Staff
Our dedicated staff members are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
In Memory of Nick Bliley
Carey Bliley has been helping out in his family’s business since he was a child, though he didn’t formally join the staff until 1999. Growing up at Bliley’s helped shape his personal belief that this work is not just his profession, but his vocation. He has served as President of Bliley’s since 2006 and CEO since 2013. Carey graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a B.S. in Business Management in 1999 and from the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service with a Degree in Funeral Service Education in 2001 (where he was the Valedictorian of his class). Professionally, Carey serves as a Trustee for the Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust and on the Board of Directors for Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Mount Calvary Cemetery, and Richmond Little League. He served previously on the Boards for Full Circle Grief Center (2009-2015), the Executive Committee of the Richmond Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (2012-2015) and Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia (2013-2017). In 2014, Carey was named by the National Funeral Directors Association as a Mentor for their “Meet the Mentors” program in Atlanta, GA. He has been married for 16 years to Jennifer A. Bliley and they have 3 kids, Josh (13), Jamie (10) and Sara Grey (7). Carey’s passions and interests are golf, coaching Little League baseball, playing the piano/organ, and working to change how Funeral Directors and families approach Funeral/Death Rituals.
"I try to develop a personal relationship with each family, establishing a lasting trust. I believe that being able to serve families this way is part of being a Bliley – to want to be there for others."
Norbert Bliley has been a part of Bliley's for more than 40 years. He started working part-time after finishing high school, went on to attend Southwood College, and completed his mortician degree from John Tyler Community College. He supports the family commitment to service, whether it's to individual families or the community as a whole. He's passed this commitment on to son, Carey, the company's president. When Norbert isn't spending free time with his family, he pursues his second passion - golf.
"Part of working with a family is letting them know that you truly care about them and what they are going through, and treating them like family. It's about sharing what defines us - compassion and respect."
Daniel was born and raised in Chesterfield County. After his service to our country in the U.S. Army, Daniel worked as a manager for a large insurance company for over 10 years. He earned his B.S. in Business Management in 2009 and after the passing of his father in 2010, he went back to school to earn his degree in Mortuary Science, graduating Cum Laude in 2014 from John Tyler. Daniel and his wife Lindsie are the proud parents of 4 boys. They enjoy baseball, biking, fishing at the bay and camping with their family.
"Working for a family owned company affords me the opportunity to provide each family with the empathy, care, support and respect that each of us deserves as human beings. It is an honor to walk with families throughout this journey and build lifelong relationships with them as well."
Alison Johnson has recently joined the Bliley team bringing a wealth of experience from her many years serving as a senior financial manager in manufacturing and real estate development. Alison is responsible for all financial activities of the company, as well as assisting with Human Resources. Alison is a licensed CPA in the state of Virginia, with an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Indiana University. Alison, and her husband enjoy spending time together with their daughter, which they do whenever possible near the water, whether it’s the lake or the beach.
"I look forward to serving our families in the Bliley tradition of providing the best possible service and care. Our team works hard to provide quality service to everyone we serve, both internally and externally."
Sarah joined Bliley’s in January of 2014, after receiving her Associates Degree in Funeral Services from John Tyler Community College in December 2013. After completing her Apprenticeship, she became a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in September 2015. Born and raised in Richmond and a lifetime member of Derbyshire Baptist Church. Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and family, completing jigsaw puzzles, reading, traveling and watching football, basketball and baseball.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the families of Richmond during their most difficult times. I want to help them celebrate the life of their loved ones through this journey, build lasting relationships with them, support and care, as well along the journey.”
Colin joined the Bliley team in 1991. When Colin was growing up in Orange Va., the father of a good friend was the local funeral director, so Colin learned very early the value and reward of assisting families during difficult times. He is a member and past president of the Central Chesterfield Ruritan Club, Colin serves his community as well as his clients. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. Which a majority of the time involves the water, whether the pool, river, lake or beach.
"My goal is to serve every client with the knowledge that I have made a lifelong connection, not just to an individual, but to a family."
James Barnett joined the Bliley family in 1997 after earning his college degree in mortuary science. His primary focus is pre-need wherein he helps families plan and finance services that will best meet their future needs, will comfort the bereaved, and will demonstrate love, honor and respect for the deceased. James takes time to develop a personal relationship with each family he helps and works diligently to assist them in designing funeral services that meet their individual needs. James’ wife, Carey, also works for Bliley’s. James and Carey have two children: Jamie who is an ardent gamer, and Chandler who is an accomplished competitive swimmer. James is an avid fisherman. He loves spending time with his family camping, swimming, and relaxing at the river or at the beach.
