Our History
Mitchell Funeral Home was founded in March 1951 by the late E.D. Mitchell and his wife Eula Mae Mitchell. Following Mr. Mitchell's death in July 1972, the funeral home was purchased in September 1973 by business partners and longtime friends, Leland James & James N. Lipford Jr. This led to the name being changed to its present title, James & Lipford Funeral Home.
Although the partnership dissolved following Mr. Lipford's untimely death in October 1988, the funeral home is still family operated by Mr. Lipford's daughter, Dorothy Lipford Padgett, who is the Licensed Funeral Director and Manager of this prominent and venerable business that has served Graceville and its surrounding communities for well over half of a century. Mr. Chris Sikes ,L.F.D., along with his wife Tracie Sikes, are the owners.
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Dorthy Lipford Padgett Licensed Funeral Director
Dorothy Lipford Padgett, a graduate of Graceville High School in 1979, has worked at this funeral home for the majority of her life. She attended Chipola Junior College before obtaining her A.A.S. in Funeral Service Education from Jefferson State College in August 1987, also receiving her National Board Certificate in Funeral Service. Dorothy served her apprenticeship with her father, James N. Lipford Jr., before his passing in October 1988. Following the apprenticeship, in January 1989, she received her Funeral Directing and Embalming licenses in Florida. Since then, she has gained Funeral Directing and Embalming licenses in Alabama, and she has also became a licensed Life Insurance Agent and Pre-need agent in Florida, making her an exceptionally well-qualified licensed funeral director with decades of experience.
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Chris Sikes Owner & LFD
Chris was born in Jackson County but grew up in the Bethlehem community in Holmes County where he graduated from Bethlehem High School. Chris attended Chipola College and later attended Jefferson State College in Birmingham where he graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science. Chris was an insurance agent with Liberty National Life Insurance company for a number of years. He is active in the Marianna Community serving as a member of the Chipola Civic Club. He was the former member and past president of The Marianna Kiwanis Club. Chris attends Evangel Church in Marianna. Chris and his wife, Tracie have two sons who are both active in the funeral home. Prior to purchasing the funeral homes, he was the General Manager for a number of years. Chris is an accomplished pianist and enjoys playing at church when he is able. He also enjoys fishing, hunting, spending time with his family and woodworking.
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Chester Padgett Funeral Assistant
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Jerry Williams
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Jared Padgett
