Our Staff
Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey.
We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.
Navaz Jasavala
Manager/Funeral Director/Embalmer
Email: navazj.lfh@gmail.com
Navaz Jasavala is is a licensed funeral director and embalmer who joined the Lodi Funeral Home team in June 2023.
She may have started her career in funeral service on a whim, but quickly realized it was not an average "9 to 5;" she was truly touched by the relationships made assisting families in their first steps through grief and caring for their loved ones.
Navaz served her apprenticeship and began her career at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home in 2011, Hillview Funeral Chapels in 2016, and Franklin and Downs Funeral Home in 2017. In 2021, she was able to meet a personal goal earning a Bachelor's of Science in Operations Management and a minor in Music Performance. She is the current secretary of the Valley Lode Funeral Directors' Association and a board member of the Conference National Board Exam Funeral Arts Committee.
Navaz has been a lifelong resident of Modesto. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, reading classic novels, various crafts, and playing double bass in local orchestras.
Merry Mitchell
Funeral Director
Email: merrym.lfh@gmail.com
Merry earned her funeral director license in 1999. She lives in Stockton and attends Holy Cross United Methodist Church where she is in the hand bell choir. She was born and raised in upstate New York, and joined the Army at age 18. She was able to travel Europe and most of the United States before putting down roots in California. She has three children and nine grand children.
Kristi Richerson Davis
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Email: kristid.lfh@gmail.com
Lodi Funeral Home is pleased to welcome Kristi Richerson Davis, a new addition to our dedicated staff. Born and raised in Lodi, Kristi is a fourth generation Lodi resident and graduated Lodi High School in 1992. Following high school, Kristi attended Cypress School Of Mortuary Science where she pursued her education in the funeral industry. She graduated in 1994 and has been working in the industry since. Kristi started her own trade embalming business “Quality Mortuary Services LLC” and has
serviced the San Joaquin Valley for over 15 years. In 2011 Kristi was awarded the Funeral Director Of The Year Award by the California Funeral Directors Association. Kristi resides in Lodi where she has
raised her 3 children Drake, Stryder and Adeline. Throughout the years Kristi has enjoyed coaching their many sporting activities and has a passion for snow skiing and camping. Kristi comes with
experience, expertise and a special skill set when caring for your loved one during a difficult time in need. She has the desire to put forth the utmost care. Her compassionate desire to serve her Lodi
community will be an asset to us here at Lodi Funeral Home.
Cassie Lemos
Funeral Arranger
Email: cassiem.lfh@gmail.com
Cassie Lemos was born in Fremont, California, but has lived most of her life in San Joaquin county. She started her career in the funeral industry in 2019 and has been with Lodi Funeral Home for two years. After suffering multiple losses within her family in a short amount of time, Cassie found her calling - she found that through her grief she could help guide families through their difficult time.
Cassie attended American River College and recently received her certification as a Funeral Arranger.
Emily Vandenburg
Administrator
Email: emilyv.lfh@gmail.com
Emily began her career in funeral service in 2017. She joined Lodi Funeral Home as the assistant administrator in 2019 and has been the administrator since fall of 2023. In her spare time she enjoys reading and crafting, and volunteers as a dog walker with a local shelter.
Rose Smith
Assistant Administrator
Email: roses.lfh@gmail.com
Rose is a new resident to Lodi, she was born and raised in South Sacramento. Her interest in death care started at a young age after her first experience losing a loved one. She began pursuing a degree in Funeral Services at American River College in 2020. She is currently taking some time away from school to get hands-on experience in the funeral home. She is excited for this new opportunity as she has always enjoyed helping others. After navigating through her own grief and multiple losses, she finds gratification in assisting families during difficult times. In her free time she enjoys concerts, horror movies, listening to music, and spending time at home with her cat.
