Rachel Lewis Allee, a former high school English teacher, looks forward to writing devotionals for next year’s edition of Appointment with God. She has served on Hanna Zhu’s Ministry Consultation Committee, and she and her husband, Jonathan, are members of the Young Couples class. They are the proud parents of Aubrey and Virginia Rae.
Sarah E. Amick AlZubi joined FBC in 2015. She rings handbells, sings in Church Choir and One Accord, and serves on the Compassion Ministry Board. She participated in mission trips to China, Toronto, Romania and Bosnia. Sarah met her husband, who is from Jordan, at VCU, where she worked almost 12 years. She loves to travel and get to know people.
Brenda Lee Andrews formerly served as Community Missions Associate, ministering to the homeless after a 30-year career as a draftsman for Bell Atlantic Telephone. She has been a member of First Baptist Church since 1995. Her passion is the homeless and providing them with their needs. Her biggest joy in life is her son, Benjamin.
Anne Ball served as the Chairman for the Search Team for the Minister of Christian Formation. Anne is active in Women’s Ministry, FirstRingers, and has served on several teams. She is a Realtor in the Richmond area.
Beth Bayless, a native of North Carolina, was a registered dietitian for almost 50 years. Beth sings in the Church Choir and JoySingers, and is a member of the Builder’s Class. Now retired, Beth enjoys taking Osher Lifelong Learning classes at the University of Richmond, going to ACAC (an exercise center) and chasing the goal of finishing a family history.
Susan Beach served as editor of First Things First 2008-2017. She and her husband, David, have been members of First Baptist Church since 1981. She is a Deacon, a member of the Endowment Fund Board and a member of the Prayer Ministry Team. The Beaches have two children, Kendra and Justin, both of whom grew up in the FBC youth ministry.
Mimi Bennett is a women’s health nurse practitioner who worked in the OB-GYN Department at VCUHS before retirement in 2012. She now volunteers at CrossOver Health Ministry. She and her husband, Richard, have two adult children and one grandson. They have been FBC members since 2016 and attend the Shalom Sunday School Class.
Andy Berry served as the Interim Minister of Engagement. After growing up at Richmond’s First Baptist Church and serving as an intern under Lynn Turner, Andy served in family ministry in churches in Charlotte, NC and Richmond, VA. He is passionate about the local church and works everyday to awaken wonder for God in the heart of every child and grownup he meets.
Susan Bethel serves with Charlie Ball as coordinator of FBC’s CARITAS involvement. Susan volunteers at Grace Fellowship and is a First Responder. She is an RN at MCV, working as a Liver Cancer and Transplant Coordinator, and is a hospice nurse for New Century Hospice. Susan treasures spending time with family.
Paul Bickford is a father of three and a husband of one to Alexa. He works at Apex Systems, a national IT recruiting firm, where he manages the enterprise software systems. Since 1999, Paul has participated in the Communication Ministry operating cameras and directing. He enjoys photography, piano and participating in boot camp classes.
Steve Blanchard is FBC’s Associate Pastor for Compassion. He has a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education. Steve enjoys traveling and watching the Duke Blue Devils. Steve and his wife, Susan, have two daughters, Molly and Menley, two of his greatest joys.
Steve Booth served as FBC’s Associate Pastor for Christian Formation. He also served as an adjunctive faculty member for Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Steve recently received the Doctor of Ministry degree from Andover Newton Theological School in Boston, MA. Together he and his wife, Martha, have six children and ten grandchildren.
Debbie Boykin is a nurse practitioner and medical consultant for the International Mission Board and is married to Dr. Joseph Boykin. Dr. Flamming, instrumental in their coming to FBC, married them 35 years ago. They have three children, Joey, Katie and Rachel.
Alice Brette served on staff as Digital Content Specialist at First Baptist Church. She maintained the church website, did Graphic Design and served occasionally as a photographer. She has two daughters, Morgan and Nicole. She volunteers as the Troop Leader for Girl Scout Troop 225, and also enjoys planting flowers and vegetables in her garden.
Allen Brown was Minister of Music in Baptist churches in North Carolina and Virginia, before becoming Director, Department of Church Music, at the Virginia Baptist General Board, from 1962 until his 1993 retirement. He has served the Music Ministry of Richmond’s First Baptist in many ways, including as a member of the search team that brought Becky Payne to FBC.
