Born and raised in the heart of Summerville, Kimberly Knight has worked in the funeral home industry for 17 years and now serves as the managing funeral director at the Northwoods Chapel.
Experiences that Shaped The Career
But prior to the journey that led to her rewarding career as a funeral director, Knight became well-acquainted with grief and loss when, at the age of 18, she faced the tragic loss of her mother. Ten years later, she also experienced the heartbreak of losing her father, too. These pivotal moments in her life instilled in her the significance of having a compassionate funeral director. Though devastating, these personal experiences profoundly shaped her understanding of life, death and how much compassion and understanding can impact a person who is grieving.
“I knew the importance of having a funeral director with empathy and decided I wanted to minister to families in this way,” said Knight. “It is a passion of mine to serve families and minister to them at one of the most difficult times of their lives.”
Professional Path
Knight worked hard to obtain the necessary certifications so she could serve families effectively. She completed a two-year apprenticeship, during which she obtained her Funeral Director License from the SCFDA by passing the State Board and the South Carolina Laws Exam. Additionally, Knight earned her Preneed license by attending specialized classes and passing a National Board Exam. This extensive preparation and training equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide families through one of life’s most challenging times and serve the community that has been her home since childhood. She also considers the work she put into earning her certifications, especially her Preneed license, some of the greatest achievements in her career.
Career with Stuhr’s Funeral Home
Knight’s journey with the J. Henry Stuhr family began in March 2022.
“Knowing Stuhr’s reputation, I was excited and eager to continue my career in the funeral industry with them. It amazes me that the company was founded in 1865 and is still family-owned and operated.”
Since becoming the managing funeral director at the Northwoods Chapel location, Knight has been proud to serve the tri-county area and help people manage their grief with love and compassion. She has also been able to help clients navigate Stuhr’s comprehensive aftercare program, which assists with insurance, retirement, VA benefits, Social Security and Grief Support, ensuring that families have all the resources they need and their questions answered.
Life outside the industry
When Knight isn’t serving the people of Charleston, she is deeply committed to being involved in her community and church. She serves alongside her husband, Sam, who is a youth pastor at Miles Road Baptist Church. Family is at the core of her being, and she cherishes the time she spends with her husband and children, Taylor, Colton, and his wife, Summer; Garret and his wife, Selena; and her two beautiful granddaughters, Talley and Layla.
In the spirit of the family-owned connection within Stuhr Funeral Home, Knight’s daughter, Taylor, is following in her mother’s footsteps and now works with the Stuhr team as well.
Just like the rest of her team, Knight is committed to providing grieving families with unmatched compassion, care, and support throughout every step of the grieving process. Her journey in the funeral home industry is not just a career; it’s a deeper calling and an honor to walk alongside people during their most challenging times and be a beacon of light in the darkness.
Stuhr Funeral Home, a trusted name in funeral service for more than 150 years, understands that everyone grieves differently. They have the resources and experts to help you prepare for every aspect of the service. Together, they’re dedicated to providing the best and most professional care for their clients during their time of grieving and healing. For more information, stop by one of our locations in the area or contact us online.
Funeral Director Spotlight: Kimberly Knight
Born and raised in the heart of Summerville, Kimberly Knight has worked in the funeral home industry for 17 years and now serves as the managing funeral director at the Northwoods Chapel.
Experiences that Shaped The Career
“I knew the importance of having a funeral director with empathy and decided I wanted to minister to families in this way,” said Knight. “It is a passion of mine to serve families and minister to them at one of the most difficult times of their lives.”
Professional Path
Knight worked hard to obtain the necessary certifications so she could serve families effectively. She completed a two-year apprenticeship, during which she obtained her Funeral Director License from the SCFDA by passing the State Board and the South Carolina Laws Exam. Additionally, Knight earned her Preneed license by attending specialized classes and passing a National Board Exam. This extensive preparation and training equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide families through one of life’s most challenging times and serve the community that has been her home since childhood. She also considers the work she put into earning her certifications, especially her Preneed license, some of the greatest achievements in her career.
Career with Stuhr’s Funeral Home
Knight’s journey with the J. Henry Stuhr family began in March 2022.