“My desire it to assist individuals and families to create an advanced funeral plan in a stress-free environment that promotes open discussion, the opportunity to receive answers to all nature of questions, and includes strategies to reduce or eliminate the financial burden that might otherwise impact their families at the time of need. This advanced planning reduces a significant burden for bereaved families and allows them to focus on the memories of their loved one’s life rather than the details of death.”
Eric is part of the fourth generation of the Bliley family leadership. His father was the late Joseph W. Bliley, III, former President of Bliley’s. Eric graduated from Trinity Episcopal High School in 2002 and received his BA degree in Business Management from Lynchburg College in 2006. From there he attended Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service for his Associate's Degree in Funeral Service. He became a licensed Funeral Director in February in of 2009. Eric is married and has two sons. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf at every level. Eric brings passion and vision for the future, to continue the Bliley family tradition and reputation to the Richmond community.
"I encourage all families to bring their unique traditions to Bliley's. I strive for families to have full confidence and satisfaction with their choices while in my care. It is my goal to help families take that first step into the unknown when losing someone they love, and guide them through this journey."
Megan joined Bliley’s team in early 2019. After graduating high school in the Fredericksburg area, she became a licensed cosmetologist and worked as a hairstylist for 12 years. She found herself drawn to Richmond for its eclectic style and unique atmosphere and has called the city home for many years.
After suffering her own significant losses Megan was inspired to become a funeral director to provide the comfort, understanding, and empathy that was shown to her while going through a difficult time. In August of 2021 she received her Associates in Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
In her free time you will find Megan spending time with those she loves, watching movies, attending concerts (particularly local bands), or strolling through the Fan, Maymont, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Hollywood Cemetery, Belle Isle or any of the area’s scenic parks.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have the privilege and honor to serve the families in this community. I know that the journey your family is going through is not an easy one, but I will do everything in my power to make it as smooth as I can for you.”
After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.F.A. in 2003, a long history in customer service led Max to pursue a career as a funeral service professional. He joined the Bliley team in 2017 as a member of the transfer team upon graduating with honors from John Tyler Community College. His dedication to families and his eye for detail led him through his apprenticeship and to his position as a funeral director at the beginning of 2019, where he continues to serve the Richmond community.
“I believe that being open to everyone’s unique stories and ideas about what makes a funeral special is at the heart of what we do here at Bliley’s. I’m honored to be in a position to help a family celebrate their loved one’s life in a way that is personal and dignified.”
Allen joined Bliley’s in 1994 and has and has spent time as Funeral Director at all three locations, most recently at the Staples Mill Chapel. Allen is a lifelong resident of Hanover County, graduate of Lee Davis High School and John Tyler Community college. In his spare time he enjoys gardening, taking care of his home and traveling to historic places around Virginia.
“In the years I’ve been with Bliley’s I’ve grown so much personally and professionally. I’ve learned life is so precious and fragile. It is my goal to make each family I meet with comfortable and at ease with our Bliley family. I get great satisfaction in knowing I’ve helped in some way to create a unique celebration of life and to help the family start healing”
Amber Schook has been with the Bliley’s team since 2017. She earned her licensure at the end of 2019. Immediately after graduating high school, she went directly into her studies to pursue a life long dream of being a funeral director. Growing up in the Chester area, Amber now calls Richmond her home. In Amber’s free time, she loves to travel and listen to a wide array of music and see live concerts. She also is an artist, most notably in painting both with oils and acrylics, knitting and wood burning.
"It's an honor to be in a position to serve and comfort others. I have truly found my calling in helping families through their most difficult times."
Chelsea found her calling for funeral service in 2018 after completing 2 years at the University of Mary Washington, with an interest in counseling and psychology. After pursuing and completing her apprenticeship in her hometown of King George, Virginia, and graduating with an Associates in Mortuary Science in 2020 from John Tyler Community College, Chelsea joined the Bliley’s team in 2022 as a Licensed Funeral Director. In Chelsea’s free time she enjoys crafting, walking through Hollywood Cemetery on nice days, spending time with her cats, and going rock climbing.
“My goal is to walk with families, hand in hand, through the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved one, and to provide them with all of the information and resources they need to honor their unique life story.”
Andy joined Bliley's in 2019, becoming the first part-time apprentice in Bliley's 144 years of existence. After receiving his Associate's Degree of Applied Science in Funeral Services from John Tyler Community College in December, 2021, he completed his apprenticeship and became licensed as a Funeral Director and Embalmer.
