Rev. Jacquelyn Jones
Associate Minister
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Reverend Jacquelyn Barksdale Jones
Reverend Jacquelyn Barksdale Jones is the daughter of the late James C. Barksdale and the late Mattie Fitzgerald Barksdale. She is a graduate of Virginia State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science and a Master of Education degree in Media Technology. Following her call to ministry, she furthered her theological education at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, earning the Master of Divinity degree.
Reverend Jones answered God’s call to preach the Gospel and was licensed to preach in 2002. She faithfully cultivated her ministry and, in 2014, was ordained by the Cherrystone Missionary Association Ordination Council. Throughout her years of service, she has remained committed to proclaiming the Word of God, equipping believers for Christian service, and ministering with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith.
She currently serves as Minister of Christian Education at First Baptist Church East Martinsville in Martinsville, Virginia, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles R. Whitfield. In this role, she is dedicated to strengthening biblical knowledge, fostering spiritual growth, and developing disciples of Jesus Christ.
Reverend Jones is the proud mother of two sons and the loving grandmother of six grandchildren. She is a lifetime member of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention and remains devoted to serving God’s people wherever He leads.
Her life and ministry are anchored in the truth of Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” It is by God’s Spirit that she continues to faithfully fulfill the work to which He has called her.
Reverend Jones answered God’s call to preach the Gospel and was licensed to preach in 2002. She faithfully cultivated her ministry and, in 2014, was ordained by the Cherrystone Missionary Association Ordination Council. Throughout her years of service, she has remained committed to proclaiming the Word of God, equipping believers for Christian service, and ministering with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith.
She currently serves as Minister of Christian Education at First Baptist Church East Martinsville in Martinsville, Virginia, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles R. Whitfield. In this role, she is dedicated to strengthening biblical knowledge, fostering spiritual growth, and developing disciples of Jesus Christ.
Reverend Jones is the proud mother of two sons and the loving grandmother of six grandchildren. She is a lifetime member of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention and remains devoted to serving God’s people wherever He leads.
Her life and ministry are anchored in the truth of Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” It is by God’s Spirit that she continues to faithfully fulfill the work to which He has called her.
Min. Mary Jack
Associate Minister
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Minister Mary Jack
Minister Mary Jack recognized God's call on her life at a young age. Although she was initially reluctant, she prayed for confirmation and faithfully responded when God reaffirmed His call.
Anchored by Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," she found the courage and confidence to step into ministry.
She furthered her biblical training at Milwaukee Theological School under the leadership of Pastor Glenn and Pastor Myers. She was Licensed to preach in 1993 at Oak Hill Baptist Church in Bassett, Virginia, under Pastor Charles Alston.
She currently serves as an Associate Minister at First Baptist Church East Martinsville. Minister Jack has faithfully served the body of Christ through teaching Sunday School, leading New Members classes, and ministering God's Word.
Her passion is to see God's presence and anointing move among His people. With a deep love for Scripture, she is devoted to teaching and preaching the Gospel.
Minister Mary Jack recognized God's call on her life at a young age. Although she was initially reluctant, she prayed for confirmation and faithfully responded when God reaffirmed His call.
Anchored by Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," she found the courage and confidence to step into ministry.
She furthered her biblical training at Milwaukee Theological School under the leadership of Pastor Glenn and Pastor Myers. She was Licensed to preach in 1993 at Oak Hill Baptist Church in Bassett, Virginia, under Pastor Charles Alston.
She currently serves as an Associate Minister at First Baptist Church East Martinsville. Minister Jack has faithfully served the body of Christ through teaching Sunday School, leading New Members classes, and ministering God's Word.
Her passion is to see God's presence and anointing move among His people. With a deep love for Scripture, she is devoted to teaching and preaching the Gospel.
Rev. Patricia Morris
Associate Minister
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Reverend Patricia S. Morris
Reverend Patricia S. Morris is a devoted servant of God whose life and ministry reflect a sincere love for Christ, His Word, and His people. She is the daughter of Robert L. Gilliam and Sallie V. Scales and a 1977 graduate of North Stokes High School.
In 1997, Reverend Morris answered God’s call to the ministry. After a season of prayer, preparation, and spiritual development, she delivered her initial sermon in 1999 at Beulah Baptist Church in Madison, North Carolina, under the leadership of Reverend Charles E. Carter. Her journey in ministry continued as she faithfully embraced opportunities to serve, grow, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 2014, Reverend Morris was ordained through the Rowan Association under the leadership of Reverend Ervin S. Best, affirming her call and commitment to the work of Christian ministry. She is presently an associate Minister at First Baptist Church East Martinsville under the leadership of Pastor Charles R Whitfield.
