Staff
Donald E. Wilson is President of Evergreen Memorial Trust. He is a seasoned veteran in cemetery management, with over forty years’ service that began at Evergreen Burial Park and has now expanded to four additional cemetery locations in southwest Virginia. Born and raised in Mason City, Iowa, Don is a graduate of the University of Iowa. His three children and three grandchildren all live in the Roanoke area. His wife, Johanna, works as Evergreen’s outreach coordinator. He is active in a number of community service organizations. Currently, he is president of the Kiwanis Foundation of Roanoke and board member of the Virginia Cemetery Association. Don is a past board member of the Historical Society of Western Virginia and the Local Office on Aging where he served as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. dwilson@evergreenmemorialtrust.com.
Tommy D. Whitaker has been a Family Service Director with Evergreen Burial Park since 2004. Tommy is a 1982 graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. He and his wife, Jeanne, have two children, Zachary and Emily. Tommy enjoys playing church softball, working in his yard, and riding his motorcycle. Tommy and his family are members of Raleigh Court United Methodist Church. twhitaker@evergreenmemorialtrust.com
Melissa A. Light is Corporate Administrator for Evergreen Memorial Trust. Her nearly thirty years experience with Evergreen brings confidence to families that the administrative aspects of commitment wishes are exactingly documented and carried out. Melissa and her husband, Doug, reside in Roanoke and exercise their passion for traveling on their motorcycle whenever weather permits. mlight@
Blair Graninger has been the Family Service Counselor at Mountain View Memorial Park and Forest Rest Natural Cemetery for 10 years. A native of Alleghany County, Blair raised her daughter in Franklin County residing there for 23 years. Blair enjoys working closely with families to assist them through difficult times in making good choices for their loved ones, and welcomes the opportunities presented with each individual family. When not assisting other families, she dedicates herself to her own enjoying the lake, outdoor activities, singing and visiting her daughter as often as possible. bgraninger@evergreenmemorialtrust.com
Steve Haldren is a Family Service Counselor with Evergreen Memorial Trust the Mountain View Cemetery location. Steve was born and raised in Vinton, and is a graduate of Virginia Western Community College and The Marine Corps Recruit Depot; Parris Island, SC. His number one priority is to treat each individual and their family with grace, respect, and dignity. Steve has an extensive background in the animal health industry and understands the bond between families and their furry friends. shaldren@evergreenmemorialtrust.com
Johanna Wilson was born and raised in Mason City Iowa, attended Brigham Young University, with ongoing education at University of Minnesota. Her career has been in retail and hospitality management. She is Outreach Coordinator at Evergreen Memorial Trust. She and Don love serving the community.
Stewart Grant is a Family Service Counselor with Evergreen Memorial Trust at the Evergreen Burial Park location. Stewart was born and raised in Bedford, and is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree. His number one priority is to treat each person and their family with compassion and the kindness that they deserve. Outside of work, Stewart loves watching his two sons participate in their sports activities and going to every Virginia Tech football and basketball game with family and friends. sgrant@evergreenmemorialtrust.com
Nihkolas L. Tipton started his cemetery career at Evergreen Burial Park in 2017. Nihk was born and raised in Oakland County, Michigan, and moved to Roanoke in 2010. He is married to Christina, and they have a little girl, Ada Marie, and little boy, Leon. Nihk brings a genuine heartfelt approach to the families he serves, and never fails to have a family leave smiling and laughing in the celebration of their loved one or making their own arrangements. When not in the office, you can find Nihk enjoying time outside with his family and taking road trips as often as possible.
Brook S. Hamilton is a Family Service Counselor for Evergreen Memorial Trust at the Mountain View Cemetery location. Originally from Yorktown, Virginia, Brook earned his degree in Theatre and Communication Studies from the University of Lynchburg. He has now settled down with his family in Boones Mill, Virginia. Outside of work, he enjoys Disc Golf, watching the Denver Broncos, and live music. He joins our team with four years of experience in the industry and is excited to continue his career in educating and protecting our community.