Our Staff

Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.


Timothy W. Murphy, Officer/Funeral Service Licensee

Email: updikefuneralhome@gmail.com
Office Phone: 540-586-3304
Fax: 540-586-2084

Forty-six years ago this past February, Tim Murphy began a career at Updike Funeral Home as an apprentice funeral service director. Tim’s career has developed over the years because of his sincere desire to help people at a difficult time.

Tim and his sister, Waylene, grew up in Bedford County with their parents Rev. Wayne Murphy and his wife, Arlene.

After attending Huddleston Elementary School and Liberty High School, Tim went to CVCC to study drafting. Although Tim thought that his education at CVCC might lead to a career that he enjoyed, he became bored with his educational pursuit. It was during a trip to Atlanta that Tim decided to enroll in Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science where he graduated in February 1979 with a degree in funeral service.

Meanwhile in Bedford, Updike Funeral Home was building a new central office off Route 460 West. When the Bedford branch of Updike Funeral Home opened in April of 1979, Tim had just returned from Gupton Jones and was ready to begin work in Bedford as an apprentice. After becoming a licensed funeral service director, Tim remained at the central Bedford office where he is now the Vice President and Treasurer.

Tim has taken a step back and has entered into retirement.  He values his free time which he spends with his wife, Sheryl, and their daughter Page, who is a graduate of University of Alabama and now a resident of New Orleans, LA.  Tim enjoys many outdoor activities including golf and duck hunting.

Tim’s sincerity, contagious smile, warm friendliness, and caring attitude are appreciated not only by the staff of Updike Funeral Home but by everyone who knows him.

Katrina O. Nester, Officer/Office Manager

Email: updikefuneralhome@gmail.com
Office Phone: 540-586-3304
Fax: 540-586-2084

Katrina Nester has served as office manager at the Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service since 1977 when she graduated from Liberty High School.

Katrina was born and raised in Huddleston, and is the fourth generation Updike in the business. She is the daughter of Peggy Updike Zimmerman and the late Ralph Overstreet, who was President of the business.  Katrina now serves as President and Secretary of the business.

Katrina is a member of Huddleston Parkway Church where she is very active.  She is also actively involved as a member of the Bedford Professional Women and has held many leadership positions. 

She is married to Jerry Nester and they live in Bedford. They have one daughter, Jill, who is now living in Southern Pines, NC with her husband, James who is in the military.  She is proud to be known as “MeMe” to two beautiful grandsons, Kemper & Hudson.

Katrina’s knowledge and organizational skills, along with her cheerful smile contribute to her success as an office manager and her sincerity and compassion are Katrina’s gifts to everyone she meets.

Lisa M. Wooldrige, Manager - Bedford/Funeral Service Licensee

Email: updikefuneralhome@gmail.com
Office Phone: 540-586-3304
Fax: 540-586-2084

Lisa came to us in March of 2021 after having worked at Oakey's Funeral Service for the past 17 years and has been a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 2008.  She is our manager at the Bedford location. 

Lisa was born and raised in Bedford County. She is a 1998 graduate of Liberty High School and a 2006 graduate of John Tyler Community College in Chester, VA, where she studied Mortuary Science. Lisa also has an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg. 

Lisa is a people person and is a wonderful funeral director whose attention to details is impeccable.  

Lisa enjoys spending time outdoors, going on cruises and having fun with friends.