Throughout her ministry journey, Reverend Morris has maintained a heart for service and a desire to be used by God wherever He places her. She understands that ministry is not simply about titles or positions, but about faithfully serving God and His people. Her life reflects a willingness to stand wherever God assigns her and to use her gifts for the building of His Kingdom.
Reverend Morris is also a devoted mother and grandmother. She is the proud mother of one son, Jedrick Morris, and one daughter, Keidra M. Thompson, and she is blessed with a granddaughter, Kalilah Thompson. Her family remains an important part of her life and testimony.
One of Reverend Morris’s favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 84:10:
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”
Reverend Patricia S. Morris is a devoted servant of God whose life and ministry reflect a sincere love for Christ, His Word, and His people. She is the daughter of Robert L. Gilliam and Sallie V. Scales and a 1977 graduate of North Stokes High School.
In 1997, Reverend Morris answered God’s call to the ministry. After a season of prayer, preparation, and spiritual development, she delivered her initial sermon in 1999 at Beulah Baptist Church in Madison, North Carolina, under the leadership of Reverend Charles E. Carter. Her journey in ministry continued as she faithfully embraced opportunities to serve, grow, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 2014, Reverend Morris was ordained through the Rowan Association under the leadership of Reverend Ervin S. Best, affirming her call and commitment to the work of Christian ministry. She is presently an associate Minister at First Baptist Church East Martinsville under the leadership of Pastor Charles R Whitfield.
Throughout her ministry journey, Reverend Morris has maintained a heart for service and a desire to be used by God wherever He places her. She understands that ministry is not simply about titles or positions, but about faithfully serving God and His people. Her life reflects a willingness to stand wherever God assigns her and to use her gifts for the building of His Kingdom.
Reverend Morris is also a devoted mother and grandmother. She is the proud mother of one son, Jedrick Morris, and one daughter, Keidra M. Thompson, and she is blessed with a granddaughter, Kalilah Thompson. Her family remains an important part of her life and testimony.
One of Reverend Morris’s favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 84:10:
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”
Rev. Carla Walton
Associate Minister
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Reverend Carla W. Walton
Inspired by the Word of God: Psalms 121:7-8
"The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."
Her Life: Reverend Carla W. Walton was born in Martinsville, Virginia, on February 12, 1953, to the late Mr. Lemon and Mrs. Mowena Finney Williams. She is the second-oldest of 5 children, 2 of whom are deceased. She often talks about the love that was present during her years of growing up in her home on the West End of Martinsville and attending the illustrious Albert Harris High School. She frequently incorporates those experiences into her messages.
On November 25, 1970, she was married to the late Mr. Benjamin Walton and had been married to him for 37 years at the time of his passing. To this holy union, she brought into this world two biological children; Mrs. Chiquita W. Martin, whose husband is Elliott of Martinsville, VA, and Cory O. Walton of Cincinnati, OH, and one God-given son, Troy Brandon. She has 7 grandchildren: Ebony, Atrayal, Brandon, Darcarius, Troy Jr., Mya, and Devin.
Her Occupation: Reverend Walton is a licensed cosmetologist of more than 20 years. Reverend Carla worked in the field of Social Service for more than 5 years. The Martinsville-Henry School Board employs her as a substitute teacher. Her life's goal is to help "at least one" child understand that "Education is the key to success", and to realize and recognize that their potential to make a difference in the world depends on being dedicated to excellence concerning their training. She marvels at how God took her love for people, paired it with her gift of gab and "worked it for his good".
Her ministry: Reverend Walton was an active member of the Judah House of Worship under the leadership of Dr. James Roland Cohen, Sr., who is the founder and pastor. She accepted her call to the ministry to preach the Gospel while a member at The Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church in Dry Fork, VA, under Pastor Cohen, where she was licensed and encouraged to exercise her gifts in ministry. She was ordained on November 22, 2014, and was certified to perform the Rites of Matrimony and Burial by the Circuit Court of the City of Martinsville in 2015.
Reverend Walton has served as a youth leader, a choir director, and a youth choir director and musician. She has also served in the ministries of Ushers, Outreach, and Missions, and is a Sunday school teacher. She is an assistant Girl Scout leader of Troop 615.
Reverend Walton connected with The First Baptist Church East Martinsville in February, 2022 under the leadership of Reverend Charles R. Whitfield.
