Hometown: Ardmore, Oklahoma
Present City: Dallas
Education: B.A. in English
Profession: Office administrator
Tell us about your family.
I am one of four kids born to educators who were the first in their families to receive college degrees. This was quite a feat in the 1950s for those like my parents. Our mom integrated two Oklahoma school systems and was honored as teacher of the year at least once during her career. Our youngest brother was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in April 2024. The professions of my six nephews and nieces range from New York county attorney to licensed social worker. There are data dudes and managers in the mix, too. The oldest of the next generation graduates from high school this year.
Any favorite hobbies?
I like to cook. The process fascinates me. The brothers and I often share our creations at family gatherings.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
When attending another local church, I hosted a free jazz concert series called Tuesday Nite Jazz. We invited the best jazz artists in the Dallas area to play for us and ended the evening with a free dinner for patrons and musicians. In 2017, my artistic director and I determined that we needed to find a new home for the program. We cofounded JazzStand and brought jazz concerts to Wilshire. Doug Haney, who was minister of music then, said that we only asked Wilshire to do what Wilshire already wanted to do.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
Discovery Class, Sanctuary Choir and Faith in 3D. I was honored to serve on the Minister of Music Search Committee in 2023.
What’s surprised you most about Wilshire?
The fabric of Wilshire’s core values is Wilshire’s deliberate intention to celebrate diversity and inclusion. This community is my idea of what God envisioned when the earth was formed. Wilshire isn’t perfect but is perfectly pointed to serve others in ways that reflect the Beloved Community Dr. King saw.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
God is helping me let my faith be stronger than my fear.
What is something interesting most people would not know about you?
I am terrified of singing in public.
What adjectives best describe you?
Loyal, trustworthy and kind — and sprinkled with a little stubbornness. I am perfectly imperfect, but you already knew that.