Andy served in the United States Navy. During his Navy career, he served as a Senior Enlisted Advisor for two U.S. Naval Commanding Officers, Command Equal Opportunity Officer for Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Ten, Williamsburg, VA, and staff member for a Rear Admiral that led the Cargo Handling Operations worldwide for the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group. His most notable deployments include Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Andy retired from the United States Navy in 2011, after 25 years of honorable service.
Andy has also provided service to our local community as a Police Officer with the Richmond Police Department for 32 years. He served as a Patrol Officer, Bike Patrol Officer, Richmond Police Athletic League (PAL) Activity Counselor/Officer, School Resource Officer, and a Uniformed Patrol Front Line Supervisor.
Andy is a native of Richmond, VA. He and his wife have two sons. He loves visiting historic places with his wife. They both also enjoy assisting the elderly.
Andy considers it a blessing to be a member of the Bliley's Team with its resources and commitment to ensure the expectations of families are not just met, but exceeded. He feels that fostering compassion and trust generates exceptional service for each family.
"My primary objective is to empower families with information and resources to plan a service that is memorable and meaningful. Providing exceptional service to a family requires Truth + Trust + Timing + Tact = Transformation."
Sara found her calling for funeral services when she was working with hospice patients in the nursing field. Ultimately, she felt compelled to change her major in Nursing to Funeral Services and graduated from John Tyler Community College in 2015. She was born and raised in Louisville, Ky., but her extended family is native to the Richmond area. She and her two daughters live in Midlothian and are members of Central Baptist Church. In her free time, Sara serves on the parent volunteer committee at her daughters’ preschool and enjoys crafting of every kind.
“My occupation allows me the opportunity to express and apply my deep level of compassion for others, supporting them in their time of need. I enjoy helping each family tell their story using their treasured traditions, as well as adding unique and personalized details. Being part of the Bliley’s team allows me to provide truly individualized service to the families we serve.”
Tom, a Richmond native, has been with Bliley’s since 1985. Tom’s easy going demeanor forges a strong connection to the needs of the families we serve. His years of experience have allowed him to facilitate many personalized ceremonies and meet individual needs. Tom lives in Chester with his wife, Lori, they have a daughter and have recently welcomed a grandson. When Tom is not working, you can find him bowling or on a beach.
“I enjoy supporting families in their greatest time of need and delivering them the excellent level of service that Bliley’s is known for.”
After studying at Virginia Tech Double majoring in Dietetics and Food Chemistry, she was drawn away to pursue a career as a Funeral Service professional after giving birth to her son in 2017. She joined the Bliley’s team in 2019 while in school where she worked in multiple roles within the company. In May of 2021 she received her Associates in Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College. She also received her CANA certification in 2020 from the Cremation Association of North America.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my son. We are big animal lovers and enjoy traveling all around exploring many different zoos and aquariums across the country.
“I feel truly honored to be able to help families during this difficult time in their lives. Being able to honor those who are lost with the utmost dignity and respect is of the highest importance to me as a funeral service professional.”
Michael Williams was born in Richmond. He has attended the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University and is a graduate of the Funeral Service Program at John Tyler Community College. He joined Bliley's in 1970. Michael served his Internship and received his Funeral Service Licence while in the employ of Bliley's.
"During my 51 years , Full and Part-time with Bliley's I have had the opportunity to serve the many families in Richmond and the surrounding area at their time of need. I look forward to each day knowing that I can make a difference in their lives."
After several years of serving Richmond families in their time of need, Kourtney joined the Bliley family in 2020 to assist individuals with their advanced funeral planning. Her experience as a funeral director and funeral home manager provides inspiring insight as to what loved ones may experience during a time of loss and the significance of leaving a detailed plan for their family to follow. Kourtney takes pride in creating meaningful farewells with clients, knowing that the arrangements they’ve made together will provide their family a few moments peace in the most difficult time life has to offer.
When not at the funeral home you can find Kourtney working feverishly in her planner, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, trying a new recipe, hosting family get togethers and making memories that make her life story a page turner with her husband, Ryan and three daughters, Quinn, Rory and Sloane.
“I am thankful every day that I chose to spend my days as a funeral professional... I have a unique opportunity to be kind to other human beings and with that, there truly isn’t anything else I would want to do with my time.”
Jennifer was born and raised in Richmond. Upon completing high school she entered the Mortuary Science program at John Tyler Community College, graduating with her Associate's degree.