Candi Brown served as Children’s Minister from 2007-2021, directing the Preschool and Children’s Ministry and shaping spiritual formation of our children. She has led and participated in mission trips to Arkansas, Slovakia, China, Costa Rica, South Africa and St. Lucia. Candi and her husband, Matthew, have five children, Madison, Adam, Jonathan, Thomas and Jason.
Lorna Brown was born and raised in England, but has lived in Richmond for the past 23 years. She has a BBA from Western Florida University, an MBA from University of Phoenix and is a retired accountant. Lorna joined FBC in 1997, is a member of the FLO Crew, serves as a Deacon, and has been on several mission trips.
Matthew Brown met his wife Candi at First Baptist Church, where she is the Children’s Minister. They have three children, Madison, Adam and Jonathan, and are adopting two boys, Hassan and Husein. Matthew works as a paralegal. In his free time he enjoys cooking for his friends and family, and photography.
Susan Brown has found a wonderful community in For Ladies Only, Women On Mission, Upward Basketball, the Baptism Committee, the Weekday Early Education Board, FBC Budget Team and the Buddy Hamilton Sunday School Class. She enjoys serving others as Jesus leads, time spent with family, and sharing photos with others.
Lee Byerly is married to Lisa. He teaches in the Travelers Adult Bible Fellowship. Lee has a Master of Arts in Teaching in the specific area of elementary education and is a certified tennis teaching professional. He delights in anything their daughter, Rachel, is involved in. In his free time, Lee enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding and golf.
Lisa Byerly and her husband, Lee, have a daughter, Rachel. Lisa is a logistician at Fort Lee. At FBC she serves on the Formation Ministry Team, is a deacon and member of the Travelers Adult Bible Fellowship. She completed FBC’s 2015 Legacy of Leadership program. Lisa enjoys traveling, walking, photography, and watching college football and basketball.
Ann Whitfield Carter, Minister to students, joined First Baptist in 1992 and met her husband, David, in the church choir. They have been singing together ever since. When Ann is not working, she is managing her kids’ busy lives, singing with the Richmond Symphony Chorus, or drinking coffee to fuel her for whatever is next on her agenda.
A longtime FBC member and married to Mark, Janet Chase serves on the church staff as Media Designer. She volunteers on TV crew and Women’s Ministry team. She believes there’s never a bad day at the beach, but otherwise enjoys yoga, biking, cooking, listening to music—from baroque to bluegrass—and reading or surfing the web at home.
Nancy Chewning is a board member of U-TURN Sports Performance Academy. At FBC, she is a deacon, a member of Mustard Seed Class, has sung in the choir since 1988, and served on the 2006 Senior Pastor Search Committee.
Since Joyce Clemmons joined First Baptist in 1984, she has served on multiple teams, is a deacon, and has chaired the Personnel, Budget, Finance, Stewardship, and Nominating Committees. Joyce represents FBC on the Executive Team of the Richmond Baptist Association, and is a student at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.
Dr. Allison Collier joined the staff in February 2021 as the Minister of Christian Formation. Allison has her D. Min from Campbell University and previously served as Asso. Pastor at Angier Baptist Church in Angier, NC. Allison is married to Jared, a school counselor, and they have two sons, Josiah and Liam.
Sean Cook served as part-time Production Technician with the FBC Communication Team. Since moving to the U.S. from England, he founded Eyes and Ears Communications, Inc., specializing in editing and video production. Sean, his wife, Annette, and their son, Oswald, feel truly blessed to be part of FBC.
Heather Creswick is a mother of two Scouts and a Golden Retriever. She is a genetic counselor at Massey Cancer Center and faculty in the School of Medicine.
Allen Cumbia is Director of Communication Technology at FBC. He and his wife, Hope, have four daughters: Erin, Jensine, Skyler, and Elise. He enjoys being outdoors, camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, raising chickens, goats and honeybees. He also likes traveling and reading.
Erin Cumbia has grown up at First Baptist Church. After graduating from Liberty University she moved back to Richmond and is now working as an Account Executive at SageView Advisory Group. She is currently very involved in the Young Professionals Sunday School class and has the honor of serving as a deacon.
Skyler Cumbia was a student at Radford University. Her passions include photography, and she has served FBC as a TV camera operator in the sanctuary. Skyler also plays the piano and violin and takes delight in arranging her own music. She was a Venturer with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, and served in Ghana, Romania and Haiti.