She is also a member of The Martinsville- Henry County Alumnae Chapter of The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Her Education: Outside her childhood education, Rev. Carla Walton was an honor graduate of the Ministry program at Virginia University of Lynchburg, and she attended Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, VA, and Danville Community College in Danville, VA. She received a BA Degree in Theology and a degree in Christian Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She graduated with an MA Degree in Leadership, Discipleship, and Church Ministry in May of 2019. Rev. Walton states that one of her favorite and most exciting classes was American Sign Language. She believes that "God provides a way for everyone to hear his word and experience his goodness."
Reverend Walton's hobbies include spoiling ALL children (8-80), reading, cooking, and researching ancient Biblical history. She enjoys collecting cookbooks and Bibles. Two of her favorite songs are "The Battle is Not Yours- It's the Lord's and an old favorite hymn, Amazing Grace. Her greatest desire is to help somebody each day to understand how wonderful it is to serve God and each other, and to know that His love for us is unconditional and everlasting.
Inspired by the Word of God: Psalms 121:7-8
"The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."
Her Life: Reverend Carla W. Walton was born in Martinsville, Virginia, on February 12, 1953, to the late Mr. Lemon and Mrs. Mowena Finney Williams. She is the second-oldest of 5 children, 2 of whom are deceased. She often talks about the love that was present during her years of growing up in her home on the West End of Martinsville and attending the illustrious Albert Harris High School. She frequently incorporates those experiences into her messages.
On November 25, 1970, she was married to the late Mr. Benjamin Walton and had been married to him for 37 years at the time of his passing. To this holy union, she brought into this world two biological children; Mrs. Chiquita W. Martin, whose husband is Elliott of Martinsville, VA, and Cory O. Walton of Cincinnati, OH, and one God-given son, Troy Brandon. She has 7 grandchildren: Ebony, Atrayal, Brandon, Darcarius, Troy Jr., Mya, and Devin.
Her Occupation: Reverend Walton is a licensed cosmetologist of more than 20 years. Reverend Carla worked in the field of Social Service for more than 5 years. The Martinsville-Henry School Board employs her as a substitute teacher. Her life's goal is to help "at least one" child understand that "Education is the key to success", and to realize and recognize that their potential to make a difference in the world depends on being dedicated to excellence concerning their training. She marvels at how God took her love for people, paired it with her gift of gab and "worked it for his good".
Her ministry: Reverend Walton was an active member of the Judah House of Worship under the leadership of Dr. James Roland Cohen, Sr., who is the founder and pastor. She accepted her call to the ministry to preach the Gospel while a member at The Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church in Dry Fork, VA, under Pastor Cohen, where she was licensed and encouraged to exercise her gifts in ministry. She was ordained on November 22, 2014, and was certified to perform the Rites of Matrimony and Burial by the Circuit Court of the City of Martinsville in 2015.
Reverend Walton has served as a youth leader, a choir director, and a youth choir director and musician. She has also served in the ministries of Ushers, Outreach, and Missions, and is a Sunday school teacher. She is an assistant Girl Scout leader of Troop 615.
Reverend Walton connected with The First Baptist Church East Martinsville in February, 2022 under the leadership of Reverend Charles R. Whitfield.
She is also a member of The Martinsville- Henry County Alumnae Chapter of The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Her Education: Outside her childhood education, Rev. Carla Walton was an honor graduate of the Ministry program at Virginia University of Lynchburg, and she attended Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, VA, and Danville Community College in Danville, VA. She received a BA Degree in Theology and a degree in Christian Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She graduated with an MA Degree in Leadership, Discipleship, and Church Ministry in May of 2019. Rev. Walton states that one of her favorite and most exciting classes was American Sign Language. She believes that "God provides a way for everyone to hear his word and experience his goodness."
Reverend Walton's hobbies include spoiling ALL children (8-80), reading, cooking, and researching ancient Biblical history. She enjoys collecting cookbooks and Bibles. Two of her favorite songs are "The Battle is Not Yours- It's the Lord's and an old favorite hymn, Amazing Grace. Her greatest desire is to help somebody each day to understand how wonderful it is to serve God and each other, and to know that His love for us is unconditional and everlasting.
Deacons
Deacon James Noel
Deacon James Hampton
Deacon Donald Kirby
Deacon Marcus Eldridge
Deacon Jerron Pete Morton
Deacon Kenneth Barksdale
Brandon Watkins
Deacon - Elect
Alonzo Shelton
Deacon - Elect
Deaconesses
Deaconess Brenda Kirby
Deaconess Marla Eldgridge
Deaconess Yolanda Morton
Deaconess Beverly Barksdale
Sis. Rhonda Watkins
Deaconess - Elect
Sis. Felicia Shelton
Deaconess - Elect