Ellen Wynn McBrayer, CFSP, CPC, CCO

Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory
306 Westview Dr
Villa Rica, GA 30180
ellen-nfda@jones-wynn.net
770-459-3694

Campaign Statement

Ellen Wynn McBrayer is the President and CFO of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory in Villa Rica and Douglasville, Georgia, as well as their cemetery, Meadowbrook Memory Gardens in Villa Rica. Here is her story:

Yes, Ellen Wynn McBrayer’s family story is unique. A three-generation funeral home that was started in 1950, Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory has been home to three generations of husband-and-wife teams, all of whom were licensed funeral directors and embalmers.

Ellen Wynn McBrayer graduated from high school in 1998 and later from Auburn University in 2002. While in college, her father died suddenly at age 49, marking a pivotal moment in her life that led Ellen to begin her journey in funeral service.

Ellen wrote her own program and requested to complete a co-op program/internship at their funeral home for her final college credit. At that time, the funeral service profession was at a crossroads. Ellen drew upon her pain, her belief in hard work, her funeral service experience, and her education to qualify herself for the challenge. Reflecting on her journey, Ellen shared, “Something that is truly meaningful is always invaluable. When it comes to grief, I want to present my final college proposal—a plan that not only our funeral home but others can use to help families create the greatest love story of one’s life in a way that brings years of value to those left behind.”

Ellen respectfully reflects on the process, though not the specific details involving Auburn University’s administration. They were respectful, listened, and were fair, tough, and stern, making decisions with great care. The process was involved, and each department leader kept referring Ellen to someone higher up. Looking back, Ellen admires how the administration worked as a team. However, as a small-town blonde girl from Villa Rica, she admits being terrified at the time. Nevertheless, Ellen stayed on her mission, pitching her funeral intern marketing plan for her funeral marketing class. Her vision was to complete this final course as an intern while transforming funeral service in her hometown.

Ellen encountered repeated rejections but eventually found herself in front of the top decision-maker. He was impressed with her concepts and vision and ultimately approved her proposal—with the condition that she could not discuss it on campus at that time. The result of Ellen’s journey was a shift toward personalizing and customizing funeral services. Families were given options to celebrate a life, moving away from cookie-cutter funerals. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home introduced video tributes (on VHS at the time) and pictures on memorial folders as keepsakes for attendees. For example, at a service for a musician, guests were given a guitar pick to remember their loved one.

After graduating from Auburn, Ellen continued her education at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service and rejoined her family business. She became the third-generation funeral director/embalmer, working alongside her husband at Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory and Meadowbrook Memory Gardens.

In 2010, Ellen stepped back from her role as a lead funeral director to focus on saving their second-born child. During this time, she worked remotely as the companies’ comptroller and CFO, gaining valuable leadership experience and becoming a well-rounded funeral service professional. By 2018, Ellen became President of the companies, leading her team through a period of rebuilding and returning to the basics of serving families.

Ellen McBrayer Video