Bishop Juan O. Lawson
Jurisdictional Prelate

Bio included as a page.

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Bishop Albert J. Mays, Jr.
Executive  Administrative Assistant, COO
Zion District Superintendent

BISHOP ALBERT J. MAYS, JR
Founder and Pastor
Word of Life Ministries
Zion District Superintendent
Texas Western Jurisdiction COGIC Executive Administrative Assistant

Bishop Albert James Mays, Jr. is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He retired from active duty as a U.S. Army Sergeant Major, with 24 years of active duty military service. He currently serves as a Department of the Army Civilian, Instructional Systems Specialist (Education Specialist), Quality Assurance Office, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Biggs Army Airfield (East Fort Bliss), Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Park University in Social Psychology, a Master of Arts in Instructional Systems, and a Master of Arts in Education, from TUI University with a concentration in Teaching and Instruction.

Bishop Mays is a doctoral candidate at North Central University with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and is expected to receive an Ed.D soon. Bishop Mays’ dissertation is entitled, “High School Dropouts in Texas secondary Schools.” He serves as an Associate Professor who teaches Cultural Diversity at the University of Phoenix and Business and Technology Graduate and Undergraduate classes at Excelsior College. Bishop Mays accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in June 1976 and was filled with the Holy Ghost in August 1979. In 1978, prior to entering active duty, he launched his ministry as a minister at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

He served as interim pastor at Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church, El Paso, TX, 1980; was ordained an itinerant elder in 1981, Texas Northwest Conference, by Bishop Henry W. Murph; and served as Assistant Pastor at Reid Chapel A.M.E. Church and Trinity A.M.E. Church. In 1995, Elder Mays’ ordination was received into the Germany Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ, by Bishop Carlis L. Moody. He served as pastor of Pirmasens COGIC in Pirmasens, Germany and Dean of Education in the Germany Jurisdiction. Bishop Mays is the author of M.E.L.T. (Ministerial Effectiveness Leadership Training) that’s used as a tool for ministerial training and development for clergy persons worldwide.

In November 2000, he founded Word of Life Ministries, Inc., in El Paso, Texas. He currently serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant of the Texas Western Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ (TWJ COGIC), El Paso, Texas and Superintendent of the Zion District, TWJ COGIC. Bishop Mays served as Grand Marshal of the 2007 Black History Parade in El Paso. He currently serves as the honorary chaplain of an empowerment and community resource organization for military families. In April 2014, he was honored by being chosen by the Church Of God In Christ, The Whole Truth Magazine and the Church Of God In Christ Publishing House, to be recognized as one of COGIC’S 100 Influential Pastors.

Bishop Mays resides in El Paso, Texas with his wife, District Missionary Willie Mae Collins Mays, originally from Avon Park, Florida. They have one son, Minister Albert James Mays, III who graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Master of Arts in Economics who serves as an Associate Minister, West Irving COGIC, Dallas, TX, under Pastor Andrew Jackson, Jr.

“…the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people,..”

“…a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.”
I Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22
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District Superintendent Glenn Murchison
First Administrative Assistant
Emmanuel District Superintendent

 About Supt. Glenn Murchison
Superintendent Glenn F. Murchison received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and was filled with the Holy Ghost on 17 December 1984. He was called to the ministry in 1993. He has served in nearly every capacity of the church including, but not limited to: Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Pastor, Mission worker, Usher Board President, Deacon, and Evangelistic Outreach. He was always a faithful worker and eager to serve others.

In 2002, Pastor Murchison was appointed as the Bethel COGIC the 2nd Assistant Pastor. Shortly thereafter, the Murchison Family would PCS on their third tour to Europe (Germany 2004), he served as the Assistant Pastor of House of Prayer COGIC in Ansbach Germany, and as Mission President in the Germany Jurisdiction COGIC Vilseck.

He holds a BA in Pastoral Studies from Southwestern College. He has also earned a Masters in Human Resource Development from Webster University in May 2010.

He is a graduate of the United States Army First Sergeant Course and graciously retired after 21 years of service. His highest awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.

