History and Staff

Charlotte was born in Pineville, KY, and raised in Knox County, Kentucky, the daughter of Paul Edward and Cordie (Fredrick) Gambrel. Charlotte graduated from Knox Central High School and Union College.

Charlotte worked for TREMCO – TRU-SEAL for 10 years. In 2003, she joined Hampton Funeral Home in Barbourville, KY, under the instructions of Mr. Troy Hampton and his staff, where she first took role as a licensed pre-need service agent. In 2005, she obtained her funeral director license, promising to provide compassionate care and attention to each family she serves.

In 2012, Charlotte began attending mortuary college. She graduated from Southeastern Mortuary College in 2014 with an Associate of Applied Science degree, becoming a licensed embalmer.

Charlotte married JoWayne “Joe” Schell, the son of T.A. and Sylvia (Huff) Schell, in 2018. Together, they reside in Laurel County, KY and attend Valley Chapel Church. Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys being on the water and being outdoors.

Charlotte is the former manager, funeral director and embalmer, and pre-need insurance agent of O’Neil-Lawson Funeral Home and London Funeral Home.

Due to the passing of a brother, Paul Edward Gambrel Jr., sister-in-law, Wendy, and her father, Paul Edward Gambrel, Charlotte knows first-hand what it's like to experience sickness and the unexpected loss of a loved one; thus, she wishes to help families at a most heartbreaking and difficult time.

Charlotte joined Hampton Celebration of Life Funeral Chapel in 2024 and currently holds the positions of business partner, manager, licensed funeral director and embalmer, and pre-need service agent.

With the help of the Lord Charlotte hopes to continue to assist, help, and serve the families of Laurel and surrounding counties.

Mikayla was born and raised in London, Kentucky, the youngest daughter of Freddie Joe and Kathy (Dearner) Burns. She graduated from North Laurel High School in 2021. In 2023, she began attending FINE Mortuary College in pursuit of an Associate of Applied Science degree.

In 2025, she joined Hampton Celebration of Life Funeral Chapel as a funeral attendant, before becoming an apprentice funeral director and embalmer under the supervision and guidance of Charlotte Schell.

Outside of work, Mikayla enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on road trips, watching movies, baking, reading and writing, and playing board games. She is a member of Carmichael Community Church.

Mikayla is deeply passionate about being of service to her community and maintaining a comforting and empathetic nature in working with families. It is her honor to help guide your lost loved ones to their next life.