Bart Dalton is a former Minister to Students at First Baptist Church. He is married to Marianne, and they have two sons, Joey and Robbie. Bart believes that we learn and grow best when we work together and when we play together. He enjoys creating ways for students and parents to work side-by-side, and to play absolutely epic and mind-blowing games.
Virginia Darnell came to FBC in 1946 and helped organize the church’s first young couples class and one of the first in the Southern Baptist Convention. She taught singles for 38 years, served on most church committees, was ordained a deacon in 1978, and served as the first woman deacon chair in 1995-96. She is currently Church Historian.
Nick Deere, born and raised in Houston, is a former pastoral resident at First Baptist Church. He received an Master of Divinity from Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University, a master’s in economics from the University of Texas, and his undergraduate degree from Baylor. Nick enjoys watching movies, reading, and attempting to play basketball.
Mary Ann Delano joined FBC in 1982 and married her husband Chip here. Their grown sons grew up in church, both portraying Joseph in the Christmas pageant. She has been active in Women on Mission and teaching missions to all ages, serving on many church teams and as deacon chair. She enjoys travel, gardening, reading and spending time with family.
Karen DeMarino serves as our Social Outreach Coordinator. Karen works part-time with the Diocese of Richmond’s Department of Education as marketing director for 29 Catholic schools in Virginia. She is marketing consultant for All Saints Catholic School and serves on their marketing board. Karen has two adult teens, Adreanna and John, and a rescue pup, Scruffy.
Robert Dilday (deceased) served as a deacon, taught Sunday school classes and was involved in the church’s music and worship programs. He was Editor in Chief of Baptist News Global before his faith journey led him to explore a more in-depth contemplative spirituality and Episcopalian priesthood.
Sheila Dixon joined First Baptist in 1989. She serves as an usher and greeter on the First Impressions Team, a member of The Walthall Guild, Treasurer of the Seekers Sunday school class and former Story Coordinator for First Things First. She is married to Charlie and enjoys crocheting, crafting and baking.
Jeannie Dortch joined FBC in 1974 after being lovingly mentored by the members of Buddy Hamilton’s Sunday school class. A grandmother of four and a retired teacher, Jeannie has served as a deacon, taught in FBC’s children, youth, international, and adult Sunday school departments. She is presently a member of the Studio Class.
Donna Earley joined the staff in 2018 and now serves as the Director of Stewardship and Development. In her new position, Donna develops initiatives to grow church contributions and encourages engagement through stewardship. Donna and her husband Brad are longtime members along with their two daughters, Mary Sage and Sarah.
Mary Sage Earley grew up at FBC and was active in the youth group. She attended the Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, where she was captain of the swim team. Mary Sage is studying chemical engineering at Virginia Tech.
Charlotte Kingery Evans joined FBC in 1981. She is a deacon and team teacher, and volunteers with Community Missions. She serves the Formation Team and chairs the Transition Team. A graduate of VA Tech, she holds a master’s degree from VCU and a Master of Divinity from BTSR. She is a retired chaplain and enjoys traveling with her husband Joe.
Matthew Franklin is a student at George Mason University where he is studying outdoor recreation. He hopes that one day he can help people grow in their relationships with God and others using the outdoors. At GMU, Matthew is a student leader with the campus ministry Cru. He grew up at FBC and graduated from the youth group in 2013.
Michael Gerace is a Chaplain at the Richmond City Jail where he leads a regular weekly worship service and provides pastoral counseling to inmates on the drug recovery tier. Formerly he worked as a research chemist, inventor and business owner. He is currently in his final year of seminary at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.
Cathy Gaunt and her husband, Gary, have two daughters: Ashley and Rachel. Cathy works at the Federal Reserve Bank as an Accounting Analyst. Cathy joined FBC in 1988, is a deacon, a member of Foundations Sunday School Class, and is active in missions work within the church. In her free time she enjoys running, cycling and hiking.
Mike Gill and his wife, Sherry, have attended First Baptist since 1999. They have two children, Lane and Lindsey. Mike is Director of Middle Schools for Chesterfield County.
Win Grant has attended FBC since birth. He has served the Television Ministry since its inception and is currently on the Communication Board. He is a lawyer for the U.S. Justice Department. As co-author of Stolen Asset Recovery, Win speaks world-wide on assisting countries to recover assets transferred abroad by corrupt leaders.
Karen Wood Grizzard is from the Shenandoah Valley and graduated from James Madison University. She works as a Business Supervisor in the Henrico County Attorney’s Office. Karen serves on the Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services Board and the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards.