Pastor Murchison is the founder of Bethel FORCE COGIC Faith Outreach Center in 2005, which is now a thriving and growing ministry. In less than 5 years of ministry, under his leadership, the church has purchased its own property with over 18000 sq.ft. (including parking).

Supt Murchison is a visionary for the church today and he loves God’s people. He is a faithful servant to the Emmanuel District and in the Texas Western Jurisdiction.

He hails from Baltimore, MD. He is married to the lovely Mrs. Felicia M. Murchison of Tunica, MS, and they are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Jamal, 19, and Gwendolyn, 11

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Elder Carl Bruce
Chairman—Pastors and Elders Council
President—Men’s Ministry

About Elder Carl Bruce

Bio forthcoming!

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Evangelist Felicia Murchison
Supervisor Designee of Women

About  Supervisor Designee Felicia Murchison

Felicia M. Murchison was born and reared in Tunica, Mississippi. Throughout her childhood, she and her family were faithful members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. After graduating from Rosa Fort High School, Felicia joined the United States Army.

Growing up in church, Felicia Murchison has always felt she has had a relationship with the Lord. It wasn’t until 1994 that a friend invited her to a COGIC worship service, and not having a reason to turn her down, accepted that invitation. That same year, Felicia became a member of First Church COGIC. Two years later, she married Min. Glenn F. Murchison.

It wasn’t until 2004 that Sis. Felicia Murchison delivered her very first sermon, and that same year she felt her call to become a missionary in the church. Several years later, she received her missionary license.

In 2009, Missionary Murchison accepted the position as Secretary of the Texas Western Jurisdiction Women’s Department, and still carries that responsibility to this day.

Felicia Murchison retired from service as a 20 year veteran in US Army Reserves. She has studied at Central Texas College and Park University in pursuant of a degree in Business Management. Not to mention, she is a wonderful home maker and a mother of two: Jamal who is in his second year of college at NC A&T, and Gwendolyn Murchison.

Being such a dedicated woman of God, Missionary Murchison was appointed as and served as the District Missionary of the Immanuel District in the Texas Western Jurisdiction.  She was recently chosent as the Supervisor Designee of the Texas Western Jurisdiction Department of Women.  She also is currently employed by the US Government as a Human Resource Specialist.

 Needless to say, Supervisor Designee  Felecia Murchison is a faithful worker at Bethel FORCE COGIC. As the 1st Lady at Bethel FORCE she spearheads the church Youth Department, Ministers & Deacons Wives committee, Prayer & Bible Band, and the Women’s Department. She is also a choir member, Usher Board member, the Church Secretary, and a Sunday School teacher. In essence, there are very few departments at Bethel FORCE that 1st Lady Murchison’s presence isn’t felt. 1st Lady Felicia Murchison is an excellent example of what a faithful member, a good parent, a supportive wife, and a committed woman of God looks like.

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Evangelist Addie Akers-Taylor
Jurisdictional Secretary

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Missionary JoAnn Crawford
Chair—Finance Department

    Missionary JoAnn Cockrell Crawford is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and is the second born to her late father, John Randolph, and mother, Bereniece Lanier who is still living at the ripe age of 89 years.  Missionary Crawford was reared in a Christian home with her siblings by her mother and grandmother.  She gave her life to Christ at the age of twelve, and then, in 1989—at the age of thirty—she rededicated her life to Christ.  Later in life as she continued her growth, learning and seeking the Lord’s face, she received the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. She was very active at her home church, South Elyton Baptist Church, by actively participating in Sunday school, Bible study, and the mass choir.  She often assisted with the gospel music workshops.

     Missionary JoAnn Crawford moved from Birmingham, Alabama, to El Paso, Texas, in October 25, 1995, after her marriage to Deacon Frederick Crawford, Jr.  She is the mother of one daughter.  She has one grandson and one great granddaughter.  The Crawfords with their blended family have a total of five children, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.  Missionary Crawford is presently employed with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs in El Paso, Texas, as Secretary to the Chief of Health Administration Services. 

