I was overjoyed to be appointed to serve as pastor of Epworth UMC in July 2022. As an ordained deacon in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference, I have served churches and United Methodist women’s colleges since 1977, retiring as president of Wesleyan College (Macon, GA) in 2022. I’ve been a Methodist all my life; attended a United Methodist college, Columbia College; and earned an MA from The Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and a Ph.D. from The University of South Carolina. My husband, Richard, and I enjoy “the marsh life” on Johns Island, and when we are not here, we are likely visiting our grandsons, one in Savannah and one in Arlington, VA—and their parents, of course!

We came to serve in the music program at Epworth in 1994. We first met in clarinet seminar while pursuing a degree in music education and performance at The Petrie School of Music at Converse College. We are currently enjoying retirement from teaching music in the public schools.  Between both of us we have a total of 60 years in developing our individual vocal and instrumental curriculum. Debbie taught at Charleston County School of the Arts, and Allen taught at Drayton Hall. We have two children, Laura and Christopher who are also very active at Epworth.

I have been the Administrative Assistant at Epworth since 2018.   A graduate of James Island High School (involved in band and marching band), I served in the US Navy for four years, then received an associate degree in computer networking from Wake Technical Community College. My son,  Nicholas, was on the wrestling team at JICH and is now a sophomore at Roanoke College. 

I was really excited to get the job in the Epworth Nursery in 2021. I am Safe-Sanctuary trained and
- a key aspect of caring for the children.  I love children and, as the oldest of six and having children and grandchildren that I've cared for over the years, I am a very experienced caregiver.  

I have lived on James Island most of my life and attended Stella Maris, Nativity and Bishop England High Schools.  As a Christian, it is important to me that attend church services even though I work at the Epworthy Nursery on Sundays.  Thus, I attend Church of The Nativity on Saturday evenings.  I enjoy the children and families of Epworth and love being part of the Epworth Family.