“Knowing Stuhr’s reputation, I was excited and eager to continue my career in the funeral industry with them. It amazes me that the company was founded in 1865 and is still family-owned and operated.”
Since becoming the managing funeral director at the Northwoods Chapel location, Knight has been proud to serve the tri-county area and help people manage their grief with love and compassion. She has also been able to help clients navigate Stuhr’s comprehensive aftercare program, which assists with insurance, retirement, VA benefits, Social Security and Grief Support, ensuring that families have all the resources they need and their questions answered.
Life outside the industry
When Knight isn’t serving the people of Charleston, she is deeply committed to being involved in her community and church. She serves alongside her husband, Sam, who is a youth pastor at Miles Road Baptist Church. Family is at the core of her being, and she cherishes the time she spends with her husband and children, Taylor, Colton, and his wife, Summer; Garret and his wife, Selena; and her two beautiful granddaughters, Talley and Layla.
In the spirit of the family-owned connection within Stuhr Funeral Home, Knight’s daughter, Taylor, is following in her mother’s footsteps and now works with the Stuhr team as well.
Just like the rest of her team, Knight is committed to providing grieving families with unmatched compassion, care, and support throughout every step of the grieving process. Her journey in the funeral home industry is not just a career; it’s a deeper calling and an honor to walk alongside people during their most challenging times and be a beacon of light in the darkness.
Stuhr Funeral Home, a trusted name in funeral service for more than 150 years, understands that everyone grieves differently. They have the resources and experts to help you prepare for every aspect of the service. Together, they’re dedicated to providing the best and most professional care for their clients during their time of grieving and healing. For more information, stop by one of our locations in the area or contact us online.
For Todd Griffin, Serving Families in Their Time of Need has Been a Career Long Pursuit
When he was a senior in high school, Todd Griffin’s grandfather passed away. It was the first funeral Griffin had ever experienced. Intrigued by how the arrangements were handled, he returned to the funeral home a few weeks later, expressing interest in the work, and was hired part-time. That began what is now an almost 35-year career as a funeral service professional. Today, he serves as the managing director of the J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.
When asked what the most important part of his job is, Griffin said, “The connections I make with people at one of the worst seasons of their lives and the fact that each day brings a new challenge, allowing me to learn something new every day.”
Griffin and his wife, Shelley, relocated to Charleston from Sumter, South Carolina, in 2015.
“After our children were on their own, we moved to Charleston so Shelley could work at MUSC’s NICU – her lifelong dream – and I could work at J. Henry Stuhr,” explained Griffin.
He joined J. Henry Stuhr’s in 2020. “J. Henry Stuhr is widely regarded in the funeral industry, and having the opportunity to join the Stuhr family is the ultimate goal for a funeral service professional,” said Griffin, who is now a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner.
Early in his education, after serving a 24-month apprenticeship, he graduated with a degree in Funeral Service from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Stonecrest, Georgia. Griffin is dually licensed as a Funeral Director/Embalmer in South Carolina and Georgia.
Griffin was recognized by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and received the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP). His accolades and accomplishments are extensive, including designation as a Certified Crematory Operator by the Cremation Association of North America and the National Funeral Directors Association.
He is a two-time graduate of The Foresight Companies Funeral Bootcamp, which is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and a graduate and life member of the Sandler Sales Training and Professional Development Organization.
Griffin also participated in Our Community Listens, an organization whose vision is to “imagine a society where leaders have the skills and courage to care,” and he carries that concept forward in his daily role.
“I have a passion for teaching and coaching other young professionals who are stepping into the funeral service field,” said Griffin, who is also a member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association.
Griffin’s own passions and hobbies include fitness and nutrition, spending time with his wife Shelley, and their children, Jessica, Anna, and Hayden. He’s also credited with bringing his precious Sydney Cooper on board as Stuhr’s West Ashley “Therapy Dog.” She provides smiles and comfort to client families and visitors.
Whether you need the services of a funeral professional now or you’re just preparing for the future, Griffin has some advice about working with Stuhr’s: “Stuhr is a name and family that can be trusted,” he said. “We believe every life matters, has meaning, and deserves to be honored, celebrated, and remembered, in a way that is just as unique as the life someone lived.”