OUR TEAM

John Wright

Manager of Magee

John Wright was born and raised in Jackson, MS. He graduated from Jackson Academy, attended Jones County Junior College, and The University of Southern Mississippi.

He joined Colonial Chapel in 2023. John is a part of the fourth generation of Wrights in the funeral business following his great grandfather (Ellis), his grandfather (John), his father (Ellis II), and his brother (Michael).

John's wife, Whitley, is a NICU pharmacist at The Children's Hospital in Jackson, MS. They currently reside in Madison, MS with their son and golden retriever. They are active members of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison.

David Davis

Manager of Mendenhall

David has been a director at Colonial since 2014. He is originally from Covington County. He is a
graduate of the University of Mississippi, with degrees in history, secondary education, and a minor in
political science. During time off, David enjoys travelling, is an avid Ole Miss sports fan, and loves to play
golf. He is an active member of Goodwater Baptist Church in Magee. David loves spending time with
family and attending any sporting event. He is married to the former Chanda Roberts, and they reside in
Magee.

Dean Dukes

Funeral Director

Dean has been with Colonial Chapel since 1992. He serves our families as manager and funeral director. Dean is married to Lynda Bishop Dukes. They have two children, Darren and Darlene. They also have five grandchildren, Daniel, Victoria, Mary Ann, Mark, and Brayden. They are members of White Oak Baptist Church, where Dean serves as deacon. Dean is also a Gideon.

Diana Mills

Office Staff

Diana has a master's degree in Business Administration. She is married to Jesse Mills and they have three daughters and four grandchildren. She attends the Magee Congregational Methodist Church where she currently serves as a Sunday School and Children's church teacher. Diana looks forward to serving you.

Earl Clark

Funeral Assistant

Bro. Earl is married to Jane Chalk Clark for thirty-five years. They have two children and three grandchildren, and just recently had the blessing of their first great-grandson.

He has been a pastor for over forty-five years and just started his forty-sixth year in September. He is presently the pastor of Shivers Baptist Church in Simpson County where he has served the Shivers Community for the past seven years. He works as a Funeral Director Assistance for over seven years. He is truly Blessed and enjoyed serving you and your families.

Jesse Mills

Funeral Assistant

Jesse serves as a funeral director assistant. Jesse has a bachelor's degree in Biblical Literature. He and his wife, Diana Ates Mills have three daughters and four grandchildren. He resides in Magee and is a member of Magee Congregational Methodist Church. Jesse looks forward to serving you with all of your funeral needs.

Larry Blakeney

Funeral Assistant

Larry is a lifelong citizen of Taylorsville, MS. He graduated from Jones College then he received his CLCP (Certified Loss Control Professional) from the University of Nebraska. After 20 years of service, he retired from the Mississippi National Guard. He retired after 37 years with Southern Pine Electric as a Director of Safety and Loss Control. He also served his community as a First Responder (EMT-B) for 25 years.

Larry is a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Taylorsville, where he serves as a deacon. He is married to Marilyn Hester Blakeney. They have 2 children, Chris Blakeney and Ashleigh Stringer and her husband Brandon.

Nadine Steele

Hostess

Nadine serves our families during visitation times. She is always willing to give comfort and assistance when called upon. Nadine has 5 children, Lynn, Bruce, Mike, Lane, Kathy. She has 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is a member of The First Baptist Church of Magee.

Helen Grissom

Hostess

Sally Leonard

Family Service Counselor

Joe Hanna

Funeral Assistant

Bro. Joe Hanna has faithfully served as a pastor for over twenty-five years, ministering to communities across Smith, Jones, and Simpson Counties. Bro. Joe is married to his wife, Misty, and together they are blessed with two daughters, Kennedy and Ralea. In his role at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, Joe views his work as a meaningful extension of his ministry—offering comfort, compassion, and support to families during some of life’s most difficult moments.