meet our church staff


  • Wesley pepper

    Senior pastor

    wesley@amoryfirstgmc.com

    Wesley holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Mississippi University for Women and a Masters of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. Wesley is an Ordained Elder in the Global Methodist Church. He has been blessed to serve several congregations within Mississippi  as well as being a part of 10 church-planting mission trips around the world. He is extremely passionate about personal and community discipleship and evangelism! Some of his favorite pass times are fishing, hunting, and spending time with family.  Wesley and Johanna have four children, a daughter, Charlie, a son, John Brennan, a daughter, Evie,  and their newest daughter, Eden.

  • Caleb holder

    associate Pastor to Youth

    cALEB@amoryfirstgmc.com

    Caleb is originally from Cleveland, MS. He attended Delta State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in History. After graduating DSU, Caleb attended Memphis Theological Seminary where he graduated with a Master’s in Christian Ministry and obtained a Wesleyan Certificate of Studies. Caleb is married to Cassie Holder, and they have many wonderful pets! Both are Mississippi State and Dallas Cowboys fans.    


  • Shirley Dawson

    Children's Minister

    Shirley@amoryfirstgmc.com

    Shirley comes to us from Texas with over forty years of experience working with children. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education, has served as a Stephens Minister, and has earned National Accreditation in her career. Her passion is serving in Children’s Ministry sharing God’s unconditional love of children. 


    She had been a Preschool Director for many years before following her calling to Children’s Ministry which she has been doing for the past thirty plus years.  She is currently pursuing her interest in Bible Studies.  Her hobbies include gardening, hiking and camping and the rehab of their new 150 year-old home.


    Shirley and her husband, Mike, Have been married for over 50 years, while raising six wonderful children together.  They have twelve grandchildren and love spending time with them whenever possible.

     

  • Shayne Hall

    early learning center director building 2

    Shayne is a 2021 Amory High School graduate.  She obtained an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Itawamba Community College.  Shayne became an afternoon teacher for FUMC ELC in August 2014 and soon became one of our 3 year old teachers.  Shayne was promoted to FUMC ELC Director June 2021.  She and her husband, Vince, have been married for 6 years.  They have a daughter, Blakely, and a son, Sawyer.

  • Layne Hall

    early learning center director building 1

    Layne is a 2012 Amory High School graduate. She obtained an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Itawamba Community College. Layne has been employed with the Early Learning Center for nine years. She started out as an afternoon teacher in 2014. She then became a two year old teacher and shortly after was the Pre-K teacher. Layne was promoted to Assistant Director for Amory First ELC in 2019 and then to Director in 2021.  Layne has been married to her husband, David Carroll, for six years. 

  • Neita brasfield

    administrative assistant and Communications

    neita@amoryfirstgmc.com

    Neita has been a member of Amory FUMC for over 30 years. She attended ICC, MUW,  and NMMC School of Medical Technology. She is an ASCP registered Medical Technologist. She has worked in the church office since 2001, serving in the roles of secretary, office manager, and now administrative assistant.


    In her spare time she loves to be with her family. She also loves the beach, sports, etc.


    She and her husband Brad have been married 33 years. They have two daughters, Lindsay (husband Buzz and grandson Bo), and Taylor (husband Austin and granddaughter Riley).

  • Mary tate

    Financial secretary, Family Ministry, Fellowship & Fixins, and Web site manager

    mary@amoryfirstgmc.com

    Mary graduated from Amory High School and attended ICC with a degree in Information Technology.  She has two sons, Gabe and Cody and a grandson Tatum.  In her free time she enjoys her grandson Tatum, cooking, junking and her dog Gizmo.

    Mary has four brothers and four sisters so feeding a multitude of people comes natural to her.  She has been our Financial Administrator since 2013  but has attended FUMC since birth.

     

  • johanna pepper

    music director

    johanna@amoryfirstgmc.com

    Johanna's educational background includes an AA in Music Education from Northwest Mississippi Community College, BA in Music with a Minor in History from Mississippi College, and a MM in Piano Performance from The University of Mississippi. She is currently in her 10th year of teaching, and has taught Pre-K through college level in General Music, Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Class Piano, Private Instruction, Music Appreciation, and Humanities. She has participated in and led worship in previous congregations as praise band director, media team director, choir director, accompanying, and pianist.

     

    She is currently teaching Music and Humanities at Hamilton Attendance Center and is an Adjunct Instructor through East Mississippi Community College. Johanna and Wesley have three children, a daughter, Charlie, a son, John Brennan, a daughter Evie, and their newest daughter, Eden.

  • Kevin Adams

    praise first director



  • dickie miller

    Tv ministry director

    Direct quote from Dickie's Facebook profile, "I have been a sports official for the past 40 years, working at every level from little league to division 1 among four different sports- football, basketball, baseball and fast pitch softball. I married my high school sweetheart in 1972 and we have been together for the past 43 years." Well said, Dickie! Two things he forgot to mention. One, he is the proud grandparent of Harlow Miller. Second, the term used to describe having a flag thrown on you in a ballgame by Dickie is: you've been "Millerized".  

  • Len Bobo

    Organist

    Len is married to Pam and they have two daughters, Celeste and Brittany. His interests are archeology and outdoor activities. He enjoys spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He is a native of Vicksburg, MS, graduating from Warren Central High School in 1967. He has served churches in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.  He received the following degrees:

     

    1969 – Associate of Arts Degree in Music – Hinds Junior College – Awarded the first Lee Mayo Scholarship

    1971 – Bachelor of Music Degree in Organ Performance & Theory/Composition – Mississippi College - Awarded the B. G. Waldon Music Award

    1975 – Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance and Theory/Composition – University of Tennessee

    Additional study – University of Tennessee and University of Alabama

      

    He taught at the following schools:

    1975-1990 – University of Arkansas at Little Rock

    1983-1999 – Hendrix College, Conway, AR

    2000-2003 – Millsaps College, Jackson, MS

    2003-2013 – East Central Community College

     


  • bobbie barnett

    Office Assistant

    Bobbie has been a member of First Methodist Church since the early 50's. She is very active in the Finder's Sunday School Class, UMW and anywhere the church needs her. She is a vital part of the church staff. 


    In her free time she loves to work in her yard. Another love is to visit estate sales and go antique shopping with her son Tim.  Bobbie has one other son, Lee.