Betty Jane Hagan grew up in the mountains of Virginia. She is the mother of three adult daughters. Betty Jane joined FBC in 2008 and is a member of the Journey Sunday school class. Currently, she lives at Richmond Hill Retreat Center and serves as an intern with Bon Secours Community Services, working in the East End.
Annette Hall retired after 38 years with the International Mission Board. She continues to work with the Strategic Scripture Resources Team of the IMB and trains national teams to craft Bible stories in their mother tongues. Before being appointed by the IMB, Annette taught nursing and was a member of FBC and active in the singles ministry.
Franklin Hamilton, a third-generation member of First Baptist, is a real estate broker with Hamilton Realty and Development. He is married to Linda and has five children and three grandchildren. Franklin has a passion for the active and contemplative dimension of spiritual development in everyday life. He enjoys reading and all outdoor activities.
Alex Hamp has been educating and nurturing young children and their families for the past twenty-five years; first as a Kindergarten teacher, and then as a preschool teacher here at First Baptist. She has served as the Director of the Preschool since 2014. Alex and her husband, Dave, have four children who keep them busy!
Shawnee Weitzel Hansen is founder and president of Richmond Friends of the Homeless, a non-profit which provides nourishing meals and services to the disadvantaged in our community. Shawnee was recently named the YWCA Woman of the Year in Human Relations and Living the Faith. She loves spending time with her grandchildren and traveling.
Shannon Harton is married to Heather and father to Maggie Rose who makes every day even more fun than the last. He is a deacon and member of New Beginnings class at FBC. He began his real estate career with the Walt Disney World Company and enjoys taking his family back for visits. Shannon now sells residential real estate in Richmond.
Dean Hawthorne is a Richmond-based photographer and digital artist who provides imaging services for advertising agencies and commercial clients. A former professional pilot, Dean continues flying for aerial photography assignments. Dean is married to Judy Williams Carpenter and has two children, Hillary and Alex.
Jeanne Hechler has attended First Baptist for many years and is a deacon. She is a member of the Mustard Seed class. She enjoys participating in mission trips with First Baptist groups and volunteers with WMU missions activities.
Richie Hilbert and her husband, Lee, have two adult children and seven grandchildren. She facilitates a weekday small-group Bible study, serves as a Deacon, volunteers in Community Missions’ homeless ministry, and contributes to the Appointment With God devotional book. Richie enjoys being with her family, playing golf, gardening, and reading.
According to one wise five-year-old, Mary Hiteman, retired associate minister for the Weekday Preschool at Richmond’s First Baptist Church, “is the boss of the school who tells us Bible stories each Monday.” Her great blessing is being a grandmother to Hayden. Together they enjoy gardening, camping, the beach, and reading.
Deborah Hocutt, former literary manager, now a full-time mom, is part of the FBC Prodigal Project. She is a member of the Disciples Adult Bible Fellowship. She and her husband, Daniel, are the proud parents of two amazing daughters, Sydney and Emily. Deborah is an avid reader and has a passion for cooking.
Brett Holmes Pastoral Resident at FBC, 2016-2018, received a Master of Divinity degree s from Truett Seminary in Waco, TX. Brett loves to read, play golf and watch sports. He especially loves to read theology but is pushing himself to read more fiction and poetry. Brett and his wife, Dani, are both excited to get to know Richmond and First Baptist.
Susan Hughes is a retired high school English teacher. She joined FBC in 1985 and currently serves as a deacon, youth Sunday school teacher, and Church Choir member. She is married to John, and has two adult children, David and Ellen. Susan enjoys reading, cooking, needlework, and watching hummingbirds.
Originally from Michigan, Lori Humrich joined FBC in 2012 and was baptized in the James River. She met David at First Baptist and they married in 2014. Lori is a member of the Seekers Class, former director of Leadership FBC, and liaison for the Lambs Class. Wednesdays find her helping Beanie in the kitchen. Lori has three children and one grandchild.
Fred James is a Media Specialist for Henrico County, Virginia. He and his wife, Julie, who teaches Pre- K enrichment classes at Lakeside Presbyterian Weekday Preschool, have two children, Ian and Phoebe. They sing in the church choir, are active in the Children’s Ministry, and perform gospel music at Richmond-area retirement communities.