     Missionary Crawford has served faithfully in her local church, the Holy Light Church of God in Christ, since her marriage to Deacon Frederick Crawford, Jr.  She serves on the finance committee, the praise team, as a Sunday School teacher as needed, and wherever her services are needed for the up-building of God’s kingdom.   On June 13, 2008, she was appointed to the Nominating Committee for Prospective Deaconesses. On August 30, 2015, she was appointed as the Director of Women’s Ministry of the Holy Light Church of God in Christ.

     As the Lord has opened doors for Missionary Crawford, she has served in many capacities at the local church level and at the jurisdictional level for the Texas Western Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ (TWJ COGIC).  On November 1, 2005, she received a Certificate of Appointment as an Aspiring Missionary; on August 5, 2010, she received her Deaconess Missionary license; and on December 20, 2010, she was also appointed the Chief Financial Officer for TWJ COGIC by her Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop Juan O. Lawson, and thereby serves as an adjunct member of the TWJ COGIC Executive Board.      

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Elder  John Jackson
Dean—CH Mason Bible Institute

Elder John Jackson is a driven, compassionate, and performance-oriented professional offering extensive healthcare management qualifications gained during a career in the US Army and recent experience as a civilian working for William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Experienced in various aspects of healthcare administration, medical recordkeeping and patient advocacy, including identifying, developing, implementing, and maintaining processes to maintain and positively affect soldier health and readiness, ensure rigorous compliance with all rules and regulations, and establish mutually beneficial relationships with diverse and multicultural groups of people. Rigorously enforce and verify compliance with UCMJ, HIPAA, Joint Commission (JC/JCAHO), Army medical field manuals, federal, state, local, and medical jurisdictional rules, restrictions, guidelines, and regulations concerning patient privacy, information assurance and healthcare standards.

He has demonstrated skills in overseeing programs vital to processing and efficiently executing military personnel healthcare actions, especially those for disabled soldiers. Adept at supervising military and civilian personnel; identify developmental training needs of subordinates to keep them educated and on top of changing regulations. Praised for consistently promoting sound management principles and policies to ensure compliance.

Elder Jackson is the recipient of a BACHELOR OF SCIENCE degree in Health Care Management from Touro University International and a MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCE degree from Touro University International.  He also is an an Ordained Elder of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., serving with the Word of Life Church of God in Christ and also is the Chief Adjutant for the Texas Western Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.

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Reverend Karen Wilson
Chair—Jurisdictional Urban Initiatives Chair

About Reverend Karen Wilson
Ms. Karen M. Wilson is a retired Command Sergeant Major, from the U.S. Army. She served in the US Army for over 30 year, retiring in Sept 2000. As a CSM, Karen was cited for exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as the Command Sergeant Major, of William Beaumont Army Medical Center, and was presented the Legion of Merit for her outstanding service, to the US Army and the United States of America. CSM Wilson has served in positions of great leadership responsibilities in an outstanding manner, throughout her military career in both TDA and MTOE Medical Units within the United States and overseas.

She also served as the CSM of the 187th Medical Battalion, one of the Army’s largest and most diverse battalions. During this same period CSM Wilson was one of the first Sergeants Majors selected to attend the Army Medical Department Executive Skills Course. Command Sergeant Major Wilson was also instrumental in the development of the battalion leader’s handbook for junior leaders. She was also selected to serve as member of the TRADOC Drill Sergeant of the Year Board in 1997. Command Sergeant Major Wilson also represented the Army Medical Command in the Re-engineering of the Department of the Army Equal Opportunity Program with TRADOC in 1997. In 1996 Command Sergeant Major Wilson was selected by the Army Medical Department Center and School to serve on the Army’s Training and Doctrine workshop, which subsequently reviewed and produced a handbook on the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership and Development Training procedures with the Rand Corporation.

Her awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (5 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (10th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Joint Service Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Safely Award, Saint Barbra ADA Honorary Member, and Army Medical Command Medical Merit Member.

