The Calling Hours is a collaboration between a thanatologist/funeral director and a filmmaker. We produce multimedia content in and around end-of-life topics, course design consultations, podcasts, and promotional media. We provide end-of-life support, grief coaching and weekly grief support groups.
In addition to working with death care professionals, we provide individuals non-traditional legacy work, audio and video keepsakes and life review interviews. Before we pass from this plane of existence, we need to reflect on the lives we have lived and get our affairs in order.
The greater mission of the Calling Hours is to grow death literacy in America and be a voice in the death positive movement.
About Us
William Turner
William Turner
William Turner
William Heath completed his degree in Mortuary Science from Miami Dade College, where he graduated with highest honors. William brings an intriguing set of skills and life experiences to his work as a licensed funeral director, all of which make him uniquely qualified in guiding families through the painful experience of loss and in helping them transform grief through ceremony and spiritual expression.
In past incarnations, William pursued work in the visual arts, both as an artist and curator connecting communities through his work at numerous museums and galleries. William’s early career took him from Gainesville, where he completed a B.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Florida (and where he opened his first gallery, The Art Store), to NYC, to Los Angeles, Austin, and internationally with the U.S. Consulate. Through his work as a curator and art director,
Bridging the professional, spiritual and artistic is of utmost importance to William. To that end and in his current capacity as a funeral director, he has rounded out his education with an End-of-Life Doula Certificate through the University of Vermont. William is currently in training as an interfaith minister at the Alliance of Divine Love while he concurrently volunteers at Haven Hospice.
With the heart and empathy of an artist and his skills in and knowledge of funeral services, William thoughtfully guides clients toward rituals and ceremonies that speak to that which is meaningful and comforting to them and that reflects the religious and family traditions that they hold close. William is also an enthusiastic proponent of Natural Burial, Alkaline Hydrolysis, and Natural Organic Reduction, and accordingly frequently speaks to groups about alternative disposition options. William volunteers with Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery.
Matthew Vonesh
William Turner
William Turner
Matthew Vonesh is a filmmaker & photographer from Gainesville, Florida. Matthew produces multimedia work for non-profits, educational institutions, and small businesses. His work focuses on human interest stories and creating legacy projects.
Matthew works under UF Creative Works as a Lead Editor, On Location Production Coordinator, and Staff Photographer. He produces promotional media for UF College of Pharmacy and the UF College of Medicine. He also works directly with the Lastinger Center for Learning to build multimedia content imbedded into online courses for teachers in the public school system.
Matthew is the head of multimedia production at The Calling Hours. He produces quality media deliverables and makes the experience with our clients feel warm and approachable. Matthew works with clients to customize the services we offer to fit their needs.
Matthew is the Director of Photography and Editor on an upcoming feature documentary called “Exit Strategy”. The film explores conversations around the death positive movement and how it is changing end-of-life practices in America.
As an Alachua County native, Matthew loves exploring the natural beauty of Florida and enjoys the freedom of paddle boarding in his spare time. You can find more of his work:
https://vimeo.com/matthewvonesh
https://www.behance.net/MATVONESHc593
Exit Strategy: From Scared to Sacred
Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, Gainesville, Fl
Figures at the forefront of the death positive movement
Virginia Chang, Ph.D. Certified End-of-Life Doula
Francesca Arnoldy author and curriculum creator of the EOL Doula Certificate Program at the University of Vermont
Reverend Jane Roy Licensed Funeral Director, Interfaith Minister, and Green Burial Advocate