Our History
In 1938, Brown Service Insurance Company built a funeral home in Bessemer to honor the Brown Service Burial Policies that were sold along with other various insurance policies. Bessemer Brown was the only other funeral home in this area with the Jacob's Funeral Parlor located on 2nd Ave. When Jacob's was closed they moved all records to be serviced by Browns Bessemer. The funeral home only consist of the chapel, embalming room, two restrooms, an office, selection room and three visitation rooms located on the upper level. Many years had passed before any updates were made. In the late 60's to sometime near the 80's, the lobby was extended and two parlors added to the side of the chapel. The garage was extended to compensate for extra storage. The visitation rooms on the upper lever were later changes to current offices and new casket selection room. After many years and owners, Browns Funeral Home in Bessemer would change the name to Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home.
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Harlan Turman, Manager/ Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
Harlan has been involved in cemeteries and funeral homes for over 40 years. He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 30 years. Harlan and Brenda live in Gardendale, Alabama and attend Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church. Together they have five children and eleven grandchildren.
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Jennifer Grace Hill, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
Jennifer has worked for Bessemer Brown Service for over 15 years. Jennifer is a licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer with an Associates in Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service from Jefferson State Community College. She grew up in Bessemer, AL in the small community of Lacy's Chapel. She's a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. Jennifer has two children, Jordan and Meaghan. She currently lives in Bessemer.
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Ruth Dodson, Licensed Funeral Director / Preneed Family Counselor
Ruth has worked in the funeral industry for over 30 years. Ruth is married to Herman Dodson and has two children and five grandchildren.
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Gina Jones, Office Manager
Gina has worked in the cemetery and funeral industry for over 30 years. Gina is married to Jeff Jones and they have two children and six grandchildren. Gina is a graduate of Hueytown High School and lives in Hueytown, Alabama.
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Helen Wingo, Visitation Staff
Helen was born in Bessemer, AL in her grandmother’s home. She attended McNeil school to the 9th grade and then attended Hueytown High School until graduation. She has 4 children and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Helen attends Hueytown Baptist church. She has worked at Bessemer Brown service for over 20 yrs and enjoys it very much.
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Robbie Crane, Visitation Staff
Robbie was born and raised in Bessemer, Alabama. She has two children and two grandsons. Robbie has always taken care of the elderly. She worked for UAB West as a Receptionist and at a Pediatric office. She love animals and kids. She enjoys working for the funeral home and hopes to be there for many years to come.