During CSM Wilson’s career she initiated many programs to raise the performance and morale of her Soldiers. Most noteworthy was the “300 Club” which was geared toward the improvement of APFT scores and physical health. She also initiated a Junior NCO development program to coach, teach, and mentor Junior Noncommissioned Officers into becoming productive leaders in the US Army. Her pass performance as a leader always impressed upon on Soldiers readiness, welfare, and high standards. This resulted in selection as the first female to serve at the General Officer Level as the Command Sergeant Major of William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

As a small group leader at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy’s First Sergeant Course, Sergeant Major Wilson’s base groups were always rated the outstanding of the 14 small groups. Her students consistently scored higher on their APFT and performed better on all examinations than any of the other groups.

CSM Wilson served two tours as a First Sergeant, with total of five years served consecutively. She developed the first Combat Lifesaver training program for the 9th Infantry Division. She received the I Corps Commanders’ Safety Multiplier Awards and Unit Fit to Fight Award during her tenure as 1SG of A Company, 109th FSB, at FT. Lewis, WA.

CSM Wilson was often the first female Soldier medic to serve in various leadership positions during her career, from Platoon Sergeant to Command Sergeant Major. Due to her outstanding performance of duty, CSM Wilson helped pave the way for future generations of female Soldiers to serve in the divisional medical units throughout the Army.

CSM Wilson was the first black female selected to teach first sergeants at the United States Army Sergeant Majors Academy; First Sergeant Course, Ft. Bliss. TX, in 1994. CSM Wilson was also the first black female CSM to work for a General Officer at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in 1998 with General Nancy Adams.

At the time of her retirement in Sept 2000, CSM Wilson was only the second female Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Medical Command to retire with a total of 30 plus years of dedicated service.

With a total of 30 years active military service to the nation, CSM Wilson demonstrated outstanding performance of duty and commitment to the core values of the United States Army. Her past performance is keeping with the highest traditions of the US. Army and reflected great credit upon her, the U. S. Army Medical Department, and the U. S. Army.

Ms. Wilson presently serves as a GS-11 for the US Army, as the Course Manager of the Warrior Leader Course, of the US Army Sergeant Major Academy, at FT. Bliss, TX. As a Course Manager and a Senior Training Developer for the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at FT. Bliss, TX, she develops training support products and materials for the Warrior Leader Course for the U. S. Army. This includes writing training support packages for the small group instructors of 33 NCO Academy’s thought-out the Army. She has also won the civilian employee of the quarter, Commanders award for civilian service for being the course manager for the Warrior Leader Course of the US Army, and she has been awarded certificate for having over 40 years of federal service in the Government of the United States of America.

Ms. Wilson earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Maryland, a Bachelors Degree from the Southern Illinois University of Carbondale in Vocational Education and a dual Masters Degree in Human Resource Development, and Management from Webster University. In the year of 2006 she was accepted into the National Scholars Honor Society. She has also completed the University Texas of El Paso program which certifies GS 1712 to GS 1750 as certified Instructional System Specialist (ISS) for the US Government.

Ms. Wilson also teaches on-line classes in Human Resource Development, Management, Business, and Marketing for the University of Phoenix, of Phoenix AZ.

Ms. Wilson is also an ordained minister serving the Lord as a Reverend at the Word of Life Church, Inc, COGIC, under the direction of Bishop / Pastor Albert J. Mays Jr., Word of Life Church, Inc, COGICof El Paso, TX. She thoroughly enjoys being involved in church activities such as teaching Sunday school for primary level students, which helps to mold young people into responsible adults with values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. Also she participates in other activities, such as sings and plays the drums in the choir, Urban Initiatives president, Pastor’s Aide Committee, Young Women Christian Council, and the finance chairwoman. She also hopes to attend Howard Payne Theological University.

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Pastor Brian Rosette
President—AIM (Auxiliaries in Ministry)
Interim President—Department of Music
Interim President—Youth  Department (YPWW)

About Pastor Brian Rosette
Pastor Brian K. Rosette was born February 27, 1983 to Tijuana Rosette and the late Ronald J. Thomas. He was raised by his grandmother Evangelist Barbara Dixon-Hatter, in Houston, Texas, who played a vital role in the development of his spiritual foundation and background.

