Georgia Funeral Directors Association

01/09/2026

GFDA is aware of Georgia license renewal issues. Unfortunately GFDA staff does not have access to the Professional Licensing Portal GOALS or the CE Broker sites to assist licensees directly.

As we continue to field the complaints regarding renewal issues. Our best course of action is to gather information to forward to the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service for their review. We respectfully request details be sent in writing and communications should include Licensee Name, License Numbers, Phone, and Email. Submissions may be sent by visiting

Support children through the grieving process with guidance and resources from the Georgia Funeral Directors Association, helping young ones cope with loss.

01/08/2026

If You Haven't Renewed Your Dues, Now is the Time!

As a GFDA Member, you will become part of an active, well-known association that protects and promotes the interests of funeral service, its members, and the communities they serve. For over 125 years, we have promoted excellence in funeral service by providing great services and education to help you and your business.

GFDA Members have access to valuable resources and training to assist in serving their communities, tools for their business needs, discounted event pricing where they can earn the required Continuing Education for their license, and build a strong network with funeral service professionals. Our in-person and virtual events designed with education for your state licensure requirements. We offer over 12 hours of Continuing Education hours annually. GFDA Members receive early notifications, event mailers, and discounted attendee pricing. GFDA Members receive Alerts directly in the email inbox and access to our Member Page.

Visit https://www.gfda.org/membership for more member benefits and our 2026 membership forms.

NOTE: 2026 Southeastern Funeral Service Summit registration will open soon. A separate registration form and separate payment will be required. 2026 Membership dues must be current to receive discounted Summit pricing.

Join the Georgia Funeral Directors Association for access to resources, support, and networking opportunities to grow your funeral service business and stay informed.

01/07/2026

We regret to inform you Mary Hawkins Yopp Cronley, Sister of John Yopp, passed away December 29, 2025. A celebration of life will be held for Mary on January 31, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta, GA. For Ms. Cronley’s full obituary and online condolences visit

Celebrate the life of Mary Cronley, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Woodstock Funeral Home.

01/02/2026

ATTENTION GFDA Members: Check your email for news from the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service (Proposed Rule Changes, CE Requirements Reminder, and more)

12/31/2025

The GFDA Executive Committee and staff wish you a safe and Happy New Year! Thank you for your support and participation this year. We are looking forward to the coming year and seeing you.

12/24/2025

Wishing you all the best this season!
From the GFDA Executive Committee and Staff

Our office will be closed until Monday, December 29. Voicemail and email will be checked periodically during this period. Urgent matters will be answered as soon as possible. All non-urgent matters will be answered when we resume regular business hours. Funeral service related death notices may be sent to our office to ensure member notification in a timely manner.

12/20/2025

We regret to inform you Walter Ralph (Walt) Cook, Father of GFDA Executive Director Christie Carpenter, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, December 19, 2025. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 11 am until 1 pm at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta. A Memorial Service will be held immediately afterwards at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. For Mr. Cook’s full obituary and online condolences visit

View Walter Ralph Cook's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/18/2025

We regret to inform you Ethan Cobb Robinson, Son of Ellen Cobb-Robinson, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2025. A private family entombment will be held at the family farm, The Vineyard at Chapel Hill. For Mr. Robinson’s full obituary and online condolences visit

View Ethan Cobb Robinson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/05/2025

We regret to inform you Larry Edward Parlor passed away on December 4, 2025. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Hazlehurst City Cemetery. Mr. Parlor will lie in state for one hour prior to service. Visitation will be held Friday evening, 6:00-8:00 pm at Southside Baptist Church. For Mr. Parlor’s full obituary and online condolences visit

View Larry Edward Parlor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/05/2025

What a historic and proud day for Georgia funeral service! ️

GFDA is thrilled to celebrate the installation of two Georgia Funeral Directors to the NFDA Board!

Pictured at the ceremony:
• Ellen Wynn McBrayer – Installed as NFDA Secretary
• Carlton Maye, Jr. – Installed as At-Large Representative
• Installed by Georgia’s own Bryant Hightower, Past GFDA President and Past NFDA President

This is a remarkable moment for our state, and we could not be more proud to see Georgia so well-represented at the national level.

GFDA President David Mowell and several other Georgia funeral professionals were in attendance to show support (with many more cheering from home!). Thank you all for lifting up and celebrating our leaders.

Please join us in congratulating Ellen and Carlton as they continue to serve our profession with excellence, integrity, and heart.

11/27/2025

We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, with safety and time with your family and friends making joyous memories that last a lifetime!

11/17/2025

Visit https://www.gfda.org/membership for member benefits and 2026 forms.