Jason Ledbetter
Associate Minister of Youth and Education

Jason began his service as Associate Minister in February of 2008. He graduated from Wayne County High School in 2000. He has served in various areas of ministry, on a volunteer basis, at Ritch Missionary Baptist Church in K’ville, Georgia. He married Ryan Cochran in 2005. They have a son named Knox and are expecting their second child in May. Jason’s hobbies include playing most sports, watching college football, among many other various activities.
Email jledbetter82@hotmail.com

Terry Smoak
 Interim Minister of Music

Terry  began his service as Interim Minister of Music in October of 2008. He is a  native of South Carolina and has lived in Texas and Florida before moving to  Baxley to manage Pet Dairy when it opened in 2003. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Industries (Dairy Science) in 1982 and his Masters of  Agriculture with majority of studies in Food Science in 1985. He and his wife, Rebecca, have two children, Jonathan and Emily. Terry enjoys golfing (when he  can), gardening, and listening/reading reformed sermons.

Laura Bruce
 Administrative Assistant/Financial Secretary

Laura began her service in January of 2009. She has been a resident of Appling County since 1976. She is married to Robert Bruce. They have been married for fourteen years. They have two daughters: Kaitlin and Jesse Riane. Her hobbies are photography, scrapbooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Email bxlyfbc@bellsouth.net

Elesa Varnadore
Church Secretary
 and Receptionist

Elesa began her service in June of 1990. She has been a resident of Appling County since 1973. Her family includes three  children: Christy, Joshua, and Caleb. Her hobbies are birding, enjoying nature, and collecting Peanuts memorabilia. She is an avid Wal-Mart shopper and enjoys spending time with  her family.
Email EVarnadore@FBCBaxley.org

Vinnie Shipes
Custodian

Vinnie has been a  part-time employee since May of 1987. She is married to Bobby, a  retired First Baptist Church employee. They have been married forty-four years. They have two children: Danny and Sheri; three grandchildren: Danny,  Kristena, and Grady; and two great-grandchildren, Harley and Haliegh Lynn. Vinnie’s favorite past-time is participating in the life and ministry  of her church.  She enjoys her church, fishing, and spending time with her family.

Vernon Boatright
Custodian

Vernon began his service in August of 2007. He is married to the former Jackie Lightsey. They have three children: Kyle, Kacey, and Lucas; and two granddaughters: Emily and Gracey. He enjoys shopping at flea markets, buying groceries, and cooking.

Gail Carter
Pianist

Gail grew up in First Baptist Church.  She began part-time service at twelve years old and served periodically from then through her college years. She began full-time service in the early  1970’s. Gail teaches mathematics and physics at the high  school and was married to the late Jerry Carter, a retired high school English  teacher. They have one son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy & Emily  Carter.

Claire Tanner
Organist

Claire first began her service in 1965 and has served in a full-time position since 1985.  She teaches piano lessons and is married to Kenneth Tanner, a retired Georgia Power employee.  They have two children: Jeff Tanner and Tamela Folsom; three grandsons and two granddaughters: Payne Ivie, Pierce & Abbigayle Tanner, Tanner & Anna Kate Folsom.  Claire’s hobbies are working in the yards and collecting depression era glassware.