Stephanie Kim, Director of Finance for the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, is an active member of FBC and often participates in worship services as flutist. She resides in Mechanicsville with her daughters. Her writing is found in the Faith and Values section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Becky Kyle has been attending FBC since she was a college student and joined FBC in 1984. Since then, she has served in many FBC ministries, taught children in Sunday school and volunteered with VBS since the late 1990s. She works part-time for Fleet Auto Tag & Title Service. James and Becky have two children, Sarah and Aaron.
Michael Donovan Lacy has served FBC as a Deacon and is currently the Student Ministry Assistant. He has lived in three different countries and loves experiencing different cultures and cuisines. Michael is married to Shawnae Lacy and they have two biological children Darius, 22 and Justin, 17. This year they finalized the adoption of Tia, 5 and Leo, 3.
Carrie Larson met her husband, Mark, at First Baptist. Their daughter, Ashley, grew up in the church. Carrie is a deacon, a member of the Next Step Bible Study Class and serves on the Communion Team. She is an engineer with the US Army at Fort Belvoir. She and Mark enjoy introducing international students to American holidays.
Mark Larson serves as co-chair of the 2020 Vision and Oversight Teams. He is a deacon and teller, but most known for his long service as a preschool teacher and Scout leader. A recently-retired architect, Mark now volunteers as Council Commissioner for Central Virginia Scouting. He and Carrie were married at First Baptist in 1982.
Bruce Leary and his wife, Debbie, have three children, Jeffrey, Allison and Brandon. Bruce serves as a Deacon, as a teacher of the Next Step Sunday School class, and is active in the Walk to Emmaus ministry. He practices general and cosmetic dentistry in Midlothian and enjoys golf and fishing. He and Debbie are avid Florida Gator fans.
Karen Linkous joined First Baptist in 2008. She and her husband, Bob, attend the Seekers Adult Bible Fellowship and completed the Legacy of Leadership program. Karen serves on Finance and Teller Teams. She is a senior manager with the Global Finance project delivery team at Capital One and enjoys gardening, decorating and reading.
Elizabeth Lipford and her husband, Michael have been members of FBC since 1993. She home schools their three daughters, Aylett, Ellen and Mary Michael. Elizabeth has been a leader with Girls in Action and Vacation Bible School and helps with youth events throughout the year. She is a member of the Disciples Sunday school class.
Ellen Lipford is now a student at Liberty University. As a high schooler, she was an active member of the youth group, youth choir, youth bell choir, and Girls’ Ensemble at Richmond’s First Baptist Church. She enjoys singing, horseback riding, playing the mandolin, and having the wonderful opportunity of working alongside others to spread the good news of Christ.
Michael Lipford is a deacon, Endowment Board member, and teacher of the Disciples Sunday morning Bible study. He and Elizabeth have three daughters, Aylett, Ellen and Mary Michael. He is the Southern U.S. Division Director for The Nature Conservancy. He enjoys gardening, hunting, fishing, hiking, and doing wildlife and landscape illustrations.
Bill Loving is an architect, a graduate of Virginia Tech and a Rotarian. He has 21 years of perfect attendance with the West Richmond Rotary Club. Originally from Chesterfield, Bill now lives in the museum district. Bill has had 20+ years of volleyball at FBC and loves to sing. He is a member of the Church Choir and the Men’s Ensemble.
Rodney Macklin joined the FBC support staff in 2019 as the audio-video production technician. He graduated from JMU with degrees in Mass Communications and English. His video production career has involved local and state government, news production and the private sector. Rodney lives in the West End with his wife Stacia and their two children, Logan and Natalie.
Nancy Mairs joined Richmond’s First Baptist Church in the early 1990s and is a member of the Studio Class. She retired from the Regulatory Affairs group at Dominion Virginia Power, and enjoys hiking, canoeing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Jim, and son, Jack.
Susan Marshall joined the FBC staff as administrative assistant in the Ministry of Christian Worship in 1998. A native of North Carolina and a graduate of the School of Music at UNC at Greensboro, she has taught public school music and directed adult, youth and children’s choirs. Susan assisted with Carol Choir and rang with the Joyful Ringers before she retired.
Scott Medina’s photography teacher in high school saw his talent in photography and encouraged it. Following school, he developed this interest while maintaining a full-time work schedule. He comments: “Photography means a great deal to me. It’s a recreation, it’s a hobby. It’s a way to record, share and bring the things I see to others.”
Phil Mitchell has been Associate Pastor for Christian Worship at FBC since 2001. Libby and Phil are from Nashville, TN. Their daughter, Erin Thomas, lives in Savannah, GA with husband, Olin, and their two children. Their son, Austin, lives in Washington, DC. Phil loves writing, reading nonfiction, and playing golf.
