Staff

Kay Carey
Funeral Director
Kay is an Alumni of Gupton Jones School of Mortuary Science in Nashville. He was licensed as a funeral director and embalmer in Tennessee in 1950. He is a former owner-manager of another firm in the Erwin area and has been associated with Valley Funeral Home since 1998. He is a member of Ninth Street Baptist Church and Erwin Kiwanis Club. He is married to Mable Fanning Carey.

Michael D. Peterson
Manager, Funeral Director and Embalmer
Michael began his career in funeral service in Unicoi County in 1974 serving his apprenticeship under veteran funeral directors Kay Carey and Bill Campbell. He eventually became a stockholder and manager of that firm, which he served for 12 years prior to selling his stock and becoming associated with H.M. Patterson and Sons Funeral Home in Atlanta, Georgia. Mike attended East Tennessee State University and graduated from Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in 1976. He was involved in the initial stages of the building and opening of Valley Funeral Home and has managed the firm since its inception in 1988. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church and Erwin Kiwanis Club. He has three children Mindy Lynn Peterson Riddle and her husband, Justin; Michael D. Peterson, II and his wife, Kelly Vance Peterson and Aaron Peterson. Michael has one granddaughter, Rilee Grace Peterson.

Amanda V. Edwards
Licensed Funeral Director
Amanda is a proud native of Unicoi County, graduating Unicoi County High School with honors in 2003. She then went to John A. Gupton Mortuary College, in Nashville, TN, where she earned an Associates of Arts Degree in Funeral Service. Amanda is happily married to Lee Edwards. When not working Amanda enjoys being outdoors and Fall is her favorite time of year. She is actively involved in the Erwin Kiwanis Club and Shallow Ford Baptist Church is her church family. Amanda considers it an honor to serve the families of Unicoi County, and Valley Funeral Home considers it a privilege to have such a dedicated person.

Michael D. Peterson, II
Family Service Counselor
Michael is a 2004 graduate of Unicoi County High School and is the son of Valley Funeral Home Manager, Mike Peterson. He has been affiliated as a part-time associate with Valley Funeral Home since elementary school and currently serves as a family service counselor at Evergreen Cemetery. He is a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church and is married to Kelly Vance Peterson. They have one daughter, Rilee Grace Peterson.

Maryanna Reightler White
Funeral Assistant
Maryanna graduated in 2000 with a honors diploma from Unicoi County High School. She is currently attending Northeast State Technical College where she is pursuing an associate degree in surgical technology. She attends Living Word Lutheran Church. She began working at Valley Funeral Home in May 2005. She is married to Kenneth L. White and they have two sons, John Patrick and Kenneth II.

Dan Hurt
Funeral Assistant
A native of Johnson City, Dan served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. He had previously been employed by Snap-On Tools for the past 27 years before joining Valley Funeral Home. Dan and his wife Caroline are the proud parents of one son and reside in Johnson City. “I am enjoying my new career in the funeral industry and look forward to helping the families of East Tennessee.”

John Edwards
Funeral Assistant

Brenda Gouge
Office Manager