About Us

Our Professional and Caring Staff is here to help

About Us

Our Team

Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to providing support and guidance during your time of need. With a commitment to excellence, we ensure every detail is handled with care, allowing you to focus on honoring your loved one's memory.

Meet Ben, our funeral director and owner of Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals, who will be with you and guide you through this whole process.

Benjamin Jenkins
Benjamin Jenkins
Owner/Manager
Benjamin Jenkins
Owner/Manager

Ben Jenkins is an owner of Caring Cremations, a modern cremation provider created to give families a simpler, more affordable alternative without sacrificing dignity, professionalism, or compassionate care.


With more than a decade of experience in funeral service, Ben helped build Caring Cremations around a straightforward philosophy: families should understand their options, know who is caring for their loved one, and receive quality service at a fair price.


Caring Cremations was recognized by the City of Hickory as a 2024 Business. Well Crafted. Award recipient. The City highlighted the company’s personalized approach, affordability, community involvement, and commitment to supporting families during loss.


Ben continues to focus on growing Caring Cremations while maintaining the personal, family-owned approach on which the company was built.

Amanda Ward
Amanda Ward
Funeral Director
Amanda Ward
Funeral Director

Amanda graduated from Hickory High School and Lenoir-Rhyne University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health. She has worked in Health Care since graduation. She previously joined our staff as an Aftercare Coordinator and later obtained a Funeral Director's License. She and her husband, Nathan have a son, Oliver and a daughter, Charleigh. They are Hickory natives and are members of Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory.



it is a true blessing to have the opportunity to work with such a caring organization. I am eager to help walk your family through this most difficult time. I encourage you to visit Cring Cremations and witness for yourself the true love and compassion this family has for the families and community we serve."

Alex Thurlow
Alex Thurlow
Funeral Service Apprentice
Alex Thurlow
Funeral Service Apprentice

With a strong background in community service and over a decade of experience, David is committed to offering thoughtful and professional care to every family he serves. His attention to detail and deep empathy have earned him a reputation for excellence in the field. David takes pride in creating a peaceful and respectful atmosphere for families to celebrate their loved ones' lives.

Peyton Phillips
Peyton Phillips
Administrative Operations Specialist
Peyton Phillips
Administrative Operations Specialist

Sarah has been a funeral director for 12 years and is known for her compassionate and personalized approach. Her focus is on listening to the needs of each family and creating ceremonies that truly honor the individual. Sarah's dedication to providing exceptional care has made her a trusted and valued member of the community.

Robert (Bob) Stockner
Robert (Bob) Stockner
Crematory Manager
Robert (Bob) Stockner
Crematory Manager


Evie Rector
Evie Rector
Admin Assistant
Evie Rector
Admin Assistant


Shea Lanier
Shea Lanier
Admin Assistant
Shea Lanier
Admin Assistant


Michelle Diciuccio
Michelle Diciuccio
Accounting/Admin Assistant
Michelle Diciuccio
Accounting/Admin Assistant

Michelle Diciuccio is an assistant bookkeeper for Jenkins. She comes from a background in insurance.


She has been married to her husband Mike for 34 years and they have a daughter in Portland, OR, a daughter in Denver, CO, and their son lives in Hickory, NC. They are enjoying being empty-nesters and having time to travel, especially to see family. They love nature, the outdoors, hiking, and camping.



Michelle is a longtime member of East Maiden Baptist Church where she helps chair the East Maiden Toy Store that has been helping Maiden High School feeder school's families in need give their kids Christmas since 2006. She is also a mentor through the Catawba County Council on Adolescence Lunch Buddy Program and was a 2023 nominee for the Joann Spees Youth Advocacy Award and a 2023 nominee for the Catawba County United Way Giving from The Heart Awards.



She is originally from Beckley, WV but loves giving to the Maiden community that she has been a part of since 1993. 

Mike Groce
Mike Groce
Provisional Funeral Director
Mike Groce
Provisional Funeral Director


TOUR OUR SPACES

State of the Art Facilities

Our state-of-the-art  Modern facilities provide a peaceful and modern environment, with advanced amenities and thoughtfully designed spaces for gatherings and services.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have more questions?

Please do not hesitate to give one of our staff a call and we can walk a member of your family through everything

CONTACT US

828-855-3350


609 Highland Ave SE

Hickory,  NC 28602


Located near Moretz Mill, Hollar Hosiery Mills,  and Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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