2022 Elder & Deacon Nominations
Martin Bellamy and his wife, Margaret, have been members of FPC since moving to Myrtle Beach in 1986. Both have served in the church, Margaret as Deacon and Martin as Elder. Martin is from next door in Brunswick County. He has served on many FPC committees, including Personnel, Missions, Fellowship, Nominating, Stewardship, and Building Campaign. He is past chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Horry County and presently serves as chairman of Disabilities and Special Needs of Horry County. He is semi-retired and continues consulting with developers and builders as a SC real estate broker.
Glenda Connolly has been part of our church family for seventeen years. She has served as Moderator of the Presbyterian Women, Deacon Moderator, Abigail Circle Leader., and Love Boat Admiral. Glenda is a member of the Theophilus SS Class, the Remembrance Team and the Adult Christian Education Committee. She and her husband, Dan, are both retired and enjoy gardening, golfing, dancing, and fostering pets. She served on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society for several years. Glenda is honored to be nominated and looks forward to the opportunity to serve as an Elder for such a caring congregation.
Jay Dellinger and his wife , Donna, have been members of FPC since 1990. Their children, Dalton and Madeleine, were baptized and married in our church and are also FPC members. Over the years, Jay has enjoyed participating in youth and adult mission trips. He has served as an Elder in the past and is looking forward to serving again. For the last 21 years, Jay has been self employed in the restaurant business. He enjoys playing golf and tennis, going to the beach, and spending time with his family, especially his new granddaughter, Kennedy .
Will Gravely was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, SC. He and his wife, Hatton, live in the Pine Lakes neighborhood and have two children, Thomas (12) and Mary Chase (7) , and a Golden Retriever, Riley (3) . Will is currently the SC Midlands: Fine Wine/Key Account Manager with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. The Gravely family has very much enjoyed their involvement with FPC and Will is looking forward to continuing to grow within the church community He is very honored and humbled by the nomination to be an Elder.
Jared Hendrix is a lifetime member of FPC. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Marine Science at the USC and his Master’s degree in Teaching at CCU. He’s been a Marine Science teacher at Socastee High School for the past 11 years. He has also served as a basketball coach at Socastee, Forestbrook Middle School and MB Christian Academy. Jared has a special love for the ocean and a strong interest in environmental issues. He works with the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and sponsors his school’s environmental club. He and his wife, Meg, have volunteered with the Church’s Mexico mission trips, youth group, soup kitchen and the Lovefeast. Jared looks forward to serving as an Elder and helping the church where he was baptized and married.
Mandy Josey has been a member of FPC for seventeen years. She has previously served on the Children’s Ministries Team and is currently serving on the Youth Committee. In the past, Mandy enjoyed participating in Logos, The Way, Vacation Bible School and serving as a Sunday School teacher. Last summer Mandy attended Montreat as a chaperone and is looking forward to being a chaperone again this summer for the youth mission trip. Mandy is married to Tripp and they have two daughters, Amanda, a senior and Alie, a seventh grader. Both of their children attended FPC Growing Tree Preschool and have enjoyed all aspects of their church life. Mandy is looking forward to serving the church especially with the youth ministry.
JoAnn Junk and her husband of 55 years Harry, moved to MB in 2011. JoAnn had two careers prior to retirement, one in law enforcement and one as a Nutritionist,/Weight Loss Center Owner. The Junk’s love of family & children led them to become Group Home Parents to 6 emotionally challenged foster children for several years. When they joined FPC, they jumped in and became active immediately, serving as Love Boat Admirals, Ushers, and Stephen Ministers. JoAnn is a Stephen Leader, Moderator of PW, a Visiting Volunteer, and member of the Women’s Retreat Committee. She and Harry are blessed with 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Love of travel takes them back to Aruba, where they have visited yearly for 36 years. JoAnn is humbled and honored to be asked to serve as an Elder.
Julia Kimbrell and her husband of 52 years, Curtis, moved to Myrtle Beach from the Richmond, VA area in 2016 and joined FPC the same year. Although born in SC, her father was in the Army, so moving, including two tours in Europe, was the family norm. After graduating from Duke, her focus was on nursing, but later she worked for Curtis in his business endeavors and became a committed community volunteer. Julia participates in the Explorers Class and is grateful to be in the inaugural Disciples of Change group. She and Curtis serve as Pew Angels and have a church garden plot. Julia has served as an Elder at former churches and appreciates being asked to serve here at FPC where she anticipates learning much and hopefully contributing effectively to this loving community of faith.
Sarah Laiola joined FPC in 2019, after moving to Myrtle Beach to accept a position at CCU. There, she is an assistant professor of digital culture and design, teaching courses that range from web design to social media to computer-based literature. A beach kid at heart, Sarah is originally from Pensacola, FL, and grew up in Trinity Presbyterian Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and in 2016, married to her husband Ryan. She and Ryan met in Southern California while Sarah was completing her PhD at the University of California, Riverside. Together they have two children: three-year-old Charlotte-Fay, and 3-month-old Ethan (who made his FPC debut as a newborn, via a sermon cameo on Heritage Sunday). In her free time, Sarah enjoys running, reading, yoga, and knitting. She is honored to have been asked to serve the church in this capacity, and looks forward to nurturing our community wherever she is needed.
