Sammy represents the fifth generation of the Oakey family in the funeral profession and has been President of Oakey’s Funeral Service since 1998. An animal advocate for as long as he can remember, Sammy is passionate about his dog, Stella. Sammy serves on the Board for The League for Animal Protection and is very active in the community. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Roanoke, Business Men’s Club, Lakeland Lodge #190, AF&AM, Roanoke Scottish Rite Bodies, and the Kazim Shrine Temple. Sammy and his wife, Mitzi, have one son, Sam, IV.
Marjene has been with the company since 2010 and serves as Manager, working closely alongside her team each day to ensure families and their beloved pets receive compassionate, respectful, and dignified care. She is a Certified Cremation Specialist (Operator and Trainer) with multiple professional credentials, including Certified Pet Loss Professional (CPLP), Certified Pet Loss & Grief Companion, Pet Loss Grief Specialist (PLGS), and Certified and Registered Pet Funeral Director.
A Roanoke native and graduate of William Fleming High School (1995), Marjene is deeply committed to supporting families through some of life’s most difficult moments. She takes great pride in mentoring her team and fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, and care throughout the organization.
Outside of work, Marjene and Johnny enjoy a full and active family life with their children and loved ones. Family time often includes outings, amusement parks, campfires, and relaxed evenings at home. Their home is shared with a beloved group of animals — each completely spoiled rotten — including a German Shepherd, a Husky, an Xolo, and four cats.
Marjene has had a lifelong love of animals, and she feels honored to continue that passion by helping families create meaningful and compassionate final tributes for their pets.
Roman is a Pet Funeral Attendant and primary driver, playing an important role in supporting families during difficult times. He is responsible for the careful transportation of beloved pets, ensuring they are handled with compassion and respect throughout the process.
Born in Russia and adopted at the age of eight, Roman brings a unique life perspective and a deep sense of empathy to his work. His genuine love for animals is at the heart of everything he does, and he finds meaning in helping families honor the joy and companionship their pets brought into their lives.
Roman is also an active member of his church, where his sense of community and service continues beyond his professional role. Outside of work, he is currently enrolled in school studying auto mechanics, pursuing his interest in vehicles and hands-on problem-solving. At home, he enjoys spending time with his dog, Toby, a six-year-old mixed breed.
Cheryl Markham has been a valued member of the team for over four years, serving as a part-time receptionist. As the first point of contact for families, she takes great pride in creating a welcoming and compassionate experience, ensuring each person feels cared for and supported from the very beginning.
Cheryl finds true joy in her work and appreciates the opportunity to connect with families during meaningful moments. She enjoys staying busy and brings a warm, attentive presence to everything she does.
Outside of work, Cheryl is a proud mother to her daughter, who is currently a senior at Ferrum College. She also shares her home with three beloved pets: Muffin, her 16-year-old domestic long-haired tabby cat; Buffy, her 16-year-old long-haired dachshund; and Pee Wee, her energetic 2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier. Together, they keep her happily busy.
In her free time, Cheryl enjoys baking and cooking — especially for others who appreciate a good meal. She also likes relaxing at home with her favorite shows on streaming platforms. A self-described homebody, Cheryl most enjoys quiet time at home, with the exception of cheering on her daughter at college lacrosse games.
Zac Muncey has been a dedicated member of the team for over three years and is a certified cremation specialist. In his role, he takes great pride in providing compassionate and respectful care to every family, ensuring their beloved pets are treated with dignity throughout the process.
Known for his kind-hearted nature and strong work ethic, Zac is deeply committed to supporting families during difficult times. His attention to detail and genuine care for others make him a valued part of the team.
Outside of work, Zac enjoys fishing, gaming, and anything involving cars or engines. He shares his home with a variety of pets, including two dogs, Cookie and Ceci, two snakes named George and Jack, and even a jumping spider named Venom — despite not being much of a spider fan. When he’s not spending time with his animals or hobbies, you can likely find him enjoying his favorite treat: chocolate cookies.
Matthew has been a valued member of the team for the past year and is currently training to become a certified cremation specialist. In his role, he is dedicated to providing respectful and compassionate care throughout the cremation process, helping ensure each family’s beloved pet is treated with dignity.
Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Matthew is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School, class of 1998. Matthew and his wife, Jeanette, were married in February 2021, in an intimate ceremony at the tail end of the pandemic.
At home, Matthew and Jeanette share their lives with five beloved pets. Their dog, Bindi, is a boxer mix and a spirited “tri-paw,” while their four cats each bring their own unique personality — Hazel, the queen; Smokey, the devoted momma’s boy; Garfield, the self-proclaimed keeper of the brain cell; and Spicy, the mischievous feral void.
Matthew’s love for animals and his growing expertise in cremation services reflect his commitment to supporting families with care and understanding during meaningful moments.
Rachel is a full-time Pet Funeral Attendant, where she is dedicated to supporting families with compassion and care during times of pet loss. She is passionate about helping families navigate grief and takes great pride in creating meaningful connections while honoring the bond they share with their beloved pets.
Known for her kind and empathetic nature, Rachel strives to provide comfort and understanding to families during difficult moments. She feels honored to be able to support others and help create a sense of peace during a challenging time.
At home, Rachel shares her life with her fiancé Daniel and their four cats — Nismo, Theo, Creamy, and Doodles. They also care for four outdoor cats who have become a cherished part of their extended family. In her free time, Rachel enjoys gaming and values the quiet, meaningful moments spent at home with her loved ones.
