Our Team

Micah Fryman

Licensed Funeral Director

Matthew McGowan

Licensed Funeral Director

Matthew D. McGowan was born and raised in the small Southeastern Illinois town of Eldorado, IL.  Matt graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1995 where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service.  After graduating from SIU, Matt moved to Champaign, Illinois where he began his funeral directing career.  He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Illinois since October of 1996.  Matt joined  Markwell Funeral Home in Casey and Greenwell Funeral Home in Martinsville in 2020.  As part of the Remembrance Funeral Group family, Matt is also on staff at Adams Funeral Chapel.  In his free time Matt enjoys archery and deer hunting. In addition, Matt has been a stamp collector since he was six years old.  Matt also enjoys Jeep rides with his dog, Cobie.

Laura Walker

Office Manager

Laura Walker has embraced the role of Office Manager since September 2023.  This new position marks an exciting change, allowing her to extend compassion and kindness to families in Charleston and the surrounding communities during their times of greatest need. Outside of her professional endeavors, Laura cherishes her time with family and friends, especially visiting her grandchildren in Texas. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, camping, and enjoying motorcycle rides with her husband.

Terry Hartley

Funeral Attendant

Terry, a retired Charleston Fire Department battalion chief, has been with Adams Funeral Chapel since 2004. Whether he is assisting with service preparation or greeting visitors, he is pleased to have the opportunity to help others through the difficult times that accompany loss. When Terry is not working with the funeral home, he enjoys photography projects such as participation in Find A Grave.

Amy Jones

Funeral Attendant

Amy Jones came to Adams Funeral Chapel after retiring from Eastern Illinois University.  She worked 20 years in Text Book Rental and the University Union Book Store.  When she's not working at Adams she and her husband, Jeff, farm several acres north of Charleston and spend time with an adorable grandson.  Adams Funeral Chapel trivia:  Amy is the daughter of longtime (now retired), much-loved, Adams funeral attendant Darrell Rienbolt.

Jo Ellen Hickenbottom

Funeral Attendant

Having retired from 25 years of program coordination at Eastern Illinois University and joining the Adams Funeral Chapel team, Jo Ellen Hickenbottom has always been in the business of assisting the public. Some of her daily responsibilities as a funeral attendant include preparing the chapel for visitor arrival, greeting friends and family of the deceased, helping with the guest book, and participation in post-service housekeeping. Jo Ellen feels that her greatest strength as an Adams staff member is her natural ability to communicate with others, especially during times of need. When she is not busy with the funeral home, Jo Ellen enjoys fulfilling items on her bucket list – her most recent adventure being zip lining in the Smokey Mountains.

Zandra Anderson

Funeral Attendant

Zandra Anderson served Lincolnland Hospice as Hospice Chaplain for three years, and served Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center as a volunteer chaplain for six years.  Currently she leads two small, rural churches as their minister and also finds time to assist her husband, Andrew, as an entertainer of magic and illusion.  Her hope here at AFC is to help bring comfort and peace while serving as a staff attendant during visitation, funeral and memorial services.

Suz Tomshack

Funeral Attendant

Suz has been a funeral attendant at Adams Funeral Chapel for twelve years. Her outgoing and caring nature complement her commitment to housekeeping and making all visitors feel welcome. Suz retired from the Special Education field, having spent many years working with preschoolers, with the last of those years working with a special student with autism. She enjoys the education environment so much that she still serves as a substitute teacher in Kansas, Illinois.  She also enjoys splitting her time, when she can, between Illinois and Florida.

Tony Warner

Funeral Attendant

Tony Warner is a lifelong resident of Charleston.  He's an active member in his local church, husband to Jana, a father of three children, and proud grandfather of six.

Lacie Gutierrez

Office Assistant

Lacie joined the Adams Funeral Chapel staff in May 2023. She feels honored to have the opportunity to help families in Charleston and the surrounding areas during their time of need. As Office Assistant, Lacie is committed to providing quality care and compassion to ensure that each family has a service that will be remembered and treasured for years to come. When Lacie's not at work she is actively involved with church and she loves spending time with her family.