Rickie LeMay is originally from the Little Rock, Arkansas area. He moved to Myrtle Beach in 1985. He is a certified public accountant with his own firm. He was a deacon and treasurer while he was a member at Ocean View Baptist Church. He was a founder and director of Christian Academy in Myrtle Beach. Rickie is a member of the Myrtle Beach Rotary Club. He and his wife, Ann, have three children and three grandchildren. They are active in the local business community and have a serious interest in improving the downtown area. He is proud to be a member of First Presbyterian Church and looks forward to serving as he is called.
DEACON NOMINATIONS
coming soon
Marilyn Beach and her husband, Jim, retired and moved to Myrtle Beach in 2012 from suburban Chicago. She previously served as a Deacon while living in Illinois. Since moving to Myrtle Beach they have volunteered with Community Kitchen, Brookgreen Gardens, Mobile Meals, and Portside. Marilyn has been researching their family genealogy for 50 years, and they enjoy participating in Heritage Sunday carrying their family banners. They both love to play “Bridge”. Marilyn looks forward to serving as a Deacon at FPC.
Vicki Butler and her husband, Ben, have been members of FPC since 1988. This is Vicki’s second term as a Deacon. She is honored to have been chosen to serve again. During her previous term, Vicki was active in coordinating our New Member Luncheons. She is currently participating in Christa Brewer’s study of The Old Testament. Vicki says some of her most joyous days were the 14 years spent teaching preschool at The FPC Growing Tree.
Peggy Christie is originally from Connecticut. She moved to South Carolina 12 years ago. Peggy and Fred Scott enjoy being close to the beach and reside in Barefoot Resort and Golf. “Paying It Forward” has always been important to her and she enjoys volunteering and helping others. Since joining First Presbyterian, Peggy has been involved as an Office Assistant, a member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry and a Mobile Meals volunteer. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with Fred’s 4 grandchildren, playing Mahjong, pickleball, and participating in a Book Club. Peggy is honored to have been nominated as a Deacon and looks forward to continuing to serve the people of FPC.
Tom Collins is originally from Irmo SC. He and his wife, Catherine have been members of FPC for 25 years. Their children, Reed, Blake, & Eileen, grew up in the church and actively participated in programs offered for our children and youth. Tom is Creative Director/President of Collins + Co, a digital branding & marketing agency. Over the last 35 years, Tom has worked at creative agencies in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Dallas creating brands for Wrangler, Camel Cigarettes, Planters, Moses Cone Hospital, Cheerwine, Aquafina, Lipton Brisk, Pepsi, and Starbucks. In his spare time, he enjoys tennis & golf. Tom grew up going to Eau Clair Presbyterian Church & Dutch Fork Presbyterian Church where his minister was Rev. Cecil Brearley, John’s father. Tom is honored and excited to follow in his father’s footsteps in serving as a Deacon in the Church.
Anne Cox and husband, Chip, have been members of FPC for 30+ years. Both of their children Will and Elizabeth grew up participating in all FPC children and youth activities. Anne is currently employed at CORE FITNESS of Myrtle Beach where she enjoys all aspects of physical fitness. Recently she has been working in the front office at her husband Chip’s dental practice. An avid Clemson fan (both children graduated from Clemson) and sports enthusiast, Anne loves being a spectator at many sporting events. Traveling is a passion and NYC theater is a frequent destination! Anne enjoys reading, playing Mahjong, playing cards and spending time with her pup, LILLY!
Alice Derouen is a lifelong Presbyterian, and has been a member of our congregation for 20 years. She is an active member of the Chancel Choir, the Deborah Circle of Presbyterian Women, the Sisters Bible Study Group and the FPC Concert Series. A dental hygienist by profession, Alice spent the major portion of her career as an educator. She moved to our area in 1997 to accept a position to start the Horry Georgetown Technical College’s Dental Sciences Department. After 18 years with HGTC, Alice retired in 2016. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and gardening. She says, “I look forward to continuing my tenure as a deacon to the South Strand members of the congregation”.
Laura DuRant has been an active member of First Presbyterian church for 32 years. Currently retired, she was a partner in the Myrtle Beach office of Webster Rogers LLC, a regional accounting and consulting firm. Laura has been an active member and officer in the Grand Strand Optimist Club, Long Bay Symphony, Coastal Business Women’s Network, Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, F.G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, and the Legacy Advisory Council at CCU. Laura has also been a member of the FPC Samaritan Circle for over twenty years. Her husband, Frank DuRant, is a lawyer at DuRant and Durant Attorneys at Law. They are blessed with two sons, Julian and Harrison; one daughter-in-law, Neizel: and an adorable granddaughter, Lyla.
