Meet Our Staff

Jim Zalewski

Managing Partner

Jim was born in Philadelphia, PA and lived there until embarking on a career in the United States Air Force. He earned an Associates Degree in Information Systems Technology from Air University, an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science from The University of the District of Columbia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Pennsylvania State College.

After honorably serving his country on active duty for 20 years, he once again heeded the call to serve. This time as a funeral director in his local communities. He has over 20 years of experience in the Northern Virginia funeral industry and considers it the highest honor when a family places their trust in him and allows him to care for their loved one.

Besides being a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, he is also a Certified Cremationist, a Pre-Need Counselor, a Virginia Notary Public and a Senior Services of Alexandria Ambassador.

Telephone: 1-703-998-9200

Email: 

Anthony Wilson

Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Certified Crematory Operator & Certified Life Celebrant

Anthony, a second-generation Funeral Director after his father, has worked in the death care profession for over 12 years. He holds licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Anthony is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.  He is guided by the belief that families in our care should be served whole-heartedly and with compassion. Anthony is a Certified Life Celebrant and a 2019  "40 under 40" honoree presented by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his commitment and service to the families of Alexandria. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family,  church, and watching sports.      

Email: 

Linda Everly Smith

Office Manager

Linda is the third generation of the Everly family serving the needs of our families in the Northern Virginia community since 1981. A native of Alexandria, Linda graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School and is a longtime resident of Springfield, Virginia. She has a background in Banking and currently holds a Cosmetology License.

Email: 

Amber Rich

Licensed Embalmer

Amber joined the staff in March of 2017 as a licensed embalmer. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois and moved to the area with her husband in 2013 to pursue their careers. She graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2011 with an Associates of Applied Science, as well as a Mortuary Science degree. She is a member of the Pi Sigma Eta, National Mortuary Science Honors Fraternity and was also awarded the Richard G.Reichle Sr. Restorative Art Award. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, music, and art.

Email: 

Brian Boisse

Funeral Service Intern, Certified Crematory Operator

Brian joined Everly-Wheatley in 2018 as a Funeral Service Intern, working to become a second generation funeral director after his father. Originally from Cape Cod, MA, he relocated to the area with his family in 2016. He is a CANA Certified Crematory Operator. Brian is a 2008 graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and in his spare time enjoys movies, video games and singing an occasional showtune. 

Email: 

Justin Walt

Certified Crematory Operator

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Judy Brinegar

Receptionist - Funeral Assistant

Judy began at Everly-Wheatley as a part-time Funeral Assistant in 2014 and eventually took on a full-time position with responsibilities including management of the front desk and all its associated tasks. Originally from Illinois, Judy moved to Virginia in the early 80's and raised her family here. She has two children and two grand-dogs that she loves spending time with. She is always willing to assist where needed, learning all aspects of the funeral industry and support the staff as a whole to ensure streamlined operations so that our families are served to the best of our abilities. 

Email: 

Linda Ellmore

Funeral Assistant - Death Certificates

Linda, a native to Alexandria, graduated from Groveton High School. She has been married for almost 50 years and enjoys actively participating in the lives of her two children and four grandchildren. They are avid sports fans, attending both local high school and professional baseball games. Linda joined the staff of Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home in 2003 and is mostly responsible for coordinating and completing Death Certificates, maintaining important in-house documents and refreshments for Visitations, and assisting on Funeral Services.

Email: 

Janet Barnett

Funeral Assistant

Raised in Alexandria, Janet retired from the City's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities as the Deputy Director in 2007 and served as the Executive Director of Senior Services of Alexandria from 2007 to 2013. She joined the staff of Everly-Wheatley as a part-time Funeral Assistant in 2014. Janet volunteers in a number of local organizations and is most proud of her daughter Susan, a teacher, and son Louis, a lawyer. Her eclectic style, professionalism and expansive social network greatly lend themselves to keeping us connected with the community in which we serve.

Email: 

Stephen Dixon

Funeral Assistant