Her career began at another local firm before joining Bliley's in 2006. In addition to being a licensed funeral director, for about twenty years Jennifer was an assistant to a pathologist helping with post mortem examinations. She finds great satisfaction in sharing her knowledge with those entering Funeral Service as well as with those who are not but have questions.
Jennifer has had the honor of serving her community for almost 28 years.
"Every day is an opportunity to learn something new."
Ashley joined the Bliley’s team in 2020 as an administrative assistant. At the end of 2022 they officially became licensed and stayed with the Bliley’s team as a full-time Care Center Funeral Director. Ashley has found a passion for serving the community by caring for the loved ones they have lost.
Ashley was born in Buffalo, NY but has lived most of their life in and around the Chesterfield, VA area. In their spare time Ashley likes to support small local businesses, watch various sci-fi or fantasy films, and works on learning a new language.
“Be kind to yourself, so you can be happy enough to be kind to the world.” –Misha Collins
After searching for a career change from pastoral care, I found Funeral Service to be an open door. The Bliley Family Funeral Home let me enter that door years ago, giving me the opportunity to exercise the gifts and talents for those who are faced with human crisis. My career dream is being fulfilled every day I enter the sacred place called Bliley’s.
Since 2016, Jennifer Moss has served as the Outreach and Education Director for Bliley’s Funeral Home in Richmond Virginia. Since the inception of the program for Bliley’s she has researched Selected Outreach Programs across the U.S., researched available resources, networking opportunities in RVA and tailored the program to the RVA needs to be successful. In a short time, Ms. Moss has provided presentations to over 50 groups and have utilized the space at the funeral home to host over 100 events to get the community into our building and make them a community partner in the death industry. Currently, Ms. Moss is a co-founder of the annual conference “The Art of Dying”, presenting the continuum of care from ACP through Palliative Care, Dying, Death and Grief.
Utilizing marketing, networking, community service and programs developed to provide comfort to bereaved, the program has been wildly received in the Richmond Bereavement Network, Senior Resource Network and to the families that we serve.
Prior to employment at Bliley’s Ms. Moss served as a Community Outreach liaison for the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Victim Compensation Program where she provided education on victim’s rights in the criminal justice field for over 15 years. Ms. Moss holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
What happens after the funeral? When everyone has gone home and now begins dealing with things as well as your own grief, who is there? We do not leave you alone in your journey after the graveside or memorial service. This is what attracted me to the Post Service Care Coordinator position at Bliley’s. Getting families their death certificates, a VA grave marker, VA Burial Benefits, grief support, a lawyer, estate sales expert, or any question that arises I am here to assist the family or find the help they need. Bliley’s continues to walk this journey with you.
"What appeals to me most about this work is the privilege of accompanying individuals through a crucial stage of their lives in whatever way I can. Grieving can be a difficult but life-giving process. I hope to facilitate that with them."
Lisa was in born in Richmond and raised in Ashland, VA. She is now raising her two sons in Richmond. She has worked at Bliley’s for 26 years. During her time at Bliley’s, she has worked with many dedicated, caring, and talented people.
“It’s my honor to serve the families that come through our doors, knowing in my heart I helped someone at a time when true care is needed.”
Renee joined Bliley’s Funeral Home in 2021 and feels privileged to be a part of this amazing team. She began her career in funeral service as an on-call hairstylist in 1991, and 31 years later, she still finds it an honor to help families when their hearts are so heavy from the loss of a loved one or a friend.
Renee is from the Chester, VA. She’s been married for 38 years and has three daughters, and four grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, going to the beach, spending time by the pool, and shopping with friends and family.
“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” - Robert Brault
After returning from Scotland where she completed her Masters in Forensic Art and Facial Identification, Maggie started a new chapter in her life by calling Richmond her new home. Maggie joined the Bliley’s team in 2021 shortly after. Her compassion and dedication with families does not go unnoticed. She provides a personal strength and has the loving capacity to be able to comfort families during their most difficult times.
Maggie grew up in the D.C. area and is an alumni of JMU (Go Duuuukes!).
When not at the funeral home, Maggie can be found at the gym, hiking a new trail, or exploring the ever-growing Richmond restaurant scene. She also keeps busy freelancing as a Forensic Artist in her spare time.
Holly is currently enrolled in the Funeral Services program at John Tyler Community College and is working on completing her Apprenticeship at Bliley’s. She was born and raised in Chesterfield County and is honored to be serving the families of her community. Holly and her two sons enjoy attending Flying Squirrels baseball games or spending the day at Busch Gardens.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams-Live the life you have imagined” -Thoreau
