Meet Our Staff
Outstanding Service is Our Priority
On October 1, 1946 Pete and Hortense Comforter came to Port Saint Joe to open a funeral home; the first funeral home in Gulf County. Mr. Comforter served in the army during WWII and after the war was over they came here to fulfill his dream. Mrs. Comforter was a Registered Nurse, working with Dr. Albert Ward and at the Municipal Hospital.
After the unexpected passing of Pete Comforter in 1977, his son, "Rocky" took the lead role and became the Funeral Director in Charge and owner. He continued his father’s legacy until 2021. Jared "Tater" Whitehead and Sarah Whitehead purchased Comforter Funeral Home on December 10, 2021 and began a full scale remodel of the building and vehicles. The Whitehead family along with the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home are committed to serving the families of Gulf County and the surrounding areas.
"Our Family Serving Your Family"
The highest level of care starts with the quality staff members who will meet with your family. When you lose someone you love, you need someone who will listen to you and provide a healing and meaningful experience. Our highly qualified staff is ready to assist you throughout this difficult time.
If you are interested in preplanning for your funeral wishes, we invite you to book a meeting with our Preplanning Specialist to learn more about the process and its benefits.
Jared "Tater" Whitehead, the son of Gerald Whitehead and Sherry Floyd Whitehead, was born and raised in Cottondale, FL. He spent his childhood and adult years on the family farm. From a young age, his parents instilled Christian morals, values, and hard work into him.
Tater graduated from Cottondale High School in 2009 and Jefferson State Community College in 2013 with a degree in Mortuary Science. His funeral service career started in 2010 in Marianna, FL.
He spent his adolescent years and early adult years coming to Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach, and Lake Wimaco for fishing. In 2021, Tater and his wife, Sarah, became residents of White City. Tater looks forward to meeting the residents of Gulf, Franklin, and surrounding counties. He hopes to earn the trust and respect of the community.
In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, going to the beach, being on the farm, spending time with family, and playing music.
Jared "Tater" Whitehead, the son of Gerald Whitehead and Sherry Floyd Whitehead, was born and raised in Cottondale, FL. He spent his childhood and adult years on the family farm. From a young age, his parents instilled Christian morals, values, and hard work into him.
Tater graduated from Cottondale High School in 2009 and Jefferson State Community College in 2013 with a degree in Mortuary Science. His funeral service career started in 2010 in Marianna, FL.
He spent his adolescent years and early adult years coming to Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach, and Lake Wimaco for fishing. In 2021, Tater and his wife, Sarah, became residents of White City. Tater looks forward to meeting the residents of Gulf, Franklin, and surrounding counties. He hopes to earn the trust and respect of the community.
In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, going to the beach, being on the farm, spending time with family, and playing music.
Born in Panama City, Albert “Buddy” Cumbie had strong family roots in Franklin and Gulf counties. Buddy’s dad accepted the call to full-time ministry and subsequently pastored the Wesleyan Church in Apalachicola which his maternal grandfather helped build with his own hands. The family later moved northwest where his dad pastored Nazarene churches in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. Buddy enjoyed working on his family’s farms in his younger years and later worked in the cabinetry business in Kansas.
In 1987 while on a family vacation to Florida, Buddy met the love of his life – Mary Lou Sewell. Before long Buddy relocated to the area, and they married in 1990. By this time, Buddy had already gotten involved in the Port St. Joe community where he was an active member of the Port St. Joe Volunteer Fire Department and Search & Rescue. He also managed to fit in a little shrimping and fishing on the side.
In 2024 Buddy’s dad retired from ministry and came to live with them in White City. Buddy considers it a blessing to be able to take his dad to the Nazarene Church every Sunday morning.
Buddy’s work career includes stints in the automotive parts industry, construction, law enforcement, wastewater treatment, and school maintenance, and truck driving, but Buddy boldly shares that God
spoke to his heart in early 2022 about working with the Whitehead's and the staff of Comforter Funeral Home to help serve and minister to the community.
