Ben J. Mason

Managing Partner/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Ben is married to Laurie Segars Mason and they are members of the First Baptist Church Gainesville. In his spare time, Ben enjoys spending time with his children and his grandchildren. Ben also has a wide range of accomplishment including; Graduate of Gainesville High School,  Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, Licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer in the state of Georgia since 1985, Serves as a Deputy Coroner for Hall County, and  a active member of the Gainesville Kiwanis Club

Jim Watkins

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Jim is a GA Licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer since 1987, past President of the Gainesville Evening Optimist Club, owns and operates Gainesville's first Pet Cremation Service, Northeast Georgia Pet Cremations.

He is a native of Georgia and has been living in the Gainesville area since 1984. 

Jim's family says he is always working, whether it is at the Funeral Home or helping families with Pet Cremations, and it's a true statement. 

Jim enjoys taking care of his family, taking his old Jeep for a drive, and following his beloved Miami Dolphins during football season.

Austin Houston

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Austin  has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Georgia since 2016. He has been in the funeral industry since 2011. He is married  to Courtney Houston and they have three children. He is a 2013 Graduate of Chestatee High School. In 2017, Austin opened Houston's Monument and Cemetery Services here in Gainesville, GA.

Austin and his wife have served in leadership at different churches in the community and currently are the Pastors at Pleasant Hill Full Gospel Church in Dawsonville, GA. He also serves as a volunteer chaplain through Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville and Dahlonega. 

Telephone: 1-770-534-5201

Email: 

W. Carl Owen

Funeral Director / Embalmer

Born and raised in Brighton, Michigan, Carl received his bachelor's degree in education from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and later received his associates degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton Jones College in Atlanta. Carl is an avid fan of the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Tigers, and has one son, Will. His favorite hobby is collecting autographs. His prized autographs are numerous cards and baseballs from 1968 World Series Champions Detroit Tigers. Carl has been serving the business for over 30 years. "This job can be stressful, has its ups and downs, but knowing that I helped a family at a time when they need guidance, its what its all about."

Telephone: 1-770-534-5201

Email: 

Terry Dale

Outreach Director

Terry is no stranger and loves encouraging people in a time of loss. His background has allowed him to develop a tender heart for people and he strives to comfort people from all walks of life.

Terry is a Hall County native and began working at Little & Davenport in March 2023. Terry has been ministering in Hall County for 51 years.  He earned degrees from Truett McConnell, Piedmont, and Candler School of Theology at Emory.

Terry has been married for 54 years and has two children and 4 grandchildren.

He still enjoys leading a local gospel group “Georgia”, which he has sang with for 48 years and his total singing ministry equaling 66+ years.

With every experience at Little & Davenport, Terry strives to be trustworthy, professional, and helpful in a difficult time of life. 

Brenda Howser

Visitation Hostess

Brenda is a lifelong resident of Hall County. She has worked as a bus driver through Hall County for over 45 years. She is a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA.

Brenda has been apart of the Little and Davenport Funeral Home staff for 11 years. She has always offered a helping hand to others and enjoys getting to serve her community.