History & Staff

Randolph, a native of Lincolnton, NC, is a 1993 graduate of North Carolina State University and a 1995 graduate of Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA. After college, he moved to Columbia and joined his uncle and aunt at Shives Funeral Home. Randolph assumed management of the firm in 1999 and ownership in 2012. He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and a member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, as well as the Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Randolph is married to Brandon Davidson Shives of Columbia, owner of Brandon Davidson Interiors. They have two children, Alexander and Eliza Madison. Randolph and his family are members of First Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon. Additionally, Randolph, an Eagle Scout, is a member of the Executive's Association of Greater Columbia (Board of Director & President ), Rotary Club of Columbia (Board of Directors), St. Andrew's Society of the City of Columbia (Steward), the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, is a past president of Brennen Elementary School Improvement Council, is on the Board of Directors for the Richland County Coroner’s Foundation and Advisory Board of Home Works. You may e-mail Randolph at [email protected]

Bill is a native of Lincolnton, NC where he started working in the funeral profession at Warlick Funeral Home. While attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bill was drafted into the US Army which led him to Ft. Jackson in Columbia. Following the Korean Conflict, Bill graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science as well as earning a BS in business administration from University of South Carolina. In 1967, Bill purchased Talbert Funeral Home which he operated as Talbert Shives Funeral Home until his retirement in 1999. Since then, Bill has continued to be active in the business. He has resided in Blythewood for nearly 50 years where he and his wife, Barbara, who worked alongside him in the business, are members of Trinity United Methodist Church. Bill has served on the SC Board of Funeral Service, the Transplantation Committee of the American Red Cross for the Southeastern United States, Washington Street United Methodist Church Administration Board, the advisory board of Transport for Christ, member of Blythewood Rotary Club, The Colonel Thomas Taylor Chapter of the Son's of the American Revolution, and The American Legion Post #6.

Joe is a native of Valdosta, GA where he graduated from Valdosta State University. He received his Masters of Divinity from Columbia International University. In 35 years of ministry, Joe served churches in Valdosta, Bamberg, SC and Columbia. For the last 15 years, he worked in pastoral ministries at North Trenholm Baptist Church, especially enjoying his work with senior adults. Prior to joining North Trenholm, Joe was a supervisor with the Lexington County Department of Social Services, specializing in Adult and Child Protective Services. Joe is married to Martha Tucker Copeland of Columbia and they are members of North Trenholm Baptist, where they continue to teach Sunday School classes. They have five grown children: Sam, his wife, Miller; Paul and his wife, Ainhoa; Anna, her husband, Chris and their son, Bender; Andrew; and Caleb. Joe’s life-long focus on helping families will continue as part of the Shives staff, which he joined in January 2015. You may email Joe at [email protected]

Eric is a native of Lexington County and a 1990 graduate of Airport High School. He first came to work with Shives Funeral Home in 1992. He was associated with the CWC Jaycees and is a former member of the City of Cayce Beautification Board. Eric earned his CFSE with honors at Piedmont Technical College and is a licensed funeral director. He spends much of his free time playing with his cat, Liza Jane, whom he adopted on Christmas day at our Colonial Chapel, and his two Chihuahuas, Ricky and Rusty. Eric also enjoys working in his yard and giving assistance to many seniors in and around our community. You may e-mail Eric at [email protected]

Kelcey was born and raised in Horry County, SC and relocated to Columbia with his family in 2018. He attended Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC and John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, TN. Kelcey has been a South Carolina licensed funeral director/embalmer since 2002 and previously served as an executive committee member and group president for the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association. When he’s not working, you will find him spending time with his wife, Carey Clark Dickinson; son, Andrew Clark Dickinson; and dog, Max. He also enjoys golf, travel, yardwork, and attending sporting events. You may email Kelcey at [email protected]

Born and raised in Superior, MT, Amanda is a first-generation Funeral Director, Embalmer and Certified Cremationist; having made the transition from social services. While attending Piedmont Technical College in 2010, Amanda began serving families in the Midlands with Shives Funeral Home. In 2012, she earned her Associates in Mortuary Science and completed her apprenticeship in 2014.

Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, especially her children Lucas and Emily. She and her family are members of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Columbia, where Amanda assists in Christian Formation and Outreach programs. You may email Amanda at [email protected]

Andrew, a native of Columbia, is a graduate of the Homeward Bound Education Association, a former student of Christian Studies at North Greenville University, and the funeral service program at Piedmont Technical College. He has served as a pastor’s aid at Temple Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC and previously provided the Sunday morning service and worship for the Palmettos Assisted Living Facility on Parklane. Andrew has passion for music and dance and devotes his free time to teaching and serving with the Palmetto Swing Dance Association.