He counts it a blessing to be part of the team.
Born in Panama City, Albert “Buddy” Cumbie had strong family roots in Franklin and Gulf counties. Buddy’s dad accepted the call to full-time ministry and subsequently pastored the Wesleyan Church in Apalachicola which his maternal grandfather helped build with his own hands. The family later moved northwest where his dad pastored Nazarene churches in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. Buddy enjoyed working on his family’s farms in his younger years and later worked in the cabinetry business in Kansas.
In 1987 while on a family vacation to Florida, Buddy met the love of his life – Mary Lou Sewell. Before long Buddy relocated to the area, and they married in 1990. By this time, Buddy had already gotten involved in the Port St. Joe community where he was an active member of the Port St. Joe Volunteer Fire Department and Search & Rescue. He also managed to fit in a little shrimping and fishing on the side.
In 2024 Buddy’s dad retired from ministry and came to live with them in White City. Buddy considers it a blessing to be able to take his dad to the Nazarene Church every Sunday morning.
Buddy’s work career includes stints in the automotive parts industry, construction, law enforcement, wastewater treatment, and school maintenance, and truck driving, but Buddy boldly shares that God
spoke to his heart in early 2022 about working with the Whitehead's and the staff of Comforter Funeral Home to help serve and minister to the community.
He counts it a blessing to be part of the team.
Destiny was born in Marianna, Florida and spent most of her life traveling due to family being military, she later returned to the Florida Panhandle where she began her Funeral Service Career in 2015. Destiny went on to attend the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Texas and graduated in March 2020, becoming a first generation Funeral Director. With ten years of experience between working in Texas and Florida, Destiny is honored to now service families along the Forgotten Coast during the loss of a loved one ensuring that it is an easy but comfortable experience. In her spare time she loves spending time with her fiancé and their child. Destiny also enjoys trying different foods, traveling and watching documentaries.
Destiny was born in Marianna, Florida and spent most of her life traveling due to family being military, she later returned to the Florida Panhandle where she began her Funeral Service Career in 2015. Destiny went on to attend the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Texas and graduated in March 2020, becoming a first generation Funeral Director. With ten years of experience between working in Texas and Florida, Destiny is honored to now service families along the Forgotten Coast during the loss of a loved one ensuring that it is an easy but comfortable experience. In her spare time she loves spending time with her fiancé and their child. Destiny also enjoys trying different foods, traveling and watching documentaries.
Erroll Webb born in Orlando Florida on February 14 1984 is a dedicated and compassionate funeral professional with a lifelong commitment to serving families in their time of need. Beginning his career at the age of 16 under the mentorship of Elder Henry Postell in the year 2000 at Postell's Mortuary in Orlando, Florida; Growing up in Orlando was the best thing to happen to Erroll, In 2015 Erroll started working at Comforter funeral home under Rocky Comforter. Erroll has honed his skills and expertise over the years, now proudly serving as a key member of the team at Comforter Funeral Home. Erroll enjoys playing drums, going to church, and playing video games from time to time. Erroll is a Department manager at the local McDonald’s.
Erroll Webb born in Orlando Florida on February 14 1984 is a dedicated and compassionate funeral professional with a lifelong commitment to serving families in their time of need. Beginning his career at the age of 16 under the mentorship of Elder Henry Postell in the year 2000 at Postell's Mortuary in Orlando, Florida; Growing up in Orlando was the best thing to happen to Erroll, In 2015 Erroll started working at Comforter funeral home under Rocky Comforter. Erroll has honed his skills and expertise over the years, now proudly serving as a key member of the team at Comforter Funeral Home. Erroll enjoys playing drums, going to church, and playing video games from time to time. Erroll is a Department manager at the local McDonald’s.
As the office manager at Comforter Funeral Home, Jennifer provides comfort and support to families during their most difficult times. With over 5 years of experience with our funeral home, since 2019, she has developed a deep understanding of the importance of compassionate care.
