Our Team
Kay Cresswell
Kay has dedicated over 14 years to the funeral profession, bringing with her a strong background in customer service, management, and auditing. Recognising that her skills could be better utilised in a more meaningful setting, she transitioned into funeral care—where her compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail have made a lasting impact.
Committed to maintaining the highest standards within the profession, Kay self-funded and achieved both her Dip FAA and Dip FD qualifications. She strongly believes in working in line with legislation and best practice, which led her to align with the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) as the benchmark for excellence.
Kay began her career as a funeral arranger, supporting families through some of their most difficult moments with empathy and care. She went on to develop extensive practical experience behind the scenes, including dressing and preparing the deceased, trimming coffins, and ensuring each individual is presented with dignity and respect. Her dedication and skill progression led to her promotion to Funeral Director, allowing her to guide families through every stage—from initial arrangements to the final journey and committal.
With a traditional approach to funeral care, Kay is deeply committed to upholding dignity for those in her care, as well as providing unwavering support to the families she serves. She is widely recognised for her professional presence and the consistent quality of care she delivers to every individual, both living and deceased.
Looking ahead, Kay aims to support NAFD and SAIF in advocating for mandatory regulation across the funeral profession, helping to protect the public, bereaved families, and those entrusted into care.
Catherine Short
As a local lass, I have always felt a strong connection to the community I serve. I began my studies in Business at Chasetown High School completing a GNVQ, before going on to achieve a BA in Business and Hotel Management from the University of Gloucester.
Following my studies, I joined a family-owned hotel in Acton Trussell, Stafford, where I worked as a Wedding Coordinator. This was a role I greatly valued and felt privileged to hold, supporting families during some of the most meaningful and memorable moments of their lives.
While these occasions are very different, I have come to recognise a thoughtful parallel between coordinating a wedding and guiding a family through loss. Both require sensitivity, careful attention, and a genuine understanding of each family’s individual wishes.
Today, I am proud to be part of John Short & Son. As a sixth-generation member of the Short family, it is a true honour to continue serving our local community, having worked for many of years with my parents John and Mary Short, I have learned the importance of compassion, empathy, and taking the time to listen—ensuring that every family feels supported, understood, and cared for during times of grief and distress.
It is a privilege to play a small part in helping families navigate these moments with dignity, respect, and reassurance.
Rebecca Whitburn
I began my journey in the funeral industry at the age of 18, training as a mortuary technician at Good Hope Hospital. During my 18 months there, I developed a deep respect for the care and dignity required in looking after those who have passed, while also building connections with funeral directors that would shape my future career.
I was later offered a full-time role at a family-run funeral directors, where I gained hands-on experience in all aspects of the profession. My work included caring for loved ones in the mortuary, preparing them with dignity, and ensuring they were ready for the chapel of rest. I also developed skills in coffin preparation and presentation.
Over time, I transitioned into a front-of-house role, supporting families face-to-face during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This is where I found my true calling guiding and supporting families with compassion, helping to make the funeral arrangement process as smooth and comforting as possible.
With nearly 27 years of experience in the funeral industry, I bring not only practical knowledge but genuine care and understanding to every family I work with. While I may not hold formal qualifications, my experience has taught me what matters most: treating every person with dignity, and every family with kindness, respect, and support.
I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Dave Kelley
From a young age, I always felt a calling to work within the funeral industry. Although life initially led me down a different career path, that ambition never left me.
In 1996, I was given the opportunity to work alongside a family-run funeral directors, where I began a deeply meaningful role caring for people’s loved ones. My responsibilities included preparing them with dignity for the chapel of rest and supporting families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Over time, I also had the privilege of conducting funerals, helping to create respectful and personal services that honour each individual’s life.
In 2013, I joined John Short & Son as a Funeral Conductor. In this role, I ensure that every funeral runs smoothly and that each family is cared for with compassion and attention to detail. I feel truly privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside John and Mary, and to be part of a team that feels like one extended family, all dedicated to providing the highest standard of care.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, I cannot imagine doing anything else. I value meeting new people and take great pride in supporting families through some of the most difficult moments in their lives, always striving to provide comfort, guidance, and reassurance.
Liam Mitchell
I am a Funeral Service Assistant with nearly two years of experience in the funeral profession, currently working for John Short & Sons. My role is primarily behind the scenes, supporting the preparation and smooth running of funeral services, while also taking part in bearers’ duties during funerals. I take pride in carrying out my responsibilities with dignity, professionalism, and respect, ensuring each service is conducted with care and attention to detail for the families we support.
Graham Roberts
With over 25 years of experience in the funeral profession, I began my career in April 1999 with F Jennings, which was independently owned at the time. Starting in the workshop, I was responsible for lining and fitting coffins, as well as driving hearses and limousines and taking part in the on-call rota. This role also gave me the opportunity to meet families directly, offering guidance and support as they navigated the next steps during difficult times.
In October 2009, I joined John Short & Son on a part-time basis, becoming a full-time member of staff in March 2010. During this time, I developed a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of funeral service, including bringing the deceased into our care, preparing them for funerals, and conducting services with professionalism and compassion.
Throughout my career, I have found the work deeply rewarding and take pride in providing a high standard of care and support to families. I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the role and consider the company I work for to be an excellent and supportive place to continue my career.
Nigel Procter
I bring a wealth of experience and a calm, compassionate approach to supporting families. After over 30 years in retail and more than three years in funeral services, I understand the importance of listening, empathy and attention to detail. Whether working as part of a team or independently, I am committed to ensuring each family receives the highest standard of care. With strong local knowledge, including close familiarity with churches and clergy, I help create services that feel personal and meaningful.