FBC member Len Morrow was a native of central Virginia. With a PhD from Cornell University, Len taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, Randolph-Macon College, and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. He instructed Master Gardeners and was a volunteer gardener with Richmond Public Schools and with FBC. Len died in 2014.
Vicky Nicholau serves with Charlie Ball as coordinator of FBC’s CARITAS involvement. Vicky is chair of the Compassion Ministry Board and volunteers with FBC’s Community Missions, Bake and Take Team, S.M.I.L.E., and C.E.A.S.E. She owns Letting Go, LLC which organizes homes and conducts estate sales. Vicky is an ordained Interfaith Minister.
Theresa Norton and her husband, Mark, have two sons, Trevor and Ryan. She has an M.S. in Gerontology from VCU and was a Senior Living Consultant at Covenant Woods and The Hermitage. Currently she is a stay-at-home mom, doing part-time research. Theresa is a Deacon, in the Disciples Sunday school class, and the women’s ministry.
Jim and Wendy Norvelle met at First Baptist Church and were married in 1983. Jim sings in the choir and serves as president of the Endowment Fund. Wendy serves as a deacon. The Norvelles have two daughters, Laura and Kate, and two grandchildren to spoil.
Allie Osborne, a student at Christopher Newport University, studies Communication with a concentration in Rhetorical Criticism. She grew up at FBC, where she was active in Youth 2 Sunday school, Choir and Girls’ Ensemble. In 2016 Allie served as a summer intern with the Youth Ministry; she looks forward to a future in ministry.
Rebecca Ozmore is an elementary school counselor for Henrico County Public Schools. She and her husband, Gerry, have two sons, Grant and Charley, who keep them very busy. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys cooking, reading, writing, and being outdoors. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and looks forward to Hokie football every fall.
Becky Payne, retired Associate Minister of Music/Organist at FBC, continues to serve on staff part-time as Pastoral Care Associate. She is a native of Mississippi, but now calls Richmond “home.” In her semi-retirement she enjoys reading, fishing, traveling, teaching a Bible class at Lakewood, and directing the Youth Girls’ Ensemble.
Steve Perky and his wife, Rachel, work with churches as guides, helping them vision how ministry applied technologies can reach and disciple people in our converged digital, physical culture. Steve served as a volunteer on the Communication Advisory team. He serves as the Directional Leader for Technology Services at The Saint Paul‘s Baptist Church in RVA.
Nancy Pettigrew has taught 5th and 6th grade Sunday school since 1981. She has also worked in other areas of the Children’s Ministry, as well as within children’s choirs. Nancy serves as a deacon, leads the Prayer Ministry Team, is active in Catalyst Prayer, and is a First Responder. Nancy is a retired nurse and loves spending time with her family.
Shearer Pettigrew is a deacon and teaches kindergarten at First Baptist. She and her husband, Tommy Pusser, were married at First Baptist in 1995. They have two children, Jack and Skyler. Shearer has taught Sunday School in the Children’s Ministry, served on numerous teams, and completed the Legacy of Leadership Program in 2015.
Julie Pierce has taught preschool Sunday school and RAs/Mission Force, chaired the Pre-school and Youth teams, worked with the Divorce Recovery Workshop, and led two pastor search committees. Julie has served FBC by showing Christ’s love to our New American friends. She is retired from the International Mission Board.
Justin Pierson, Pastoral Resident at FBC, holds a Master of Divinity from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and a Master of Theology from Union Presbyterian Seminary. His theological interests revolve around the intersection of faith, culture and justice. Justin enjoys traveling and cooking with his wife, Tori.
Jane Powell, a member of the Journey Bible study class, has served in the church choir and in community missions. Currently her focus is on lobbying the state and federal legislatures to protect the severely intellectually disabled of Virginia. She has testified publicly and met with members of state government and the U. S. Department of Justice.
David Powers is president of Belltower Pictures and directed the company’s first feature film, SHOOTING THE PRODIGAL. He has served Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, the International Mission Board, and FBC from 1993 to 2013. David has worked in 25 countries producing documentaries and directing two dramatic feature films.
Devra Powers is a member of the Church Choir and One Accord, and works with children’s choirs. She and her husband, David, have been members of First Baptist for 30 years. They are blessed with sons, Alex and Preston, and grandchilden, Gabe and Miranda. She retired in 2011 after serving as a public school teacher for 39 years.