A native of Apalachicola, Florida, Jennifer graduated from Apalachicola High School in 1993. After moving to Port St. Joe in 1993, she attended Gulf Coast Community College and started a family. I'm proud to have raised my two children, Haley and James, in this community.
Today, she is grateful to be a grandmother to her sweet granddaughter, little Miss Evelyn. Jennifer's experience as a mother and grandmother has taught her the value of family and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
" I'm honored to serve our community and support families with love, care, and professionalism."
As the office manager at Comforter Funeral Home, Jennifer provides comfort and support to families during their most difficult times. With over 5 years of experience with our funeral home, since 2019, she has developed a deep understanding of the importance of compassionate care.
A native of Apalachicola, Florida, Jennifer graduated from Apalachicola High School in 1993. After moving to Port St. Joe in 1993, she attended Gulf Coast Community College and started a family. I'm proud to have raised my two children, Haley and James, in this community.
Today, she is grateful to be a grandmother to her sweet granddaughter, little Miss Evelyn. Jennifer's experience as a mother and grandmother has taught her the value of family and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
" I'm honored to serve our community and support families with love, care, and professionalism."
Patrick Hedger was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia until 1987. He moved to Myrtle Beach, SC for a year, then moved to the Atlanta area where he lived until October of 2024. After vacationing in this area for 14 years and falling in love with the area, he along with his wife decided to make The Forgotten Coast their home till God calls them home. Patrick lives in Port Saint Joe with his wife and spoiled French Bulldog. He has a stepson too who is in college at Florida Tech. Patrick also works as a Park Ranger at Rish Recreation Area on Cape San Blas. He regularly attends WindMark Beach Church. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys fishing, relaxing on the beach, and catching live music. Patrick served families at Tom M Wages Funeral Service in Gwinnett County, Georgia as a Funeral Director Apprentice and Assistant for almost 10 years. He also attended Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia and looks forward to serving families in this area for years to come.
Patrick Hedger was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia until 1987. He moved to Myrtle Beach, SC for a year, then moved to the Atlanta area where he lived until October of 2024. After vacationing in this area for 14 years and falling in love with the area, he along with his wife decided to make The Forgotten Coast their home till God calls them home. Patrick lives in Port Saint Joe with his wife and spoiled French Bulldog. He has a stepson too who is in college at Florida Tech. Patrick also works as a Park Ranger at Rish Recreation Area on Cape San Blas. He regularly attends WindMark Beach Church. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys fishing, relaxing on the beach, and catching live music. Patrick served families at Tom M Wages Funeral Service in Gwinnett County, Georgia as a Funeral Director Apprentice and Assistant for almost 10 years. He also attended Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia and looks forward to serving families in this area for years to come.
Pastor Sharlett Gathers is the wife of a local Pastor for 20 years. They have been blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, 19 and 15 yrs old. Pastor Sharlett is currently an Admin Support Staff at a local Medical Office where she has been employed since 2017.
She is originally from Wewahitchka, Florida and has a heart for serving the people. God sent her to Comforter Funeral Home to console, serve and bring a sense of comfort to families who are hurting, lost, or just missing a loved one. It brings Pastor Sharlett joy when she can help people navigate through trials and tribulations in the waves of this sea called life.
"I simply LOVE what I do with the people I serve with here at CFH!"
Pastor Sharlett Gathers is the wife of a local Pastor for 20 years. They have been blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, 19 and 15 yrs old. Pastor Sharlett is currently an Admin Support Staff at a local Medical Office where she has been employed since 2017.
She is originally from Wewahitchka, Florida and has a heart for serving the people. God sent her to Comforter Funeral Home to console, serve and bring a sense of comfort to families who are hurting, lost, or just missing a loved one. It brings Pastor Sharlett joy when she can help people navigate through trials and tribulations in the waves of this sea called life.
"I simply LOVE what I do with the people I serve with here at CFH!"
SUPPORT AFTER A LOSS
Circle of Friends+ provides you with resources on grief support and settling affairs, sent to you via text and email.
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