In 2001, Pastor Rosette graduated from Bellaire Senior High School and entered into the United States Army as an Automated Logistics Specialist. While in the Army he began taking classes in an effort to continue his education. He attended Central Texas College and majored in in Social Psychology at Park University from which he earned a bachelor’s degree.  He is continuing his education efforts working toward the terminal degree (a doctorate). Throughout his military career he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and worked in many Company and Brigade assignments.

Pastor Rosette has been very privileged to travel while serving in the U.S. Army both stateside and overseas to include El Gorah Egypt, three tours to Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. He was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas and also at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Pastor Rosette completed his military service in December 2012 after 11 years of honorable service. Pastor Rosette is currently working as a federal employee at the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Pastor Rosette was reared in the church and at a young age began working in various ministries under the leadership of the late Bishop L.J. Woodard Sr. and Bishop Leroy Woodard Jr., Senior Pastor of The Christian Rescue Mission City Fellowship Church. He was a faithful member of the Usher Board, the Sunshine Kids, Young Adult, Adult, and Male Chorus, and the Drill Team. He also volunteered with the City Wide Club of Clubs, which focused on providing help to the homeless and less fortunate members of the Houston community.

Pastor Rosette was called into the ministry in 1999 at the age of 16. Since 2001, he has served in many positions in the church ranging from Praise & Worship Leader, Music Director, Senior Elder, and Ministry’s Chief of staff. While deployed overseas, God opened many doors which allowed Pastor Rosette to continue his Ministry endeavors. He was chosen to serve as the Senior Lay Leader for the Gospel Service in Iraq (2008) and Afghanistan (2010). This position allowed him to work and receive training in the Pastorate, work as a Spiritual Advisor, and conduct both internal and external ministry planning which would be very instrumental in the next phase of Pastor Rosette’s Ministry.

In July 2011, Pastor Rosette Founded Purposeful Life Fellowship Church, and the first service was held on November 6, 2011 at the Marriott Hotel in El Paso, Texas. It was founded on much prayer, fasting, and love. The ministry’s goal is to share the Love and Hope of Christ with the world so they will know how much they truly matter to God. Purposeful is defined as being full of significance, meaning, and purpose; and Life is defined as a specific phase of earthly existence. So the ministries message is simple, and extends to all who will hear and believe that as long as we exist and have life, we are full of significance, meaning and purpose.

Pastor Rosette is an anointed, prayerful, kind, and loving person who has devoted his life to ministry, serving God with his many gifts and talents, and encouraging all people to walk in their God given purpose. In addition to working, serving as a pastor, and being Chairman of TWJ COGIC AIM (along with other TWJ COGIC responsibilities), Pastor Rosette is a member of The Divine Souls, the premiere quartet of the west. Pastor Rosette’s favorite bible verse is Mark 11:24, “when you pray, if you believe that you have received it, then it shall be yours.”

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Pastor Terry Franklin
President—Department of Evangelism

Bio forthcoming.

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Minister Joy Jacobs
Director of Publicity
Chairlady—AIM (Auxiliaries in Ministry)

Deaconess Joy Jacobs was born on November 16, 1971 to Mr. Frank and Mrs. Evelyn Jacobs of Hempstead, New York. Deaconess Jacobs is proud graduate of the historic Sidney Lanier High School, Montgomery, AL. Upon graduation, she attended Auburn University earning her Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems in 1994 and a Masters of Education in Instructional Design in 1997.

A federal government employee for over 15 years, she began her career at the Judge Advocate General (JAG) School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, AL, as a computer assistant. In 1999, she joined the Army Civilian Career Program (CP-32) for Instructional Systems Specialists (ISS) and trained for two years at United States Army Infantry School in Fort Benning, GA. Upon completing the program, her first assignment was to the United States Army Air Defense Artillery School at Fort Bliss, TX working in the Quality Assurance Office as the webmaster, online survey developer, and training evaluator.

