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. Larry & Shay Chedotal moved to Mississippi in August, 1993, to manage Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery, the business their family purchased in 1973. We opened the Funeral Home in 2003 and added a Crematory on the property in 2007. In January, 2018, a community mausoleum was opened with Phase II to be built in a few years.
Larry & Shay have been married for 35 years and have two children; Brittany and Ryan and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Madison. You can take pride in knowing that your family member will be taken care of like our own. One consistent phrase is that we do not take care of customers or clients but families. We each have our personal families, then our work family and as you commit to entrust us to handle your loved one or your services, you will become part of our Natchez Trace families.
Larry Chedotal, Jr.
CEO - Owner
Larry is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University. He has been working in the cemetery industry since he was 14 years old, beginning his career as a lawn attendant. He is the sole proprietor of Natchez Trace Funeral Home, Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory. Larry has been very active in the cemetery industry and has served two terms as President of the Mississippi Cemetery Association and also is Past President of the Southern Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (SCCFA). Larry is very supportive of the Madison Chapter Special Olympics donating all proceeds from the annual Easter Candle Light Vigil at Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery. Larry is a member of Madison “The City” Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Madison Chapter.
Shay Chedotal
President
Shay is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University. She currently serves as President of the organization. She graduated in December, 2005, with honors and received an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences in Funeral Service Technology. She is a licensed Embalmer and Certified Crematory Operator as well. She is the current Vice President for the MS Funeral Directors Association, the current Executive Director for the Mississippi Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association and is an Ambassador for the City of Madison. Shay has contributed many hours and resources to Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, Camp Bluebird, Special Olympics and Breast Cancer Awareness. Shay has a special place in her heart for the military and our Veterans.
Michael L. Hudgins
Manager, Funeral Director, Mortician, & Certified Cremationist
Michael is a native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana and graduated with honors from Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama with a degree in Mortuary Science. Michael, his wife Theresa, daughter Kaelon, and son Gavin have been residents of Madison, Mississippi since 1999. Michael is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the state of Mississippi, as well as, Alabama. He has been the funeral director licensee in charge of Natchez Trace Funeral Home since it's inception in 2003. In 2007, Michael was one of thirteen directors in the state of Mississippi to have first earned the right to use CFSP (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner). This honor is given to those practitioners who have documented 180 or more hours of continuing education during their career and maintain 20 hours of continuing education. Michael was the first funeral director from the State of Mississippi to attend the ICCFA (International Cemetery, Crematory, & Funeral Association) College of Cremation Services in Memphis, Tennessee and achieved Crematory Operator Certification. Michael did serve on Board of Advisors for the Mortuary Science program at Holmes Community College, Ridgeland Campus, and was elected by the citizens of Madison to serve as Alderman for Ward 5 in 2005 and continues to serve in that capacity to this day. Michael is a past Lt. Governor for the Central District of the Mississippi Funeral Director's Association (MFDA). Michael and his wife, Theresa, were the owners and operators of My Pets At Rest Pet Crematory.
Michael P. Green, CFSP Assistant Managing Funeral Director & Certified Cremationist
Michael is a native of Holly Bluff, Mississippi and he attended Yazoo County High School & Hinds Community College.
Michael, his wife Melissa, son Michael II, son Malachi, have been residents of Gluckstadt since 2011 & attends Parkway Pentecostal Church in Madison, Ms.
Michael, began his career in the funeral industry as a funeral attendant at the early age of 14 years old.
He is a Notary Public, Licensed Insurance Agent & became a Licensed Funeral Director in 2016 & became a Certified Crematory Operator in 2017.
On June 25, 2020, Michael successfully completed the requirements for the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) designation awarded by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, Inc. This achievement signifies a commitment to raise and improve the professional standards of funeral service practice and to pursue life-long learning. This designation shows a devotion to the highest levels of ethical care and service to bereaved families.
Michael, is a 33° Mason, Past Master & Member of Precious Jewel Lodge #215 Free & Accepted Masons in Madison, Ms., a Noble of Platta Temple Shriners.
Michael is also a member of the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association (MFDA), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), Mississippi Funeral Directors & Morticians Association (MFD&MA), Cremation Association of North America (CANA) Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA).
Michael, has received special gifts from the Shriners Hospitals for Children for his dedicated contributions to the cause. He also contributes to the American Diabetes Association, Mississippi Alzheimer’s Association, Supportive to the Madison County 1st Responders.
“As a Funeral Director, I will always uphold the Integrity and will forever have the desire to serve every family that I meet as I would my own family. Fore their is no greater feeling than having the pride and the right to smile & shed an honest tear when my heart is touched after I have served a family well.”
Brittany Chedotal Maugh
Cemetery and Preneed Funeral Consultant
Daughter and Granddaughter to the Chedotal Family, Brittany is married and has 2 children, Tristan & Chloe. She went to culinary school and started her career as a Chef. Brittany decided she needed a change of pace to spend more time with her family. She has been with the company since 2011, and can help with all of our your cemetery and funeral questions. Brittany also serves as a Board Member of the MS Cemetery Association.
Stephen Deal
Funeral Director
Steve Deal is a native of Columbus, OH and has lived in MS for over 20 years. He has attended Ridgeland High School & Holmes Community College. Steve has always felt the need to help others over himself, which has guided him here with Natchez Trace. Steve started in the Cemetery working his way up to his current position, Apprentice Funeral Director. Steve takes pride in helping to provide the utmost care, respect and service to our families.
Mitzi Tompkins
Executive Assistant
Mitzi joined our Natchez Family in April, 2020. She is a graduate of Delta State University in Cleveland, MS where she majored in Psychology and Sociology. While raising her three sons, now grown, she was active in homeschooling, Junior Auxiliary, Boys Scouts of America and other volunteer opportunities. Mitzi has recently located to the Madison area where she is enjoying and absorbing all that Madison has to offer.
