Call: 865-483-6346
David Sansom, Managing Director
David Sansom began his career at Oak Ridge Memorial Park as a Family Service Counselor in 2005. Having found his calling in service to others as a cemeterian, he went on to manage a group of cemeteries in SC, GA, TN, and AL before being asked if he would return to Oak Ridge Memorial Park as its Director of Family Services in 2009 as part of a long-range succession plan—a position which he held until being named Managing Director in 2022.
David’s passion is for the families we serve and making their experience as comforting and accessible as it can be at such a time of grief and need.
David is a graduate of Oak Ridge High School and was a student of the Recording Industry program at MTSU. He and his wife Crystal have four children. In his spare time, David enjoys keeping a saltwater fish tank and reading non-fiction. Contact David.
Crystal Sansom, Director of Educational Resources & Administrative Consultant
Crystal Sansom joined Oak Ridge Memorial Park in 2021 as the Financial Administrator after having a successful career in business management. After three years in administrative roles, Crystal transitioned to her current position as the Director of Educational Resources & Administrative Consultant.
Crystal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art, a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a Master’s of English, all conferred from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. She also holds a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in Fiction Writing from New England College in Henniker, NH.
In addition to her position at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, she is an English professor and Writing Lab Coordinator at South College.
In her spare time, Crystal is always holding a book and a pencil. Her favorite book is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. She is a reader and a writer and loves to bring her knowledge of communication and writing to her position at ORMP to serve our families. Crystal lives in Knoxville with her husband David, four children, three cats, and Wicket, the office comfort dog. Contact Crystal.
Lorri Stallo, Financial Administrator
Lorri Stallo joined Oak Ridge Memorial Park in 2023 as the Financial Administrator. She comes to ORMP after a successful career in Television Production as a Video Editor, primarily.
She holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Mass Communication from East Tennessee State University and is currently studying for an Associates in Financial Services from Roane State Community College.
Lorri lives locally in Oak Ridge and joined Oak Ridge Memorial Park to be more apart of the city of Oak Ridge and her own community. She enjoys the welcoming and helping atmosphere at ORMP and the mission of the park and how we strive to conduct ourselves and be of service to those in need.
In her free time, Lorri enjoys visiting cemeteries and honoring those who she hopes to never forget. She also enjoys listening to podcasts, gardening, playing with her dogs, and hanging out with her husband. Contact Lorri.
Rev. Vernon Sansom, Director of Operations
Rev. Vernon Sansom is the Director of Operations here at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. He joined the team in 2020 as a Family Service Counselor after retiring from 40 years of service in Pastoral Ministry. Vernon was promoted to Director of Operations at ORMP in 2022.
Vernon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Bethel University and a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary.
Before his career at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Vernon entered full-time ministry in 1980 and was ordained in 1987. He has previously pastored First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as well as churches in Ovilla, Texas, Ft. Worth, Texas, Bolivar Tennessee and served on staff in Longview, Texas.
Rev. Sansom served as the Stated Clerk of Red River Presbytery for 10 years and the Engrossing Clerk of The General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for 9 years.
Vernon served as a Chaplain for the Oak Ridge Police Department and earned Basic Certification through the International Conference of Police Chaplains. He currently serves as the Chaplain for TN III Chapter of the Blue Knights, International.
Vernon’s wife, Tina, is a Registered Nurse. They have three grown children and nine grandchildren. Contact Vernon.
Anastasia Dodson, Director of Family Services
Anastasia became a Family Service Counselor at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in 2015 after working in the funeral industry for three years. This gives Anastasia over a decade of experience in the industry.
She graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City with a degree in Theater and Film.
After having experienced many losses in her immediate family at a young age, she learned the importance of pre-planning and this translates into her passion for her position. She strives to help other families avoid the experiences that she endured.
Anastasia likes hiking, camping, and the outdoors. Contact Anastasia.
Cody Speers, Family Service Counselor
Cody Speers joined Oak Ridge Memorial Park in August of 2023 as a Family Service Counselor after leaving the culinary field. Cody is a local, born and raised in Knoxville, and still lives in the area.
Cody joined ORMP looking for more fulfillment in his life by helping the community and facilitating relationships between families in need and the services we offer. In his spare time, Cody enjoys cinematography, learning new things, enjoying a good video game, and eating the best food. Contact Cody.
Sara Jayne “SJ” White, Family Service Counselor
Sara Jayne “SJ” White joined Oak Ridge Memorial Park in 2024. SJ is a passionate advocate for meaningful connection and transformation through service to the greater good. With a dual Bachelor’s degree in Written Communication and Communication & Theatre Arts from Eastern Michigan University, she has cultivated a diverse career that reflects her values and commitment to enriching the lives of others.
SJ’s career has spanned unique niche areas from organic cotton socks to bookstores, spreading her love for knowledge and sustainability. SJ also worked in the nonprofit sector fundraising and marketing for a notable Regional Theatre Company. This role was a culmination of her skills, where she combined leadership, creativity, and her unwavering belief in the power of community. SJ brings that power of community to her position here at ORMP with her most revered aspect of family service being the ability to guide families through the process of permanent memorialization, always striving to design lasting memorials that beautifully reflect the lives of individuals and their loved ones.
During the pandemic, SJ felt a profound disconnection from her purpose. This introspection led her to pursue training as a death doula, where she could channel her experiences into transforming the conversation around death in the United States. She is dedicated to breaking down the taboo surrounding this essential part of life, advocating for discussions filled with levity and reverence instead of ones in hushed tones and fear.
In her free time, SJ is a social butterfly who enjoys nature, coffee, swimming, and exploring new culinary delights. Through her diverse experiences and heartfelt commitment to service and the greater good, SJ continues to inspire those around her to engage with life and death in a more profound and thoughtful way. Contact SJ
Wicket, Comfort Dog
Wicket is our office comfort dog that provides love and support for our visiting families in their time of need. She loves treats, cuddling, and long walks through the cemetery. She is named after the famous Ewok, Wicket, from the Star Wars franchise.
In Loving Memory of Little Man
Little Man, our beloved comfort dog, graced our lives with unwavering devotion and boundless compassion for nine remarkable years. As a gentle and steadfast presence, Little Man was more than a pet — his comforting spirit provided strength and solace to those in need, becoming a cherished companion to our community. Little Man’s ability to sense and soothe pain made him an invaluable part of our team.
In addition to his own comfort work, Little Man played a vital role in nurturing our new comfort dog, Wicket, guiding and mentoring her with the patience and kindness that defined him. His legacy lives on through her and our entire staff.
Though Little Man has left our side, his memory will forever remain in our hearts. His loyalty, warmth, and remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on everyone he touched. Rest peacefully, dear Little Man. You will always be remembered with love and gratitude.
