Our History and Staff
Watkins-Cooper-Lyon Funeral Home's history spans over 170 years and is uniquely intertwined with Randolph Macon College and Clarksville Presbyterian Church. In 1833 a Master cabinetmaker and German immigrant, Frank I. Liipfert was hired to help build the campus of Randolph Macon College. After the Civil War Randolph Macon was relocated, but Mr. Liipfert remained in Mecklenburg County as a cabinet maker and coffin builder.
It was from that humble beginning that Watkins-Cooper-Lyon Funeral Home began. In 1953 Jack Watkins and Jim Cooper relocated the facility to the Clarksville Presbyterian Manse. Jim Cooper was an Elder of the church that year and was among the first to know of the pending sale. He and Mr. Watkins acted quickly to purchase the current location. Jim Cooper's share of the company was later sold to Jack Ligon, who served as General Manager for many years.
In 1986, Michael R. Lyon and his wife Jane moved from Durham, NC and became the owners of Watkins-Cooper Funeral Home and added their name to the business. With the help of Jack & Hilda Ligon, a new era began. Renovations, procurement of new equipment and the latest technology, combined with a "WE CARE" policy created a unique company. A business known in the 1800's for undertaking and furniture today is best identified as progressive, growing, and caring. Serving not only Virginia, but also North Carolina with distinction.
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Michael R. Lyon
Michael is a graduate of Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science and has worked for funeral homes in Elkin, High Point and Durham, North Carolina. Since 1986 he has been President and manager of Watkins-Cooper-Lyon Funeral Home. He was instrumental in expanding the town cemetery for Clarksville and operates the marketing for Oakhurst Cemetery. In 1999 he formed Cremation Society of Virginia, Southside, Inc. providing the first on premise cremation service within this region.
Involvements present and past include Halifax Regional Health System, Board of Directors, and Dominion Health, Board of Directors, a member of Antioch Baptist Church, a former member of Clarksville Baptist Church, where he served as Director of Sunday School, Church Deacon and Trustee. Other memberships include Lion's Club and Ruritan Club. He had also participated on the Mecklenburg Commission for Mecklenburg County, Church Treasurer, Durham Kiwanis Club (Distinguished Service award Recipient), and YMCA Director. As a child, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America where he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He had served as District Chairman for the Meherrin District of the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America. |
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Jane Tucker Lyon
Jane has a Master of Divinity from Duke University and a BA in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She serves as Vice President and on the Board of Directors for WCL, CSV and Oakhurst. She formerly worked for Burlington Industries in Human Resources and Customer Advocacy and then with Halifax Regional Health System as a community representative. As an ordained clergy, she has worked in parish ministries and Hospice aftercare. She currently pastors Antioch Baptist Church in Red Oak, Virginia. Jane heads the non profit group Whole Women and leads retreats for women nationwide.
When asked why someone should trust our firm "A funeral/ memorial service is an expression of love that requires hard work and experience, we have both to offer." Our firm isn't just family owned; it's also personal care and concern centered. Our focus is caring for each person within their values of spiritual and practical needs. Regardless of type of service need, resources or values brought from life to death, we are determined to provide thoughtful ceremony options. |
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Cordelia and Joe Tucker
The Tuckers are the parents of Jane Tucker Lyon and upon retirement opted to express their talents with the family firm. Cordelia was employed with Duke Medical Center as an Administrative Assistant in the Dept. of Medicine for 36 years. Joe was with Liggett Myers Tobacco Company as a Machinist and served as President of the Tobacco Workers Union and retired after 36 years. Both have compassionate personalities and care about people who are grieving. They now serve in intricate roles at Watkins-Cooper-Lyon Funeral Home. |
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Jackie Burnett
Jackie serves as Office Administrator. Prior to affiliating with Watkins-Cooper-Lyon, she was a 31 year employee of Burlington Industries working most of that time in the Information Systems area. The daughter of former co-owners of WCL, Jack and Hilda Ligon, Jackie is a member of Clarksville Baptist Church where she sings in the choir. She and husband, Michael, enjoy spending time working on their farm and spending leisure time with Zoie, their cat. |
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Carol J. Henderson
Carol received her BM and MM degrees in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. She is the daughter of Carl Becker, a family of violin makers and restorers in Chicago, IL, where she began her early studies in church music and accompanying. She and her husband, Richard, a recent retiree from Prudential Securities, relocated to the Clarksville area from New Jersey. In addition to her church music profession, Carol had also been professional accompanist for vocal recitalist, choral groups and string chamber ensembles within the New York tri-state area. As the Director of Music Ministries and Organist at First United Methodist Church in Henderson, NC, Carol coordinates a multi-level music program that includes three children's choirs, a handbell choir, an adult choir and instrumentalist. In addition, she teaches and performs during the month of July at Lutheran Summer Music; a four week music camp for advancing High school musicians.
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Frankie Talley
Frankie Talley is a lifelong resident of Clarksville. A former Burlington Industries employee, Frankie is a member of Clarksville Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon and sings in the choir. Since his retirement and joining the staff of Watkins-Cooper-Lyon, he has found a new calling in helping families in time of sorrow. He is a member of the Clarksville Ruritan Club but also has time to enjoy making his yard beautiful and helping to care for his three grandchildren, who live in Buffalo Junction. His wife, Nancy, is a retired teacher. |
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Larry Davis
Lawrence J. "Larry" Davis joined Watkins Cooper Lyon in 2008. He is retired with forty-two years in industrial and transportation management and a member of Black Walnut Baptist Church in Cluster Springs, VA, where he is a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, choir member and Brotherhood Director as well as Associational Brotherhood Director of the Dan River Baptist Association. He is also a member of the Ruritan and Rotarian Clubs. Larry is married to the former Brenda Nunn and they have two daughters and five grandchildren. They reside in South Boston, VA. Life has been good to Larry and now is his time to help others. |
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Aubrey Anderson retired from Burlington Industries after 40 years. He last worked as a System Analyst, but meeting people and being available during times of crises is the reason he gives for being at WCL. A dedicated member of the Gideon Ministry, heand his wife Anne are members of Buffalo Baptist Church. After supervising others at Burlington Industries for 33 years he affiliated with WCL. |
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Melvin Fuller loves working with families during difficult times. He also is a Deacon and church member at Liberty Baptist Church and is married to the former Janet Crowder. They have two children, Susan and Keith. |
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Sam Gillespie has now worked with WCL for over 30 years. He first retired from civil service having worked in air conditioning and refrigeration. He and Lois his wife are well read and they travel frequently to visit their five children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His heart is still at New Hope Baptist Church, where he made his profession of faith. |
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