Aaron is a Columbia native and a graduate of Dreher High School, the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and numerous courses from the National Fire Academy. Aaron served in the Mortuary Affairs Section of the U. S. Army doing recovery, identifying and returning our fallen soldiers and served in the Army Reserves for eight years. He owned and operated funeral homes in Denmark, SC, was a partner in McMillan-Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach, SC, and has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for over 50 years. Aaron semi-retired in 1997 and returned to his home in Columbia to care for his parents.

Aaron’s second enjoyable profession is being associated with the volunteer and paid Fire Service and serving on committees with the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association.

He married Betty Hilton Small in 1961 and they have two adult children and two grandchildren.

It is a pleasure being on the staff of Shives Funeral Home & Crematorium working with such dedicated and caring professionals.

Robert B. “Bobby” Raines, a native of Blythewood, is the only child of Brian and Donna Boney Raines. Bobby’s roots run deep in Blythewood, where graduated from Blythewood High School. At a very young age, Bobby became interested in pursuing a career in funeral service and took advantage of job shadowing opportunities. He joined the Shives Funeral Home Team in January of 2017, where he worked as a funeral and office assistant before becoming a licensed apprentice. Bobby attends mortuary school while working full time and is a member of the Blythewood Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as being involved with various events and making the most of his time. Bobby attends Village Church in Blythewood and loves to volunteer inside and outside of his community, where he takes pride in being raised in such a small, tight knit area where you seldom meet a stranger. You may email Bobby at [email protected]

Catherine Mabry joined Shives Funeral Home in October of 2017, in the newly developed position of Community Outreach. Catherine is from Charlotte, NC and is married to Hank Mabry. They have two adult children, Cate and Fil.

She graduated from The University of Alabama in 1988 with a BA in Communications. Having been in Columbia for 25 years, she has enjoyed several retail positions in Columbia since her Physician Services days at Palmetto Baptist where she spent several years prior to raising her family.

The Mabry’s attend Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where Catherine serves as Elder, and previously as Deacon, and enjoy an active membership there among many friends. Free time includes visits to Clemson in the fall and time outdoors with their black lab, Retta.

You may email Catherine at [email protected]

Born in Greenwood, SC he was a graduate of Greenwood High School and attended Clemson University and Lander College. After serving in the US Army, Gene moved to Columbia where he went to work with the SC Highway Patrol. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant after a rewarding 30 years. Gene has a son, twin daughters and six beautiful grandchildren. For many years he coached and played men’s softball as well as coaching little league football. He now resides in the Cedar Creek Community of Richland County and spends much of his free time hunting. Gene has worked with Shives Funeral Home since 1999 and earned the Certified Crematory Operator designation by the National Funeral Directors Association. You may email Gene at [email protected]

Mike was born in Anchorage, Alaska, grew up in Mooresville N.C. and graduated from Mooresville Senior High School. He moved to Columbia in 1978 and received an Associate of Arts degree from Midlands Technical College. After serving as an Air Traffic Controller for the U. S. Navy, Mike spent 25 years in the Automotive Sales Management industry here in Columbia. In his leisure time he enjoys golf and cooking. He, along with his wife Janet and their daughter McKenzie are currently members of Salem United Methodist Church.

Kimberly K. Street Rodriguez, a native of Grundy Virginia, Is the daughter of Dorothy Boardwine Pietras and the late Cecil M. Street. Kimberly is a 1979 Graduate of Grundy Senior High School in Virginia. She was raised in a military family and traveled all over the United States while her father was in service before eventually settling into South Carolina. Kimberly is a member of Sawney’s Creek Baptist Church in Ridgeway and the midlands chapter of Blue Star Mothers. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and helping others. She has a son, TSgt. Zachery A. Rodriguez (Samantha Anne); grandson, Ethan H. Rodriguez; twin sister, Michelle Renee Lamm; and brother, Mike Dye. She joined the Shives team in October of 2018 with over 20 years of Office, Insurance and Funeral Home knowledge. You may email Kimberly at [email protected]

Beth, a Columbia native, graduated from Cardinal Newman High School and the University of South Carolina. She worked for AT&T as an Office Assistant until her retirement in 2012. She and husband Mark have two adult daughters. Beth is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with friends and family. You may email Beth at [email protected]