Gail Ferguson and her husband, Orby, moved to MB in the early 1990’s with their two daughters. The family fell in love with the Pastor and people of FPC and became members. She has served as an Elder and Deacon of Fraser Memorial Church in Sumter, as well as other positions. She has served as a Deacon at FPC, leader of Mary Magdalene Circle, Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women, and usher. She looks forward to being a Deacon again and meeting new members.
Dr. Holly Glover is a native of Bennettsville, SC and moved to Myrtle Beach in 2014 to practice dermatology at Grand Strand Dermatology. Her husband, Dr. Andrew Glover, is a native of Myrtle Beach and works as a hospitalist at Grand Strand Medical Center. They have two children, Addison and Ford, who both attended FPC Growing Tree. They joined FPC in 2017, and Holly has been active in the church as a member of the Love Boat Committee in 2019 then installed as Deacon in 2021. In her free time, she likes water sports, boating, snow skiing, and travelling.” She looks forward to serving another term within this wonderful church and community.
Kerry Gore and his wife, Sherrie, have been members of FPC for over 20 years. There 2 children( Thomas and Nora) were active participants in the youth programs playing key roles in their development. Kerry has been a classroom teacher for 26 years and is presently at Carolina Forest High School. He has served the church throughout his time by attending Sunday School classes, and preparing meals for Youth on Sundays. Lastly, he states ”I am honored to be chosen as a Deacon for the Church that has meant so much to me and my family”
Kerry Gore and his wife, Sherrie, have been members of FPC for over 20 years. There 2 children( Thomas and Nora) were active participants in the youth programs playing key roles in their development. Kerry has been a classroom teacher for 26 years and is presently at Carolina Forest High School. He has served the church throughout his time by attending Sunday School classes, and preparing meals for Youth on Sundays. Lastly, he states ”I am honored to be chosen as a Deacon for the Church that has meant so much to me and my family”
Hatton Gravely and her husband, Will, joined FPC in 2019. They have two children, Thomas and Mary Chase, who attend Christian Academy. Hatton is the Director of Philanthropy at Brookgreen Gardens. Her hobbies include photography, cooking, and reading. Hatton is honored to be nominated as a Deacon and for the opportunity to serve FPC and the community in this role!
Karen Hawkins, and her husband, Miller, moved to Myrtle Beach from Texas in 1995. Miller and Karen, both real estate brokers, own Booe Realty. Karen worked for the FPC Growing Tree for several years while their children attended the program. The Hawkins joined FPC in 2003 and have spent many years worshiping at Early Sabbath and The Gathering. Karen has served as an acolyte mom, usher, and Love Boat neighborhood leader. She has also participated in Bible and book studies over the years.. Karen looks forward to serving as a Deacon and helping her flock maintain a strong connection to the church and develop new friendships.
Jeri Himmelsbach is a long time resident of Myrtle Beach, having moved here in 1980. She joined FPC in 2015 and has been involved as an Impact Leader for 7 years. Jeri is a member of the Samaritan Circle and was Moderator of PW in 2018. She currently serves as an usher. Jeri has four children and three grandchildren. She loves all sports, especially playing tennis and loves the beach and being outdoors! Jeri is currently employed at Evergreen Nursery selling flowers, plants, and palm trees!
Andy Hazle was born in Myrtle Beach and grew up in Anderson, SC attending Central Presbyterian Church. In 2017 he moved back to Myrtle Beach and started attending the Guys Bible Study and soon thereafter joined FPC. Andy is a Financial advisor with Edward Jones and enjoys playing golf, fishing, and anything Clemson as he is the president of the Grand Strand Clemson Club. Andy is excited for the opportunity to get even more involved with FPC and serving any way that he can.
Katherine Jasmine is a relatively new member of FPC, but she has been singing in the Chancel Choir for a few years. She has also been a singer with the Carolina Master Chorale for over six years, beginning when she and her husband, Dwight, first moved to Myrtle Beach. She is semi-retired, having her own marketing firm since 2005 and now concentrates on writing marketing content for websites, blog articles, and newsletters. She is very pleased to be nominated as a Deacon at First Presbyterian and is looking forward to whatever that position brings her way.
Cathy Oliver and her husband, Bill, have been members of FPC for over 25 years. They have two adult children, Neil and Megan, who now both reside in Charleston with their spouses. They have been blessed this past year with a granddaughter. Bill is currently serving the church as an Elder chairing the Property Committee and Cathy has previously served as a Deacon and an Elder. She is retired from Horry County Schools and is excited to have the opportunity to give back to her church and community.
Ron McCue moved to Myrtle Beach, 23 years ago, from Massachusetts. He retired from United Technologies in East Hartford Conn, after working thirty years as a Computer Systems Analyst. Now he finds purpose in volunteering. Ron and Ellie were the Sun News Volunteers of the year in 2001. They joined First Presbyterian Church several years ago and immediately felt welcome in their new spiritual home. Ron volunteers delivering church flowers, ushering at Early Sabbath, helping at Community Kitchen and serving dinner at New Directions. Ron would be honored to serve as a Deacon.