Jared Jenkins
Licensee in Charge
Jared Jenkins, owner, and licensee in charge has been here for nearly two decades. He joined the family working part-time cleaning cars and running the vacuum. He worked under the tutelage of Mr. Carl Williams, and Michael Dalton, a well known and respected funeral director in Monongalia County. In 2014, he and his wife Janna purchased the funeral home and continue a tradition of excellence. “A growing number of families are looking for something more than just a funeral. The years of having the same funeral that your grandparents had is gone, says Jared. Jared also notes, what we do is different than what you may have experienced before. How we do it will also be different. These differences are based on the Why of what we do. We believe in what we are doing here and are very passionate about it. From the very simple services to the most extravagant, the service should be about the life of your loved one…not death. Transparency is a key component of our philosophy. We always want you to know you have options. It is important to ask questions if and know your rights as a consumer. This is not the time to make an emotional decision. Each family that we are honored to help literally becomes part of our family. We won’t have all the answers. We may not even have a fraction of the answers that you are seeking. What we will do is honor your loved one, listen to you, respect your wishes and start you on a path of healing. I’m very proud of our team. We believe in what we are doing to care for you. But more than that, we believe in WHY. When you need our services, I trust you will also know why. Don't settle for less, expect more.
Jared Jenkins
Licensee in Charge
Jared Jenkins, owner, and licensee in charge has been here for nearly two decades. He joined the family working part-time cleaning cars and running the vacuum. He worked under the tutelage of Mr. Carl Williams, and Michael Dalton, a well known and respected funeral director in Monongalia County. In 2014, he and his wife Janna purchased the funeral home and continue a tradition of excellence. “A growing number of families are looking for something more than just a funeral. The years of having the same funeral that your grandparents had is gone, says Jared. Jared also notes, what we do is different than what you may have experienced before. How we do it will also be different. These differences are based on the Why of what we do. We believe in what we are doing here and are very passionate about it. From the very simple services to the most extravagant, the service should be about the life of your loved one…not death. Transparency is a key component of our philosophy. We always want you to know you have options. It is important to ask questions if and know your rights as a consumer. This is not the time to make an emotional decision. Each family that we are honored to help literally becomes part of our family. We won’t have all the answers. We may not even have a fraction of the answers that you are seeking. What we will do is honor your loved one, listen to you, respect your wishes and start you on a path of healing. I’m very proud of our team. We believe in what we are doing to care for you. But more than that, we believe in WHY. When you need our services, I trust you will also know why. Don't settle for less, expect more.
Janna Kerns-Jenkins
Creative Director/Co-Owner
Janna Kerns-Jenkins, our Creative Director and co-owner has your comfort in mind each and every day. She strives to create a home-like atmosphere, right down to the pillows on the sofa! She takes great time and consideration when preparing our facility before you arrive. She will often be seen outside tending to the planters and seasonal décor. If you visit during the Christmas season, you will see her handiwork in every corner. She understands the value of tradition and putting ‘home’ back in what we do. She and her team create a reception each year after our Service of Remembrance and can create the same area of hospitality for your family during a gathering.
Janna is also the inspiration behind our daily announcements in the local newspaper. We call it the Complimentary Publish Space or (CPS). This is a value-added service offered to families we serve, who would like to save a little money, while still notifying friends and family in the local area of services. Oh, and she is a busy mother too!
Janna Kerns-Jenkins
Creative Director/Co-Owner
Janna Kerns-Jenkins, our Creative Director and co-owner has your comfort in mind each and every day. She strives to create a home-like atmosphere, right down to the pillows on the sofa! She takes great time and consideration when preparing our facility before you arrive. She will often be seen outside tending to the planters and seasonal décor. If you visit during the Christmas season, you will see her handiwork in every corner. She understands the value of tradition and putting ‘home’ back in what we do. She and her team create a reception each year after our Service of Remembrance and can create the same area of hospitality for your family during a gathering.
Janna is also the inspiration behind our daily announcements in the local newspaper. We call it the Complimentary Publish Space or (CPS). This is a value-added service offered to families we serve, who would like to save a little money, while still notifying friends and family in the local area of services. Oh, and she is a busy mother too!
Justin Dalton
Senior Funeral Director
Justin Dalton’s co-workers would describe him as, selfless, understanding and genuinely caring. He was attending WVU and majoring in engineering when he felt a calling to serve others. His interest in serving others quickly turned to full-time employment and has now been providing meaningful celebrations for more than a decade. He has the experience and temperament to help you create a meaningful tribute and create an atmosphere of compassion and respect.
