ABOUT JERLENE

When I watched Dana and her family walk through her experience with natural burial for her mother, she often used the phrase, “It was so healing.” I was intrigued because I knew that I did not know what she meant. As I learned more about natural burial, though, I knew that I wanted to be a part of Ancient Path. We run our family farm as a sustainable, regenerative farm, and here was a befitting project that I believe is in keeping with our philosophy. I believe we should return to the historically traditional way of burying our loved ones, a tradition that allows nature to take it’s course in the burial process and in the grieving process for those left behind—so that both the land and our hearts can heal. In the time since we began Ancient Path, I participated with my family in burying my sister. That was very helpful to me in that it made me finally realize that particular kind of healing that takes place when we bury our own. 

A graduate of The University of Texas, Jerlene and her husband have raised five children and lost three precious little ones before birth. She is currently seeking doula certification for end of life care as well as for families who experience miscarriage.