David McGowan

Owner/Operator of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home

“I belong to the people I love, and they belong to me—they, and the love and loyalty I give them, form my identity far more than any word or group ever could.” -Veronica Roth

Mr. David McGowan, Sr., owns Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Texas. He is a native of the small community of Elm Grove and Kilgore, Texas, and a proud graduate of Kilgore High School, class of 1998.

David has had the pleasure of serving alongside his late father, Ronnie McGowan, and mother, Vivian McGowan, in the funeral industry since he was about 11 years old. This privilege has given him the opportunity to serve families for roughly 34 years. Together, they have served families across East Texas and met many people of various backgrounds, creating long-lasting relationships with each of them.

When the family patriarch passed away in January 2023, David did not hesitate to step up and fulfill his duties as owner and help where and when needed. Since then, he has taken on the role full-time and strives to ensure that the funeral home continues to move forward in the right direction and that each family they encounter is treated fairly, equally, and with respect. Most importantly, David ensures the comfort of each person he encounters, especially during their most difficult time.

David is married to Kayla McGowan, and they share a blended family of ten children and two grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys youth league coaching, hosting family cookouts, and hanging out with friends. When he is not working, you can find him around the neighborhood, helping others with their lawn care and the elderly with their needs. He is a true man of his word and is loyal to all he meets.

Office:(903)586-4698

24/7 Mobile:(903)521-6902

Email: David@MercyMcGowan.com

Mrs Vivian McGowan

Owner/Operator of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home

With over 30 years of experience in the funeral business, she is a pillar of strength and compassion in her community. Currently, Mrs. McGowan holds a provisional Funeral Director's license for the state of Texas and is working towards becoming a fully licensed director.

A devoted wife to the late Ronnie McGowan, Vivian is also a loving mother of three children: Yolanda, David, and the late Justin McGowan. Her family legacy extends through her 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with whom she cherishes spending quality time.

Vivian finds joy in cooking, tending to her rose bushes, and working in her yard. Her passion for her community is evident through her ongoing efforts to support and assist others during their times of need. Mrs. McGowan's commitment to service and her compassionate nature make her a beloved figure in both her professional and personal life.

Office:(903)586-4698

Email: Vivian@MercyMcGowan.com

Yolanda McGowan-Gilbert

Co-Owner

I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.

-Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Yolanda McGowan-Gilbert is the co-owner of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Texas. She spent most of her childhood in Elm Grove and Kilgore, Texas, and graduated from Kilgore High School with the class of 1995.

Yolanda has had the immense honor of assisting her parents and brother in the family business for many years. Yolanda strives to ensure that the legacy left by the late Ronnie McGowan, her father, continues to be at the forefront of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home. Yolanda has been a dedicated Jacksonville Independent School District employee for eleven years and is now Behavioral Specialist at Nichols Intermediate. She also has given her time to assisting youth for the last four years at Christ the Redeemer Church Daycare.

Yolanda is married to Rayford Gilbert and is a devoted loving mother and grandmother. She enjoys spending time with family, doing crossword puzzles and shopping in her spare time.

Darryl D. McGowan Jr

Public Relations, Funeral Personnel, First Responder

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
~Romans 12:10

Love, dignity, high standards, and a servant's heart are just a few things upon which Mr. Darryl D. McGowan, Jr. firmly stands. He is the son of the late Darryl D. McGowan, Sr and Francetta McGowan. Darryl is a native of the Elm Grove community near Rusk, TX, as well as the Mount Haven community of Jacksonville, TX, and a 2004 graduate of Rusk High School.

The funeral business and serving the people of his community and surrounding areas are nothing new to Darryl. He became a part of the Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home staff at a very young age when his uncle took over ownership in 1999/2000. Watching his uncle's every move and paying attention to detail while he served grieving families gave Darryl not only the ability but also the confidence to provide that same level of service and more to each family with whom he works with. Before his uncle's passing, Darryl made a vow to him that he would do everything in his power to help keep his uncle's legacy, including Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home, thriving, and he's been doing that ever since.

Darryl is meticulous in everything he does, which comes through in the many duties he assists with at Mercy/ McGowan Funeral Home, including funeral planning, floral arranging, community and company communications, and, most importantly, assisting grieving families. Additionally, as the uniform coordinator for the staff, that attention to detail has gained him the unofficial title of "The Classic Man."

When not serving families or on the road for work, Darryl is involved with and assembles with the church of Christ that meets at Rice Road in Tyler, TX. He also enjoys spending time with family and helping around his community. He is passionate about fitness and health and, most especially, about encouraging others to "let their light shine by being positive." You can usually catch him at your local gym or out jogging.

