Our Team

George Barry Hamann

Manager/Funeral Service Licensee

I’ve come home. In February of 1994 I walked into the doors of Claytor Rollins Funeral Home a scared young man who had absolutely no experience in any aspect of funeral service. I was Claytor Rollins’ first apprentice. For the next two years I was well trained in every aspect of funeral service. I washed cars, mowed the lawn, kept up the landscaping, vacuumed, dusted and, of course, learned the many facets of funeral service. I chose to go to Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science near Atlanta, Georgia and earned my Associates Degree with honors in mortuary science. Upon returning to Claytor Rollins I began my formal career as a licensed director. Shortly thereafter I married my wife Marie, and, with that union, I inherited a beautiful family which included two sons Stephen and Chris and my daughter Kellyn. I also have two beautiful grandsons. I made a few career changes after that time to support my family and those changes took me to many local funeral homes. I have come full circle and home to Claytor Rollins with the insight, knowledge and best practices of all those I have met along the way. I would be a lesser person today without all of the folks that helped and encouraged me to become who I am. I am grateful to you all.

How could I have ever imagined that I would start as that scared apprentice, and today, find myself as the manager of Claytor Rollins Funeral Home where it all started for me over 29 years ago? I am honored to again work in the community which has become my home. Yes, I understand that I am still a “come here” and known mostly as “Marie’s husband” or “Margaret Lee’s son-in-law”, and I’m okay with that. I love Poquoson with all that I am and I will serve this community with honor and humility.

I came from a very small farming community in Western New York where we counted the cows in the census to make us look bigger. I know, understand, and love my small town home of Victor, New York and my 30 year newfound small town home of Poquoson. I promise to be here for the best of times and hold you close during the hardest times. My children and grandchildren call me “Pop” and you are welcome to do the same. I am here for you.

To help me decompress I write poetry and collect history through coins and well written books of the ages.

Telephone: 1-757-868-6641

Email: 

Jennefer R. Polak

Funeral Service Licensee

Kellyn M. Dunn

Office Manager / Funeral Service Intern

Kellyn is a native of Poquoson and the youngest employee ever employed at Claytor Rollins. She attended Poquoson High School and Thomas Nelson Community College, and now intends to follow in her Pop’s (George) footsteps and pursue Mortuary Science and earn her degree.

In Spring of 2023, Kellyn earned her Associates in Applied Science at Tidewater Community College in Funeral Service, majoring in Funeral Directing. 

Prior to starting her career at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Kellyn spent eight years in the veterinary field.

In 2015, she was diagnosed with a tumor in the Broca’s Area of her brain. She underwent an awake craniotomy at the University of Virginia in August of 2016. Following the surgery, she went through therapy to regain her speech, and has consistently had MRIs to monitor the tumor's progress.

Kellyn loves to run, hike, play video games and enjoys being out on the water with her family. 

“Follow your heart – but take your brain with you.” – Alfred Adler

Susan Downs Herring

In Memoriam

Susan is a Poquoson native and graduate of Poquoson High School Class of 1980. She is the daughter of the late Wiley & "Peachie" Downs. For more than 18 years Susan worked for Dr. Dawn T. Hunt, DDS and still misses seeing her patients. Formally, she was the  full time Owner & Concierge at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. She is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday school teacher. She also is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Poquoson Volunteer Fire Department, and on the "Etching Out A Cure" Relay for Life Team. Susan is married to Rick Herring and together they make their home with "Bubba", "Lil Ricky", and newest edition "Winnie" (their cats) in "Bull Island" while enjoying the sunshine, beach, & boating.

Robert M. Insley, Jr.

In Memoriam

Bob was born in the Messick area of Poquoson to the late Bob & Rea Insley. He and his wife, Edith Wade Insley, have two children a son Kenneth and a daughter Gail Beagle, two grandsons Matthew and Michael Beagle, and one great grandson, Thomas Mitchell Beagle. Bob began his working career with NNSDD Co. and joined Dow Chemical Company in 1963, in its fibers division located in Williamsburg, which later became B.A.S.F. Corporation. He worked in many departments before retiring in 1998 as a Saftey and Ecology supervisor at its Dalton, Ga. location with 35 years of service. Bob is a life member of the Poquoson Volunteer Fire Department and is currently serving as their President. He is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class, and a member of the J.O.U.A.M. Yorktown Council #66. He enjoys boating, fishing,wood working, and driving his 1957 Chevy classic. He has enjoyed working with everyone at CRFH since 2003.

Robert V. Insley, Jr.

Funeral Assistant

I am a native and lifelong resident of Poquoson. I graduated from Poquoson High School in 1965. I was in the Marine Corp. Reserves for 6 years. I am married to Joy Roberts Insley. We have one son, Darrell, and three grandchildren. I retired in May 2007 from Sam's Club after 15 years. Prior to being with Sam's Club, I was employed by A & P Supermarkets for 25 years. I am a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Trinity Men's Club, and the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class. Also, I am a member of the Poquoson Masonic Lodge No. 49, and the Poquoson Museum. I love to travel and see new & different places.

John N. "Jack" Rhoads

Funeral Assistant

Jack is a native of Maryland and a graduate of the University of Delaware. Following college, he started a thirty-seven year sojourn with Western Electric and AT&T, retiring from their Denver Works in 1989. He and his wife, Louise, will celebrate fifty years of marriage in September, 2009. They have a son, Michael in Louisiana and a daughter, Susan in Hampton. They also have four grandchildren. Louise and Jack belong to Tabernacle UMC in Poquoson and participate in the music programs there. They enjoy volunteering at the YMCA and taking cruises from Norfolk, whenever possible. Jack appreciates the opportunity to serve in a traditional service in a community steeped in tradition and history.

Thomas "Tom " Gooding

Funeral Assistant

Alice Firth

Funeral Assistant

Royal N. Greer, Jr.

Funeral Assistant

Marie Watkins Hamann

Funeral Assistant

Harriet Lane Page Forrest

Organist

Harriet is a native of Poquoson and is the surviving child of Emmitt and Marion Page. Her husband is William W. (Billy) Forrest. They have two children, Martha and Bryan who have presented them with two grandsons, Ian and Dylan. Also one grandaughter Kyra Lane. Harriet is music coordinator for Trinity United Methodist Church where she directs the Geo. W. Amos Men's Chorus and a Ladies Ensemble, The Larks. She is also a member of Chancel Choir. She has been the organist for the Claytor Rollins Funeral Home since 1970. "God has blessed me with a talent I can share with all people."

Grover Dunn

Pup Support

My name is Grover! I'm a 9 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. My mom, Kellyn, brings me to work everyday! I enjoy treats and helping families during their time with us. 

I am often caught napping, chewing sticks, or eating pine cones so my mom and grandpa can clean up the mess.

Sometimes I'm shy, but I'm a lovebug when you need it most.