Our Excellent Staff
Our Valued Staff
Russell Carney
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Russell Carney
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Russell Carney has served families at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Texoma since 2018, working in both Gainesville and Whitesboro. He finds purpose in walking alongside families during one of the most difficult seasons of life and is committed to helping them honor their loved ones with dignity, care, and compassion.
Russell has deep roots in the community and takes pride in being actively involved. He is a member of First Baptist Church, coaches his son’s Little League basketball team, and serves on the board of directors for the Gainesville Kiwanis Club. Giving back to the community he serves is an important part of who he is.
A graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Russell has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 16 years. His experience allows him to confidently guide families through a wide range of service options and ensure their wishes are carried out with professionalism and respect.
Outside of work, Russell enjoys spending time with his children and attending their sporting events. He also looks forward to annual beach vacations and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.
Laura Bagwell
Administrative Assistant (Whitesboro)
Laura Bagwell
Administrative Assistant (Whitesboro)
laura@meadorfuneral.comLaura Bagwell has been part of the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Texoma team in Whitesboro since 2018, continuing a lifelong commitment to serving her community. For more than 27 years, Laura has cared for the people of Whitesboro, first through two decades in the local pharmacy and now through her work in funeral service. She finds great meaning in being able to support the same families she has known and served for most of her life, offering care, dignity, and compassion during their most difficult moments.
Born and raised in Whitesboro, Laura is deeply connected to her hometown. She attends First Baptist Church of Whitesboro, where she and her husband help with video and slide presentations and serve on church committees. Her family has long been involved in school and community activities, including PTO, band programs, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Annual Peanut Festival. She has also participated in church mission trips around the world.
Laura is known for her dedication to excellence and attention to detail. She takes pride in making sure every family feels confident that their loved one is being honored with the highest level of care and that the details are handled with professionalism and respect.
Laura has been married to her husband, Orland, for 39 years, a relationship that began with their very first “date” when they were children. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Amanda and Brittany, and grandparents to twin granddaughters, Ainslee and Alayna. Laura and her family live on a farm outside of Whitesboro, where they raise cows and chickens. She enjoys traveling, music of all kinds, and spending time with her Disney-loving family.
Rhonda Simmons
Administrative Assistant (Gainesville)
Rhonda Simmons
Administrative Assistant (Gainesville)
Rhonda Simmons has been part of the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Texoma team since 2020, serving families in both Gainesville and Whitesboro. She values the strong teamwork she shares with her director and coworkers and takes pride in working closely with families to help guide them through what can feel like an overwhelming time. Creating a supportive and reassuring experience for each family is at the heart of her work.
Working in a close-knit community allows Rhonda to build lasting relationships with the families she serves. She often sees familiar faces around town and appreciates the trust families place in Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Texoma, including those who return because of positive experiences shared by loved ones. These ongoing connections mean a great deal to her.
Rhonda is a true people person and enjoys the daily interaction her role provides. Families frequently comment on the teamwork and care they experience, something Rhonda is proud to be part of.
Outside of work, Rhonda drives carriage horses for weddings, funerals, and holiday rides, a passion she considers her second family. She is also raising her granddaughter and helping her son raise his three children, roles that keep her fulfilled and young at heart.
Jordan Huff
Director’s Assistant
Jordan Huff
Director’s Assistant
Jordan Huff joined Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Texoma in 2024. He values the responsibility that comes with helping families during moments that matter most and approaches his work with care, dignity, and a steady presence. Knowing that his role can bring reassurance during difficult times gives his work real meaning.
Jordan appreciates the strong small-town atmosphere of Whitesboro, where people know one another and step up when support is needed. His involvement at First Baptist Church has strengthened his sense of connection to the community and reinforced the importance of service, faith, and reliability.
Jordan is known for his professionalism, clear communication, and calm approach in emotional situations. He takes pride in being dependable, consistent, and proactive in meeting families’ needs. Currently enrolled at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, Jordan is on track to graduate in March and complete his funeral director and embalming licensure. His education, paired with hands-on experience, allows him to provide thoughtful and respectful support.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time with his family and relaxing with video games, music, and movies. He is a dedicated Dallas sports fan, follows all the major teams, and never turns down a good steak.
Ryan Jones
Funeral Director Assistant
Ryan Jones
Funeral Director Assistant
Ryan Jones has been serving families in funeral service since 2021. He finds purpose in helping make one of the hardest moments in a person’s life just a little easier.
A lifelong resident of Whitesboro, Ryan values the strong sense of connection and responsibility that comes with serving his own community. He believes deeply in showing up for people when it matters and remains actively involved in the place he calls home.
Ryan’s greatest strength is his ability to be quietly present. He supports families without intruding on their grief and approaches removals with care, grace, and dignity for both the deceased and their loved ones.
Outside of work, Ryan is a devoted family man. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their two children, cooking together, gardening, and relaxing with family movie nights.