Our Staff

Sammy Highsmith

Funeral Director/Embalmer - Owner

Sammy has lived in the Commerce area all of his life, he is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, and licensed with the State of Georgia as a funeral director and embalmer. He and his wife bought the funeral home from John Ivie, and have faithfully served the people of the Commerce and surrounding areas with care and compassion for a number of years. Sammy is a member of the First Baptist Church, Commerce.

Sharon Taylor Highsmith

Administrative Assistant, Owner

Sharon grew up in the Commerce area and has lived here all of her life. She and her husband, Sammy bought the funeral home from John Ivie and have faithfully served the people of the Commerce and surrounding areas with care and compassion for a number of years. Sharon is a very active member of the First Baptist Church, Commerce, Meals on Wheels and the Commerce Garden Club.

Arnold Brown

Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Crematory Operator

Arnold brings over 40 years of experience to our team at Ivie Funeral Home. He and his wife Debbie are life long residence of Madison County. 

Rev. Chad Rising

Ambassador and Apprentice Funeral Director

Chad became a part of the Ivie Funeral Home team in 2016. He is currently completing his apprenticeship under the guidance of Sammy Highsmith and Arnold Brown. 

Chad and Wendy Rising met at Toccoa Falls College and  serve as pastor and worship leader at Blacks Creek Baptist Church. They have two children, Noah who works for UGA, and Alaina who attends Athens Tech. Both are graduates of Commerce City Schools. 

Rev. Dakota Stockton

Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer

Dakota joined the Ivie Team in 2021, and is currently completing his apprenticeship under the guidance of Sammy Highsmith and Arnold Brown.

Dakota currently lives in Oakwood, GA with his wife, Hannah and daughter, Sutton. He currently teaches at Johnson High School, and serves as Youth Pastor at Pond Fork Baptist Church. Dakota holds a Bachelor's Degree in Drama Education, and will soon be pursuing a degree in Funeral Service.

Floyd Butler

Ambassador

Floyd is a resident of Madison County, GA, a ten year veteran at Ivie Funeral Home.

He is married to Margie Butler and is an encouragement to all who meet him.

Sandy Sartain

Secretary

Sandy graduated from Madison County High School in 1994, and Athens Tech in 1998 with a legal secretarial Diploma. She and her husband Matt have 2 kids, Peyton and Audrie, and are members of Riverside Baptist Church in Colbert.