remarkable character and unwavering professionalism.
Bill Reeves
Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Preneed Sales.
Bill is a compassionate and empathic Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, dedicated to guiding families through the challenging process of grief with sensitivity and understanding. Since graduating from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2012, he has been committed to providing meticulous attention to detail in every aspect and known for his unwavering dedication to excellence with precision. Bill's empathic nature shines through as he offers compassionate guidance and a steady presence during families' most challenging moments. With a deep reservoir of empathy and a commitment to excellence, Bill is a trusted ally for families navigating the complexities of loss. He is rooted in faith and is grateful for the life he has been given. In his free time he enjoys the beach, camping, kayaking, and the beauty of nature.
Jauncy Howell
Crematory Operator and Funeral Assistant
Jauncy embodies unwavering dedication and empathy as a crematory operator, prioritizing the utmost care for each individual entrusted to her charge. With a background in the funeral profession since 2018, initially specializing in Bio Hazard cleanup, Jauncy brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a devoted parent to four children, cherishing moments spent with her family during her leisure time.
Mike Graham
Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Crematory Operator
Mike Graham embarked on his illustrious career in the Funeral Service at a young age, working alongside George Holder, the esteemed founder and proprietor of Holder-Wells. After graduating from East Mississippi Community College (Scooba, MS) in 1988 with a degree in Funeral Service, Mike furthered his education while also participating in football during his time at the institution. Over the years, Mike has diligently served his community with unwavering compassion, taking immense pride in his chosen profession. His commitment to excellence and his deep empathy towards grieving families have earned him a distinguished reputation as a accomplished funeral director, embalmer, and crematory operator.
Margaret Migues
Funeral Assistant
Margaret is a dedicated Funeral Assistant who joined our team in 2018. Margaret brings comfort to families by navigating the unknown which can be a very scary time. Helping to process and fulfill important wishes to the best of our ability is what our team is all about.
Dave Spence
Funeral Assistant
Dave is a Funeral Assistant who is focused, detailed, passionate, and closely connected to his community since 1976. He has a diverse background from his past U.S. Army service, experience as a family man, father of two daughters, grandfather to two grandchildren, and his successful battle against cancer has greatly added to our team experience.
Richard Tabor
Operations & Marketing Manager, Crematory Operator
Richard is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience dedicated to cultivating serene environments for families from all walks of life to honor the lives of their loved ones. Armed with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the esteemed University of West Florida, he has honed his expertise over the years. Richard consistently provides creative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of families and staff alike.
With a deep commitment to education and support, Richard has become a trusted advisor to those navigating the challenging terrain of grief. His extensive experience allows him to offer invaluable guidance with a level of understanding that only comes from years of dedicated service.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Richard finds respite in the company of his family and shelter-rescue canine companion. He also indulges in his passion for exploring the natural beauty of our coastal beaches. His unwavering dedication to detail and continuous efforts to elevate the standards of the funeral and cemetery industry instill a profound sense of confidence and comfort in the families he serves.
Learn the legacy.
Holder-Wells Funeral Home
Holder-Wells Funeral Home was founded in 1972. Our current location at 4007 Main Street celebrated it's grand opening November 11, 1973. A contemporary facility, it was designed by founder, George W. Holder and his friend and business partner, Preston Wells.
The building underwent major remodeling in the summer of 1995 and we continually work to maintain a clean, safe facility to serve our friends and neighbors in the Jackson County and surrounding areas. As always, our professionally landscaped grounds are breathtaking and change with each season. We are so very proud of the legacy left to us by our founders George and Mary Holder. Mr. and Mrs. Holder served our local area for many years in funeral service and upon retirement, George Holder alone had over fifty years of funeral service to the state of Mississippi. He served as president of the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service and was very active in the Mississippi Funeral Directors Associaton for many years. Mr. Holder was a United States Army veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery and meritorious service in World War II.
Today we continue to serve Moss Point, Pascagoula, the East Central community, Vancleave, Gautier, Ocean Springs and other surrounding communities with friendship, dependability and excellence in funeral service. Our staff would like to thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in our funeral home throughout the years. We are very proud to have served this area for forty years and we place great value in the relationships that we have created. We look forward to being here to serve you and your family for many years to come.
Coastal Chapel
Holder Wells Funeral Home on Main Street in downtown Moss Point announces its expansion to northern Jackson County with the acquisition of Coastal Funeral Home, Coastal Cremations, and Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
“One Trusted Name, One Caring Team, Two Convenient Locations” is the new Holder Wells motto. Coastal Funeral Home will be known as Holder Wells Coastal Chapel and Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery, while the original downtown location of Holder Wells will be known as Holder Wells Main Street Chapel.
Holder-Wells Funeral Home was founded in 1972 by George W. Holder and his friend and business partner, Preston Wells. In its 45 year history, Holder Wells has served over 15,000 families in Jackson County and surrounding areas.
Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery had its beginnings as a small community cemetery in the 1960’s. In the early 2000’s, Mr. Bill Daniel, a long time cemetery professional, acquired the cemetery and added a crematorium. In late 2007, Mr. Daniel opened Coastal Funeral Home on the grounds of Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Following his death in 2009, the funeral home and cemetery continued to be operated by his family until recently acquired by Holder Wells.
Today, the combined Holder Wells and Serene Memorial Gardens staff includes ; Martha Thompson, LFD; Mike Graham, LFD; Dale Shows, LFD; Lynn Born; Bubba Cunningham, LFD.
With deep roots in Moss Point and Jackson County, our highly trained professional staff continually strives to maintain the trust and confidence placed in our funeral home throughout the years, and plan to be here to serve you and your family for many years to come.
"Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy"
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Explore Our Locations
See where we are and find the place that best meet your needs.
Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery at Holder Wells Coastal Chapel
12800 Hwy 613
Moss Point, MS 39563