Retired teacher, school counselor, and mother of three, Shirley Ramsey, joined First Baptist Church in 1990 where she served as a teacher to students and Youth Advisory Committee member. A founding Board Member of the VA Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Shirley brings awareness to suicide prevention.
Karen Riggs, a longtime member of FBC, serves as a Deacon since 2014. She has one son and three fabulous grandchildren! She volunteers with the Divorce Recovery Ministry. Karen, retired from HCPS, works for the Senate of Virginia, and teaches yoga part-time. Karen loves to read and cycle.
Kathy Rock and her husband, Bill, have four sons and five grandkids. Kathy is an Exceptional Education Teacher at J. R. Tucker High School. She is a deacon and enjoys working with the Youth II Sunday School, leading the Music Makers choir for first and second graders, singing in the Church Choir, and playing handbells with the FirstRingers.
Sandra Saunders was born and still lives in Chesterfield county, taught in high school three years and worked at University of Richmond for 30 years. She has two daughters and four grandchildren. A member since 2013, Sandra serves with the Hamilton Sunday school class, communion team and international students through FBC.
Darvin Satterwhite and his wife, Flo, have three children: John, Darcy, and Emily. David, Flo and Emily, became part of FBC in July 2008. Darvin taught the Footprints Sunday school class for a number of years. He has a predominantly civil law practice in Goochland County and now pastors Forest Hill Baptist Church in Gordonsville, VA.
Meredith Booth Sheldon teaches math at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School in Richmond. When a member at FBC Richmond, she enjoyed serving as a youth ministry volunteer and taking part in local and international mission trips. She and her husband, Josh, love traveling, being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Sandy Shelton and husband, Emerson, joined FBC in 2016. A retired Christian Educator, Sandy enjoys being a part of FBC’s Adult Formation Committee, Joy Singers and Church Choir. Sandy’s retirement days with Emerson, playing in her string trio with dear friends and wonderful moments with grand kids are among her cherished blessings from God.
Clint Smith has attended Richmond’s First Baptist Church since 2005 and led the Young Couples class with his wife, Sally Ann, since 2013. They live in the Near West End with their two children, Bellamy and Rhett.
Sally Ann Smith teaches 8th grade English at St. Catherine’s School. She serves on the Ministry Consultation Committee for Hanna Zhu, contributes devotionals to Appointment with God, and is an active member of the young couples class with her husband, Clint. Sally Ann and Clint reside in the Near West End and are proud parents of two children.
Katie Smith grew up in Winston-Salem, NC, and met her husband, Van, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. She served as an academic adviser at several community colleges before beginning to work part-time for Van’s family law firm, Smith Strong, PLC. Van and Katie are the proud parents of Farah Lee Smith.
Truman Smith and his family joined FBC in 1987. His work in Family Ministry (now Member Care) to missionaries at the International Mission Board has uniquely gifted him as a teacher in the Acts of Faith Class. He and his wife, Gwen, have three children and four grandchildren.
Dr. Jim Somerville is the 16th Pastor of Richmond’s First Baptist Church. Born in Alabama and raised in West Virginia, he claims he got to Richmond, “as quickly as I could.” He is married to Christy Treadwell Somerville and is the father of two adult daughters: Ellie McNevin and Catherine Somerville. He became a grandfather recently, and is teaching his grandson, Leo, to call him “Opa!”
Jackie and Bob Spears have been married for 48 years, have four children, and have lived in Richmond for 41 years. Jackie grew up in Richmond; Bob is from a military family and grew up all over. They were married at FBC where Jackie attended, and where her mother, Jackie Booth (later Bowles) was a soloist with the choir. They attend the Studio class at Sunday school.
Wendy Starkey is married to Shawn Starkey and the mother of two smart and beautiful girls – Mahaley and Anna Carr. She is the daughter of Jim and Gail Markham. Wendy is a member of the Sessions Adult Bible Fellowship and teaches the infant class at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF – a non-denominational, international Bible study).
Ken Storey, a realtor with Hometown Realty, joined FBC in 1989. He belongs to Foundations Adult Bible Fellowship, is a deacon, and serves on the Communication Advisory Team. A graduate of the Legacy of Leadership program, Ken chooses to work with FBC’s Deaf Mission. Ken and his wife, Laura, have four children — Stephen, Lydia, William, and David.