In 2002, Deaconess Jacobs was reassigned to the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy as the Instructional Systems Specialist for the Directorate of Training. She was promoted to the Chief of Distance Learning and Operations Manager for Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) Cell in 2005, laying the foundation for the Department of the Army’s Structured Self-Development Program. Currently, she is the Senior Instructional Systems Specialist for the Directorate of Training and Education.

In 2013, she was named VIP Woman of the Year in Government/Military by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW). She is an active member of the El Paso Chapter. She is a member of several professional organizations to include Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Society for Applied Learning Technology (SALT), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Texas Distance Learning Association (TxDLA), Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA), United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), and the International Women’s Leadership Association (IWLA).

Deaconess Jacobs has been in and apart of the church since childhood. She started out in the Youth Ministry at Union Baptist Church, Hempstead, NY and later at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Montgomery, AL under the pastoral care of the late Reverend Dr. Edward Martin. At the age of 14, she was appointed the Sunday School Secretary, serving in the position until she left for college. In college, she was an instrumental member of the Auburn University Gospel Choir, earning accolades for dedicated service in the alto section. She received the Holy Ghost in 1992 and has been on fire for the Lord ever since.

Currently, Deaconess Jacobs is serving her local church (Word of Life Ministries COGIC) under the tutelage of Superintendent Albert J. and Evangelist Willie Mae Mays. She assists her leaders by serving as Word of Life Board of Directors Secretary, Strategic Planning Committee Secretary, Pastor’s Aide Committee Secretary, Scholarship Program Chairlady, Deacon Board Member, Young Adult Ministry Mentor, Fine Arts Ministry President, Finance Committee, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Worker, Music Department, and Women’s Department. In addition to serving her local church and district, she also serves her jurisdiction as the Women’s Department Scholarship Committee Financial Liaison and as the Jurisdictional AIM Chairlady for the Texas Western Jurisdiction COGIC under the divine leadership of Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Juan O. Lawson.

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Deacon John Walker
President—Missions Department

Bio forthcoming.

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Pastor Larry Moore
Sunday School Superintendent

Bio forthcoming.

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Supervisor (Emerita) Dorothy L. Marbury

Mother Dorothy Welch Marbury was born in Calera, Alabama. After completing high school, Mother Marbury married her childhood sweetheart, Deacon James Marbury, and became a military wife traveling worldwide with her husband. The Marburys have three natural children, but reared two siblings as their own after the untimely death of Mother Marbury’s parents.

Despite frequent relocations, Mother Marbury obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master of Education Degree from Sul Ross State University, and a Master of Ministry in Christian Counseling from Covington Theological Seminary. She was selected Campus Teacher of the Year at her school, and was listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1994. Mother Marbury belongs to various organizations such as the AKA Sorority, the NAACP, and the City-Wide Charity Club of El Paso. She also volunteers for Lubback Reading Council, CASA, and El Paso Hospice. She retired after twenty-two years of faithful service in secondary education in the El Paso Independent School District.

Mother Marbury’s Christian experience began as a child, and she has always been active in church work. However, the true meaning of being a Christian became a reality when she was filled with God’s Holy Spirit while attending the Upland Street Congregational Church of God in Christ, pastored by Elder J. H. Stevenson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1959.

Mother Marbury, an ordained minister, has served in the local church (Bethel Church of God in Christ) under the leadership of Superintendent William Moore in the Eastern District of Arizona as Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Church Secretary, Home and Foreign Mission President, Choir Director, and Educational Director. She served in the Eastern District of Arizona as Assistant to the District Purity Lady.

Mother Marbury served in the Arizona Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Felton King and Supervisor Isabel Gipson as District Missionary of the El Paso District under the then Superintendent J. O. Lawson.   Mother Marbury transferred her membership to the Holy Light Church of God in Christ in 1984 after her daughter, Jene L. Marbury, became the wife of Superintendent Lawson who had a view of establishing the Texas Western Jurisdiction.  In 1996, Superintendent Lawson was ordained a COGIC Bishop and the Texas Western Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ became a reality.  Mother Marbury was appointed the very first TWJ COGIC Supervisor of Women because of her educational background and experience, her excellent record as a faithful COGIC member and worker, and her proven church leadership record in various capacities.   Supervisor Marbury contributed significantly to the Jurisdiction’s growth, well being, and excellence during its formative and difficult years.