Trenholm, a native of St. Matthews, SC, is a 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina. After graduation, she continued to reside in Columbia working various retail and sales jobs before finally joining Shives Funeral Home as an administrative assistant in 2015. Trenholm is married to Owens Hardison of Orangeburg, SC and they have two children, Loitton and Baylies. She is a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, serves on the Board of Director’s for the Richland County Coroner’s Foundation and is a past member of the Junior League of Columbia. Trenholm’s second enjoyable profession is working with Brandon Shives at Brandon Davidson Interiors. When she isn’t working, Trenholm loves cheering on her Gamecocks at football games and various sporting events as well as spending time with her family and friends at her family’s beach house at Edisto Island. You may e-mail Trenholm at [email protected]

Benji was born in Panama and joined the US Army in 1989. After serving in Korea he was discharged at Ft. Jackson and remained here in Columbia. Benji is a member and employee of North Trenholm Baptist Church where he serves as the Director of Facilities and Grounds. He has three children and enjoys playing soccer in his free time.

Ed, a native of Columbia, is a graduate of Dreher High School, Furman University and The School of Banking of The South at LSU. He is retired from a career serving the Greater Columbia area in commercial and mortgage banking. Ed was married to the late Kay Wilson Kennedy of Shelby, NC, prior to her death in 2015. Ed is a member of Shandon Baptist Church, where he has served as Deacon, Stewardship Committee Chairman, and a Sunday School Director and Teacher. His community service has included Division Chairman of the United Way, Chairman of the Richland County Housing Authority, and Membership Chairman of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. In his leisure time, Ed enjoys reading, sports, spending time with friends and family, and playing golf.

Kenny Mattox, a native of Blythewood, joined Shives Funeral Home in 2012. Kenny’s Blythewood roots run deep, having graduated from Blythewood High School in 1963 and working for Mattox Electric until retirement after 26 years. Kenny, along with his wife, Sheila, and daughter, Hayden, are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ridgeway Ward. He also has two adult children, Carla and Duane, and six grandchildren. When Kenny is not with his family, he spends much of his time volunteering within his community, offering a helping hand to anyone in need.

Harry is a native of Charlotte, N.C where he graduated from Tech High School in 1954. Shortly thereafter he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Serving in several stateside duty stations and on Okinawa.

He drove vacation tours across the US, Canada, and Mexico and took several groups on ocean cruises.

Harry and his wife Joan moved their young family of four girls and one boy to Columbia in 1972 where Harry became involved in a sales career that lasted more than forty years. He traveled the Southeast serving the textile industry with specialty chemicals and equipment, became a small business owner serving the Columbia area, and retired as store manager of a regional furniture chain.

As an active member of North Trenholm Baptist Church, Harry in 1997, started a Nursing Home/Assisted Living ministry at National Health Care; bringing a weekly worship service to the residents who were unable to attend their home church. This ministry has now evolved into serving six facilities in Northeast Columbia. In 2015 Harry was named National Health Care Volunteer of the year. He is a published author, God Speaks We Listen, 2014.

Leisure time is spent reading, writing and finding ways to help his fellowman.

JoAnn, a Columbia native, graduated from Dentsville High School and went on to attend Columbia Commercial College. For 27 years, she owned and operated Ashley Rose, Inc. She joined Shives Funeral Home in 2012. JoAnn is a member of Killian Baptist Church. Following the death of her first husband, Roger Richardson, JoAnn married Herbert Null. She has one son. When not working, she enjoys shopping and decorating.

Born at Eglin AFB in Florida, Paul moved from one military base to another until his father retired from the US Air Force. After graduating from Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, NC, he wound up in Columbia, where he attended Midlands Tech and started his banking career. Paul spent almost 30 years in banking, serving the Charlotte area. Upon retirement, he moved back to Columbia with his wife, Cheryl. In his free time, he enjoys riding his bike and doing yard work.

Ree, a native of Columbia, is a graduate of Hammond Academy. He attended and played basketball at Presbyterian College, and graduated from the University of South Carolina. He is retired from a career serving the Greater Columbia area in the savings and loan and supplemental insurance businesses. Ree is married to Bettie Brennen Whitmire of Columbia, and they have two sons; Bo (married to Katie English Henderson of Greenwood, SC) and Cam. Ree and Bettie are members of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, where Ree has served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School counter, girls and boys basketball coach, and chairman of various committees. His community service has included chairing the United Way and Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Downtown Sertoma Club, and the Palmetto Baseball League. Ree also serves as the Director of the Christian Life Center at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. In his leisure time, Ree enjoys reading, working in his yard, sports, exercising, spending time with his family and friends, as well as playing basketball and golf.

