History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

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. 

Our Valued Staff

  • Harlan  Turman

    Harlan Turman, Manager/ Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

    Harlan has been involved in cemeteries and funeral homes for over 30 years. He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 25 years. Harlan and Sherry live in Pelham, Alabama where they both are involved with the ministries of Westwood Baptist Church. They have three children and eight grandchildren.

  • Jennifer Grace Hill

    Jennifer Grace Hill, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

    Jennifer has worked for Bessemer Brown Service for eight 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. Shes a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. Jennifer has two children, Jordan who's 19 and Meaghan who's 14. They currently live in Bessemer.

  • Ruth  Dodson

    Ruth Dodson, Licensed Funeral Director / Preneed Family Counselor

    Ruth has worked in the funeral industry for 23 years. Ruth is married to Herman Dodson and has two children and five grandchildren.

  • Gina  Jones

    Gina Jones, Office Manager

    Gina has worked in the cemetery and funeral industry for the past 30 years. Gina is married to Jeff Jones and they have two children and four grandchildren. Gina is a graduate of Hueytown High School and lives in Lakeview, Alabama.

  • Helen  Wingo

    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 14 1/2 yrs and enjoys it very much.

  • Robbie  Crane

    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.