Good Shepherd Funeral Home

from June 2022

Being Made in God’s Image

by Jodi Varnado

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3).

Parnick Jennings Sr.’s Good Shepherd Funeral Home has served the Rome community for more than thirteen years, providing families with support during the most challenging seasons of life. Parnick Jennings Sr. and his wife, Margaret Eads Jennings, opened Good Shepherd Funeral Home in West Rome in 2008. Jennings was rooted in the funeral business, as his father, James William Jennings, opened Jennings Funeral Home in the 1930s. Together, the Jennings became a foundational name in the community known for their compassionate Christian care.

Parnick Jennings Sr. passed away on June 27, 2021 at the age of ninety-one. Jennings faithfully ministered to Rome and Floyd County families for nearly seventy years in the family-owned funeral home business. His legacy pervades the business still, perfectly described by its founding mission statement: Striving to serve you best in this sacred responsibility, with a staff trained to render a service equaled by few and surpassed by none, at the lowest cost in the community.

Today, Good Shepherd Funeral Home continues the Jennings way. Andy McGuire, a longtime friend and employee of the Jennings family, purchased Good Shepherd Funeral Home in January of 2022. Now, with the support of Margaret Jennings and other Jennings family members, McGuire is upholding the same principles that have guided the business for over a decade. Along with McGuire, Bobby Don Rogers, Manager, Cameron O’Neal, Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer, and the rest of the Good Shepherd Funeral Home employees take care of day-to-day operations.

Although Good Shepherd Funeral Home is under new leadership, McGuire assures the Rome community that the business will stay the same. “Our principles have stayed the same; we are here to serve families according to their budget,” said McGuire. “We are thankful for the families who trust us. This is more than just a job for us; it’s more of a ministry.”

The often overlooked and unseen realities of the funeral home business, from around the clock business hours to comforting families in the midst of grief, reveal the hearts of McGuire and the complete Good Shepherd Funeral Home staff. “We offer many service options for all individuals with varying budgets—it’s not all about the money for us. A lot of families cannot afford to spend 10,000 dollars on a funeral. We can work with families and their insurance companies to discuss and plan for more affordable options,” said McGuire.

Good Shepherd Funeral Home offers a variety of options for funeral and memorial services, including both burial and cremation services, to offer families a personalized experience. After Care grief counseling is also offered to individuals with on-staff ministers and chaplains goodnewscm.com // 23

after the services conclude. Good Shepherd Funeral Home offers Veterans Burial Benefits for families who are honoring the loss of their loved ones, including cremation services, a funeral or memorial ceremony, and an online interactive memorial website. Good Shepherd Funeral Home encourages the process of pre-planning arrangements, and will work with individuals to fill out paperwork and coordinate with third-party entities. As a member of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, McGuire and his staff sponsor local schools and churches in the community. In May of 2022, McGuire had the honor of performing the National Anthem at the Annual Peace Officers Memorial Service of Floyd County. “We love being involved in our community,” said McGuire. Whether you are looking to begin the pre-planning process or searching for people to guide you through a difficult time, the staff at Good Shepherd Funeral Home is here to help you! Good Shepherd Funeral Home and Memorial Chapel is located at 2750 Shorter Ave, Rome, GA. You can contact Andy McGuire and the Good Shepherd Funeral Home staff at (706)-234-9622 or visit their website for more information and resources: www.goodshepherdfh.net. You can also connect with Good Shepherd Funeral Home on their Facebook page: @parnickjenningssrgoodshepherdfuneralhome. ParnickJenningsSR,MemorialChapel ParnickJenningsSR,MemorialChapel GOOD SHEPHERD GOOD SHEPHERD