Staff Profiles
We pride ourselves in upholding traditional values combined with a modern approach and high level of professionalism and quality service. We are here to help and guide families through all the arrangements, making a difficult time easier to cope with.
Andrew & Julie Brooks
Andrew started working alongside his Dad, Roy, at the age of 15, until Roy died in June 2013. They enjoyed a close working relationship spanning some 35 years. Andrew is the Senior Funeral Director and Partner of R. A. Brooks & Son and manages the day to day running of the business. He has over forty years experience of the funeral trade.
Julie joined the business in the 1987 having recently moved to Sussex from Exeter. Her role mainly covers the administration of funerals and memorial masonry as well as assisting Andrew with the management of the business. She is a Member of the British Institute of Embalmers and is an experienced funeral arranger, recently completing the Certificate of Funeral Arranging & Administration in 2019 and passed with distinction.
Andrew and Julie met through the business and eventually married in 1998, they have two children Leah & Emma. Together, Andrew and Julie run the business with the same devotion and commitment that Roy would have expected.
Gill Duley
Gill Duley Gill joined the team in 1983 to assist Roy and Andrew in their new branch, in Haywards Heath. Gill guides families through making funeral arrangements and handles all charitable donations and accounts.
Barry Brooks
Barry joined the team in 1991 as a pallbearer, funeral assistant and embalmer. Barry works behind the scenes to ensure everything is as requested for families, from coffin choice to making sure all preparations have been completed in advance of families visiting the chapel of rest. He continually maintains our fleet of vehicles to a high standard for each and every funeral.
Jonathan Peile
Jonathan moved from Devon to join the team in 2011. Jonathan feels honoured to be able to assist families on the day of the funeral as a pall bearer and also comfort and guide them as a Funeral Director. Jonathan also completed the Certificate of Funeral Arranging & Administration in 2017 and passed with a credit.
Vicki Lowe
Vicki joined the team in 2013. Vicki takes pride in helping families through the difficult task of making funeral arrangements for their loved one and being able to make every funeral a unique reflection to the individual. After the funeral service has taken place, Vicki advises families through the process of designing bespoke memorials as a lasting tribute. Vicki was awarded The Foundation of Infant Loss Funeral Director of the Year 2018. Vicki also completed the Certificate of Funeral Arranging & Administration in 2019 and passed with distinction.
Pallbearers and Out of Hours Team
There are also a number of dedicated and invaluable part time staff who support the business with pallbearing duties at funerals and additional out of hours assistance when needed. We all consider it a huge privilege to be entrusted with a loved one’s funeral and are passionate about the work we do. We always strive to provide the most caring, compassionate and professional service we can to all those we serve.