In 2010 at the Texas Western Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Banquet, Supervisor Marbury received the prestigious TWJ COGIC Reasonable Service Award in recognition of her outstanding dedicated service and leadership in the Jurisdiction.  Because of physical health reasons which limited her from performing her duties as she so desired, Supervisor Marbury decided to tender her resignation as the TWJ COGIC Supervisor of Women and is now Supervisor Emerita. She did not want her physical health to limit in any way the growth and progress of TWJ COGIC.  She, however, remains active in an advisory capacity to the Jurisdiction and remains as active as possible in her church, the Holy Light Church of God in Christ, Inc.

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Supervisor (Emerita) D. Lynette Riddick

Debra Lynnette Riddick was born and reared in Elizabeth City North Carolina. She was reared by her grandparents Booker T. Washington Jones, who was a Baptist preacher, and Erma Cherry Jones, a restaurant owner. Once she graduated high school, Supervisor Riddick went on to college and received her Degree in Physical Therapy in 1981. In August of that same year, she married her sweetheart, Ronnie L. Riddick. Four years later in 1985 both received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives while stationed in Kitzigen, West Germany.

Although the military relocated them several times, Supervisor Riddick worked steadfastly wherever they were relocated. She has been a church secretary, a hospitality worker, YWCC president, First Lady’s adjutant, and Bible study teacher. She also served as president of various auxiliaries within the local churches wherever they were stationed by the military. Furthermore, in 1998, she was appointed to the positions of District Hospitality President and District Secretary of the Northern Evangelistic District in upstate New York. Supervisor Riddick served faithfully in these positions for 2 years until the military moved them to El Paso. In June 2000, Supervisor Riddick became a licensed Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in the Northern New York Jurisdiction under Bishop Leroy Anderson and Mother Helena Akins, Women’s Supervisor. Once in the El Paso area, she has also held the offices of District Co-Chairlady in the Arizona Jurisdiction; Minister’s Wives President of the Zion District; TWJ Women’s Advisory Board President; and Third Assistant to TWJ Women’s Supervisor Dorothy Marbury.

Alongside her husband, Pastor Ronnie Riddick, they founded Westside Christian Fellowship in March 2006. After several years of dedicated service to the COGIC Texas Western Jurisdiction, she was appointed as the Assistant Women’s Supervisor and served diligently in that capacity beside Supervisor Dorothy Marbury for 3 years. Based on the recommendation from Mother Marbury and Bishop Juan Lawson, Evangelist Riddick was installed as the Women’s Supervisor of the Texas Western Jurisdiction on November 4, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri, at the 104th Holy Convocation. Since her appointment, Supervisor Riddick serves at the national church level with the Supervisors of Circle II (COGIC), on the Hospitality Committee, and The Love & Concern Committee.

In addition to church work, Supervisor Riddick has been a volunteer teacher for various Adult Literacy Programs and a Phone Counselor for the Crisis Pregnancy Center of El Paso.

She has furthered her education by receiving a B.A.A.S. in Christian Studies from Howard Payne University and is planning to pursue a Master’s Degree in Clinical Practice Management. The Riddicks have two adult children: Steven (TiAnna) and Danielle; along with two grandchildren Julean and Jenell Riddick.

After serving faithfully and successfully for twelve years as Supervisor of the Texas Western Jurisdiction COGIC, Supervisor Riddick, primarily because of the complications of travel to and fro to meetings from her new residence approximately 700 miles distant, tendered her resignation. It was reluctanly accepted but honored . Supervisor Riddick left an indellible impression of the Texas Western Jurisdiction as a result of her numerous and quality contributions to the wellbeing and growth of the Texas Western Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ.