History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Birchette Mortuary was founded in 1959 by the late Rev. John Fletcher "Rev" Birchette, Jr. and Mrs. Bessie Hurt Birchette. Rev. attended Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia, and before founding Birchette Mortuary, he partnered with W.C. Allen to establish Allen-Birchette Funeral Home in Asheville, NC. 

Rev. Birchette and Bessie's son, J. Fletcher Birchette, III, served as manager from 1987 until 2013, when his son, John F. Birchette, IV, became the manager. 

Birchette Mortuary and Cremation Service, Inc. is now managed by Mitchell Clark, who has worked with the Birchette family since 1983.


Our Valued Staff

Mitchell L. Clark

Mitchell L. Clark, Funeral Director & Embalmer

Mitchell has worked in the funeral industry for over 50 years. He started when he was just a teenager under the guidance of his father, Mr. Richard Clark. After graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Mitchell began working for Rev. John Birchette Jr. and Mr. John "Fletcher" Birchette III in 1983. Mitchell saw the love and care required to be a funeral director and wanted to help alleviate the burden of those in their time of need, as he had seen his mentors do so many times. He and the staff of Birchette Mortuary & Cremation Service, Inc. are dedicated to serving the Johnson City, Elizabethton, Jonesborough, and surrounding areas with a "Caring" heart.


Robert  Hale

Robert Hale, Funeral Assistant


Connie  Thompson

Connie Thompson, Cosmetologist & Funeral Assistant


Roy Matthews

Roy Matthews, Funeral Assistant


Johnnie  Collie

Johnnie Collie, Funeral Assistant


Billy Williams Sr

Billy Williams Sr, Funeral Assistant


Michelle Duncan

Michelle Duncan, Insurance Specialist