Richard Szucs is a radiologist with Commonwealth Radiology and Chairman of Radiology at St. Mary’s Hospital. He and his wife, Ruth, met at First Baptist Church. They have two children, Alexandra and Matthew. Richard is a deacon, teaches 11th grade Sunday school, and sings in the church choir and One Accord. He serves as leader of the Creative Worship Team.
Ruth Szucs is Music Associate, focusing particularly on handbells, youth and children’s choirs. She is also on the Chorister Guild national board which strives to provide excellent music training for those directing children and youth choirs. Ruth is a native Virginian and is happily married to Dr. Richard Szucs. They have two adult children, Alexandra and Matthew.
Kathy Thompson and her husband, Robert, have been members of FBC Richmond since 2012. Kathy is a former first grade teacher. She is the Studio Class Sunday School teacher and is active in the music ministry. Kathy and Robert have two sons, Matthew and Christopher, two beautiful grandchildren, Peyton Elizabeth and Lane Matthew, and two needy dogs, Eli and Brody.
Robert Thompson is Minister of Pastoral Care at Richmond’s First Baptist Church. He has served since 2014. Kathy, his wife of forty-one years, has told the good stuff. See her bio!
Charles Tilley teaches 9th grade Sunday school and is deacon chair. He leads a Wednesday night small group with youth for building the Christmas Pageant stage sets. He and his wife, Gwen, have three daughters, Emma, Virginia and Mae. Charles enjoys golf, watching Clemson sports and spending time with his family.
Emma Tilley serves in the Compassion Ministry. She will graduate with a Masters of Divinity from Duke Divinity in December 2020. She loves spending time with her family, cooking and making art.
Lynn Turner, Senior Associate Pastor and Minister of Christian Community, has been a part of the FBC staff since 1988. Prior to coming to Richmond, she taught school, served as a guidance counselor in South Carolina and Texas, and was on staff at Gambrell Street Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
Tamara Walczak (formerly Witte) is an Air Force veteran and a graduate of Baptist Theological Seminary. Ordained to the gospel ministry at FBC, she is endorsed as a chaplain by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. She and her husband, Greg (a Corrections Officer and Air Force Veteran), were married at FBC in December 2016 and reside in the Baltimore, Maryland area.
Debbie Ward and her husband, Richard, have two children, John and Leah Mei. She and Richard own and operate Caretime, a home healthcare software company. She has served FBC through TLC (Tender Loving Care for preschoolers), Vacation Bible School, and as one of the producers of the Prodigal Project film.
Jess Ward was a member of First Baptist Church and served as Director of Communication for two years.
Beverly Wells teaches third grade Sunday School and leads the SMILE single moms program. She is a deacon and went on her first mission trip to St. Lucia this past summer with her son, Drew, who brings her immense joy. She enjoys spending time with her son and their dog, watching her son play sports, relaxing time with friends and cooking.
Terry L. Whipple, MD, known as “Dr. T,” launched The Physician Within medical education mission at FBC in 2008. He specializes in sports medicine, hand surgery and joint replacement and has 15 surgical patents. He was a Navy flight surgeon and enjoys risky sports and teaching bed-side manner tactics and ethics.
Mickey Woodward was a First Baptist member from 1961 until his death in 2013. He was a VMI graduate, a retired Army colonel, and a retired structural engineer with VDOT. He was a member of the Adams-Fellowship class and served on the Tellers Team. Mickey and his wife, Betty, loved traveling and especially with their son and his family.
Elizabeth Ygartua (left),is a graduate of the University of Richmond. She now lives in Dallas, TX, and works for a local newspaper as a journalist. Hannah Ramsey (right), has been a member of First Baptist since 2004. She works at LeClairRyan, a law firm in Richmond. Hannah volunteers with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Betty Zacharias is the mother of two and grandmother of five. She works for Chippenham and Johnston Willis Hospitals in Quality and Reimbursement Compliance. Betty attends the Agape Adult Bible Fellowship and has served as a facilitator for FBC’s Divorce Recovery Program. When not working she enjoys travel, hiking, golf, and spending time with family and friends.
Hanna Zhu grew up in China. While studying at Illinois State University she became a Christian. In 2007 she returned to Beijing to work with college students, then came to Richmond a year later to attend BTSR. In 2012, following seminary graduation, she began a full-time, two-year pastoral residency at FBC.
I am Sharon Mosley. I watch the worship service every Sunday. My father was a United Methodist pastor. He was a Free Will Baptist preacher first. I grew up in church. I am now 75 and live in Louisa, VA