Office:(903)586-4698

24/7 Mobile:(903)707-7631 

Email: Darryl@MercyMcGowan.com

Willie Turner

Funeral Director

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
~Jeremiah 29:11

Elder Willie Turner III is a native of Houston, TX. He graduated from the Forest Brook Senior High School of (formally) North Forest I.S.D class of 1990. Elder Turner is the proud father of one son, Willie Turner IV, with a grandchild on the way.

He's been a licensed Elder with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World for over 15 years. He has served extensively with Christian Education as one of the Oklahoma State Council Superintendents of Region IV Youth Directors. Currently, he serves Praise City Church of Longview as an Assistant Pastor.

Elder Turner graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in 2014. After completing studies, his career began under the leadership of Mr. Randy Stroud at Restland Funeral Home. After completing his apprenticeship, Mr. Turner worked with Service Corporation International (SCI) and several other firms until moving to the East Texas area.

Currently, he is the funeral director in charge of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home. His motto is serving families with class and a spirit of dignity with exceptional care.

Office:(903)586-4698

Email: Willie@MercyMcGowan.com

Davieon McGowan

Funeral Personnel/Grave services

Davieon McGowan, known as "Lil D," is the son of David McGowan and has been with Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home ever since he was able to walk alongside his grandfather while holding his pants leg. Davieon not only serves with the funeral personnel but also oversees the grave services and makes sure your loved one's final resting place is taken care of with love and care. Davieon strives to make his grandfather proud by providing you and your family with the best services possible.

In his spare time, Davieon enjoys traveling, family, gaming and simply living life to the fullest.

Mrs. Kayla Shamiece McGowan

Funeral Personnel/Program Designer

Kayla is a lover of Jesus Christ and His people. She’s a native of Rusk, Texas and was also brought up in the Elm Grove community. Kayla has resided in Jacksonville, Texas since 2008.

Kayla is a 2007 graduate of Rusk High School. She has also graduated from Tyler Junior College, the University of Texas at Tyler, and Allegany College of Maryland where she obtained her BSN in Nursing. She is a Registered Nurse in the community, who truly loves caring for others.

Kayla was first hired at Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home in 2009 by her father and mother-in-law, Ronnie and Vivian McGowan. She has had the pleasure of serving many families across East Texas and is honored to have these many opportunities to bless others with her talent in their times of need. She strives for excellence and meets and exceeds her family's expectations, by perfecting and taking pride in every detail of her work.

Kayla is married to David, and they have a wonderfully blended family of ten children and two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, lounging at home, spending time with family and friends, cooking, hosting family events with David, and simply enjoying life.

Email:Kayla@MercyMcGowan.com

Rayford Gilbert

Funeral Personnel/Fleet/First Responder

Rayford Gilbert, married into the family in August 2015 to Yolanda McGowan Gilbert. He was born and raised in Jasper, TX, and furthered his education at Northwestern State University. He and Yolanda share a blended family of 4 children and 3 grandchildren.

Rayford has been part of the Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home staff for 9 years. Rayford handles getting the transportation ready for each service and first responder.

Rayford enjoys spending time with his wife, spoiling the grandchildren, and relaxing in his spare time.

“Loving God with your heart means to love Him with your life. Love God with your heart by living a loving, faith-filled, and purpose-driven life. This requires letting God lead the way. It means living each day in close connection with Him so we can recognize our calling.”

Tara Hinton

funeral personnal

Tara grew up in Rusk, Texas where she graduated from Rusk High School. Ms. Hinton received an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education from Jacksonville College in 1994 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1996. She returned to Stephen F. Austin State University, earning her Master’s in Instructional Leadership. After several years of teaching and administration, she completed her superintendent coursework and is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler, which she will complete in Summer 2025.

Tara is the niece to the late Ronnie McGowan; Tara is also the loving mother to Aaron Brown Jr. and devoted wife to Lonnie Hinton. She enjoys spending time with her family and providing comfort and support for the community families in their time of bereavement.

Brian Tinsley

MSW-Grief Support specialist

Psalm 121:1- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."

Brian was raised in the small community of Sweet Union near Wells, Texas. He graduated from Wells High School in 2002 and pursued higher education at Jacksonville College, obtaining an Associate of Science degree in 2021. Furthering his academic endeavors, he earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2023. Continuing his educational pursuits, he achieved a Master of Social Work degree specializing in Direct Practice in Aging from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2024. Brian's professional aspirations encompass obtaining licensure as a clinical social worker to provide independent counseling and therapy services for individuals and families.

During his leisure time, Brian finds fulfillment in spending quality time with his family and friends, shopping, traveling, and participating in volunteer work.

Additionally, Brian has a natural affinity for people and is a skilled facilitator of support groups, offering invaluable guidance and coping strategies to families dealing with grief and loss.