Richard is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. After high school graduation, he attended Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana. He entered the banking business in Cincinnati, where he was office manager, loan officer and collections director. A few years later, Richard felt a call to full time ministry, whereupon he entered the ministry with the Church of God. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in theology from Everglades Seminary. During his forty-four years of ministry, he pastored seven churches in five states. He retired in 2009 after pastoring in West Columbia for twenty-two years. Richard is a veteran of the Ohio Air National Guard, where he served for six years. Since retirement, Richard has worked for the US Census Bureau and Lexington Hospital. He enjoys fishing, snow skiing, and wood working. Richard married his wife, Annette, while pastoring in Darlington, SC, and they have one daughter who works for The Sate of South Carolina.

Diane is a native of Camden, having attended Camden High School, North Greenville College, and USC where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She has two daughters and two grandchildren. Diane lives in northeast Columbia where she is a member of Northeast Presbyterian Church. Since retiring from the USC School of Medicine, she has enjoyed volunteering with the Richland County Public Library and becoming a Master Gardener. Diane has worked with Shives Funeral Home since 2000.

Sara Jacobs Peake is a graduate of Dentsville High School and retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield. She also worked at Siebels Bruce for 14 years and is currently employed part time with Shives Funeral Home and Living Springs Lutheran Church Daycare. She is an involved member of Harmony Baptist Church. Sara has two sons, one daughter and two grandsons. In her free time, she enjoys working in her yard and watching sports.

Erwin is from Lancaster, South Carolina and had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home where he heard the gospel both in his home and the church. While studying at the University of South Carolina, God transformed his life through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). During this time, he met Roxann on a summer mission project with Cru. They were married right after graduating college. God called them on staff full time with Cru for 21 years, serving in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Russia.

While working with Cru, Erwin completed his Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. He has served in pastoral ministry for the past 10 years, and is an ordained Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), Palmetto Presbytery.

Erwin is passionate about preaching and teaching God’s word, helping develop leadership within the church by making disciples who make disciples, and encouraging the body of Christ to walk with God for a lifetime.

He is married to his best friend Roxann and God has blessed them with four children.

Erwin enjoys time with family and friends, football, cycling, and riding his motorcycle.

Susan Sturkie has been Organist at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since October 1988. Born in Mooresville, NC, Susan graduated from St. Andrews Presbyterian College (now St. Andrews University) in Laurinburg, NC, with a B.M. in Music Education studying both organ and voice. After graduating, she taught elementary school music at Ft. Bragg and Ft. Jackson Dependents Schools. She is a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the Association of Lutheran Musicians of SC. Susan serves as Treasurer and Membership Chair of the Greater Columbia chapter of the American Guild of Organists and Treasurer of the Association of Lutheran Musicians of SC. Susan and her husband Dick are the parents of one son, Trey.

Amy is a native of Charlotte, NC. Through the process of a job transfer, Amy’s family relocated to Lexington 17 years ago where she and her husband raised their three children and now enjoy spending their free time with their four grandchildren. Amy and her husband, Jim, are members of Radius Church in Lexington and she likes to travel in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is photography and through her travels has enjoyed many sights through the lens of her camera. Amy also enjoys a love of baking cultivated by cooking when her house was filled with her children and their friends. You may email Amy at [email protected]

Sherry Stockman is a Ridgeway, SC native. She first joined Shives Funeral Home in 2007 and worked in a part-time administrative capacity until mid-2010 when she took a sabbatical to devote all her spare time to caring for her mom. She returned to the administrative team, again part time, in early 2014. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Columbia College. Employed with SCANA since 1997, Sherry also has a full time career as a senior accountant. She and her husband, John, have two children and four grandchildren. Sherry and John are active members of Trinity Baptist Church in Lugoff. They volunteer once a quarter providing supper at a local children’s emergency shelter. John and Sherry attend, on a regular basis, plays at Town Theater and enjoy occasional weekend getaways exploring bed and breakfasts; but, they are happiest visiting the grandchildren every chance they get.

A native of Blakely, Ga., Craig attended Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, Ga. and is a graduate of Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fl. He moved to Columbia to accept the position of Graphic Designer for the SC Educational Television Network and later became a partner/owner of The Ad Company in Columbia. Since retirement, Craig uses his talent as a fine artist at The Climb Studio in downtown Columbia. He is also the Fine Art Superintendent of the South Carolina State Fair. Craig is married to Julie Hoover Houston of West Columbia and they have a son, Mark, and a daughter, Lauren Houston Wilson, and five precious grandchildren. Craig is an active member of First Baptist Church, Columbia, a former Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and member of the church choir. Craig joined the Shives staff in 2014.