Justin Dalton
Senior Funeral Director
Justin Dalton’s co-workers would describe him as, selfless, understanding and genuinely caring. He was attending WVU and majoring in engineering when he felt a calling to serve others. His interest in serving others quickly turned to full-time employment and has now been providing meaningful celebrations for more than a decade. He has the experience and temperament to help you create a meaningful tribute and create an atmosphere of compassion and respect.
Tabitha Whetzel
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Tabitha obtained a BS degree in Psychology from Fairmont State University in 2016 and spent years caring for individuals suffering from mental illness at WVU Medicine before deciding to follow her true calling in the funeral service profession. Tabitha is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and started her journey with Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home as a Student Intern shortly after. She completed all her requirements to attain her funeral director's service license in 2022. With her education, experience, and easy-going personality she will provide you with exceptional care during a most difficult time.
tabitha@fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
Tabitha Whetzel
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Tabitha obtained a BS degree in Psychology from Fairmont State University in 2016 and spent years caring for individuals suffering from mental illness at WVU Medicine before deciding to follow her true calling in the funeral service profession. Tabitha is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and started her journey with Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home as a Student Intern shortly after. She completed all her requirements to attain her funeral director's service license in 2022. With her education, experience, and easy-going personality she will provide you with exceptional care during a most difficult time.
tabitha@fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
Matthew Dabson
Apprentice Funeral Director
New to the team since September 2023, Matt can be described as empathetic, creative, and compassionate. After high school, Matt took a break to pursue his passion for music, playing bass guitar, drums, and singing in multiple bands. During this time, he also worked with individuals with disabilities, which deepened his love for helping others and his community.
In 2023, Matt graduated from West Virginia University with a Regents Bachelor of Arts, with minors in Music, History, and Human Services, achieving a lifelong goal. Seeking other ways to contribute, Matt felt a calling to serve, inspired by his personal experiences with funeral directors over the years. He is currently attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and expects to graduate in 2025.
In his free time, Matt enjoys playing video games with friends, learning Spanish, and building terrariums.
matt@fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
Matthew Dabson
Apprentice Funeral Director
New to the team since September 2023, Matt can be described as empathetic, creative, and compassionate. After high school, Matt took a break to pursue his passion for music, playing bass guitar, drums, and singing in multiple bands. During this time, he also worked with individuals with disabilities, which deepened his love for helping others and his community.
In 2023, Matt graduated from West Virginia University with a Regents Bachelor of Arts, with minors in Music, History, and Human Services, achieving a lifelong goal. Seeking other ways to contribute, Matt felt a calling to serve, inspired by his personal experiences with funeral directors over the years. He is currently attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and expects to graduate in 2025.
In his free time, Matt enjoys playing video games with friends, learning Spanish, and building terrariums.
matt@fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
John Dugan
Funeral Assistant
John Dugan has been on staff since 1998. He works full-time for the WVDHHR and travels frequently, but still finds time to lend us a helping hand. He is married to Robin Dugan and they have two beautiful daughters, Elena and Hannah. Look for John on weekends and evenings. If we need to know any WVU sports trivia, John is our man.
John Dugan
Funeral Assistant
John Dugan has been on staff since 1998. He works full-time for the WVDHHR and travels frequently, but still finds time to lend us a helping hand. He is married to Robin Dugan and they have two beautiful daughters, Elena and Hannah. Look for John on weekends and evenings. If we need to know any WVU sports trivia, John is our man.
Carolyn 'Perkie' Preston
Funeral Assistant
Perkie has been a part of our family for years. She works in the healthcare industry during normal hours and gives of her time after hours and weekends. Her compassion for others and willingness to listen makes her so special to our family. She will often greet you at the door and escort you to your car. She has a talent for singing and has even been known to bring a message of comfort when called upon. When she asks, 'How can I help?' she means it!
Carolyn 'Perkie' Preston
Funeral Assistant
Perkie has been a part of our family for years. She works in the healthcare industry during normal hours and gives of her time after hours and weekends. Her compassion for others and willingness to listen makes her so special to our family. She will often greet you at the door and escort you to your car. She has a talent for singing and has even been known to bring a message of comfort when called upon. When she asks, 'How can I help?' she means it!
Wayne Akers
Funeral Assistant
Wayne Akers is a retired school teacher who taught in the Preston County School system for more than 30 years. When he isn't helping out at the funeral home, you can most likely find Wayne volunteering at the Preston County Buckwheat Festival, FFA functions, or perfecting his game on the golf course. If it needs cleaned, shoveled, plowed, parked or moved...Wayne is our man.
Wayne Akers
Funeral Assistant
Wayne Akers is a retired school teacher who taught in the Preston County School system for more than 30 years. When he isn't helping out at the funeral home, you can most likely find Wayne volunteering at the Preston County Buckwheat Festival, FFA functions, or perfecting his game on the golf course. If it needs cleaned, shoveled, plowed, parked or moved...Wayne is our man.
