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.
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 the late Peggy Updike Zimmerman and 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 Midlothian, VA 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.
George Patrick Lavender, Funeral Service Licensee
Email: updikefuneralhome@gmail.com
Office Phone: 540-586-3304
Fax: 540-586-2084
George Patrick "Pat" Lavender has been with Updike Funeral Home since November 1977. He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for thirty-eight years having previously worked in the Lynchburg area.
Pat is from the Tidewater area and is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.
He lives in Forest with his wife, Mary and enjoys spending time with his three grown children and grandsons, Benton and Branton who play lacrosse, baseball and wrestle.
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.
Timothy W. Murphy, Officer/Funeral Service Licensee
Email: updikefuneralhome@gmail.com
Office Phone: 540-586-3304
Fax: 540-586-2084
Tim Murphy began a career at Updike Funeral Home in 1979 as an apprentice, having graduated from Gupton Jones School of Mortuary Science. Tim’s career has developed over the years because of his sincere desire to help people at a difficult time.
Tim attended Huddleston Elementary School and graduated from Liberty High School. He and and his sister, Waylene, grew up in Bedford County with their parents, Rev. Wayne Murphy and his wife, Arlene.
Tim serves as Vice President and Treasurer of the business.
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.
