Meet Our Staff

Jean Newman

Managing Partner/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Jean is a native of New Orleans and has resided in Metairie since 2007. She received her degree in Mortuary Science in 1992 and received her licensure from the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors in 1993. Her developed knowledge has made her more patient and has given her an awareness to anticipate the needs of others. She enjoys the unpredictability and the continuing evolution of the industry, but more importantly, it is the relationships she has developed with the families over the years.  Jean is married to John Appel, and mother to Scot Fisher. Their home is run by their one fur baby, Pepper. She was an adult leader with the Boy Scout Troop No. 230 of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and an alumna Jesuit Band Mom. Jean is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Louisiana Funeral Directors Association, and American Business Women’s Association. In her spare time, she enjoys contributing to her local neighborhood through community service, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  

Stefanie Weigel

Funeral Director/Embalmer/Crematory Operator

Stefanie is a native of Harvey, LA and a resident of Old Jefferson. She has worked in the funeral industry since 2007. She has been a licensed funeral director, embalmer and crematory operator since 2010. She enjoys helping people in their time of need and she understands the importance of having a funeral to not only celebrate a person’s life but to help their loved ones go through the grieving process. She is the very proud mother to her only child, Sara. Together with her partner Neil, they have one very spoiled fur baby, Benny. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, working in her yard and running with her local running group.

David N. Coleman

Ambassador

David N. Coleman

I joined the Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp team in November of 2021 after retiring as Band Director of the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy in 2020. Hold a Bachelor in Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master of Church Music degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I also have been involved with either singing or playing an instrument since the age of 10 years old. Currently, my musical outlet is singing in the Jefferson Chorale.