Meet the team.

The Reverend Dr. David Joyner

Senior Pastor

The Reverend Laura Goldenbaum - Yang

Associate Pastor
 

David is a lifelong native of Eastern North Carolina and has joyfully served congregations in the Heritage District since beginning his ministry in 2013. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and he later completed both his Master of Divinity (2017) and Doctor of Ministry (2023) degrees at Duke University.

While at Duke, David was selected as a Duke Endowment Thriving Rural Fellow, deepening his understanding of and commitment to rural congregations' unique strengths. He also completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education through an internship at Duke University Hospital, an experience that shaped his pastoral identity and sharpened his gifts for compassionate, intentional care. David’s passion for the rural church runs deep—it was there that he first heard and answered God’s call into ministry.

David is committed to helping churches grow in spiritual depth, scriptural engagement, and community-focused mission. His ministry is centered on cultivating healthy congregations, supporting clergy, and strengthening the connectional life of the church.

David and his wife, Anna, are the proud parents of two daughters, Mary Alice and Elizabeth Mae, who delightfully keep them on their toes. David also serves as the District Superintendent for the Heritage District of the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, providing pastoral, administrative, and missional leadership to the district's churches and clergy.
Laura began her ministry at First United Methodist Church in July 2024. She has served in full-time ministry for more than 13 years in both local church and camp & retreat ministries. Before joining First Church, Laura served as Pastor of Discipleship and Outreach at St. James UMC in Greenville, NC (2019–2024). Prior to that, she spent seven years at Don Lee Camp and Retreat Center in Arapahoe, NC (2012–2019), where she served as Assistant Director for Faith Formation and Environmental Education.

Laura is passionate about helping people grow in faith and empowering them to use their God-given gifts in the church and in the world. She brings a deep love for discipleship, community engagement, and fostering spaces where all people can encounter the grace of Christ.

Laura and her husband, Daewon, have three wonderful children who fill their home with joy, a dash of chaos, and endless opportunities to learn together. Originally from Massachusetts, Laura still loves a good snow day—especially when she doesn’t have to leave the house. She enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family, and exploring Rocky Mount and the surrounding communities.

Llewellyn Edmonson

Secretary
Born and raised in Rocky Mount, Llewellyn Edmonson is a proud graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High School (Class of 1971). She continued her education at East Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education in 1975. Llewellyn enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a Career & Technical Education teacher before retiring.

In June 2011, Llewellyn joined the staff of First United Methodist Church as Church Secretary, where she continues to serve with kindness, competence, and a deep love for the congregation.

Llewellyn is the mother of two daughters, Kelley Tyndall (Chris) and Ashley Van Liere (Daniel). She is also a proud grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren—Darcy and Ayden Tyndall, and Stella and Thatcher Van Liere.

A member of Englewood United Methodist Church, Llewellyn enjoys beach trips to Salter Path, reading, traveling with her daughters, and sharing meals with family and friends. She often says she is blessed to have two church families—her home church and the church she serves.

Charlie Harrell

Finance Administrator
 

Dr. Heather Coleman

Children & Family Ministry Director
 

Mary Beth Pittman

Worship Leader
 
Dr. Heather Coleman serves as the Children’s Director at First Church of Rocky Mount, bringing together her calling to ministry and her profession as a clinical pharmacist. Since stepping into her role in February 2024, Heather has devoted herself to helping children grow in their understanding of Scripture and deepen their love for Christ.

Heather has a heart for welcoming new families, learning their stories, and supporting them as they discover what it means to follow Jesus. As the mother of three elementary-aged children—her greatest joy—she combines practical insight, compassion, and personal experience to create a nurturing environment for young disciples.

Outside of ministry and pharmacy, Heather enjoys riding her horse, creating art, camping with her family, and getting lost in a good book. She is grateful for the opportunity to invest in the next generation and walk alongside families as they grow in faith together.
Mary Beth Pittman has been singing and playing violin since she was young, and her musical journey has deep roots at First Church of Rocky Mount. She sang her very first solo in this church, was baptized here, and joyfully remembered that baptism in the Jordan River during a 2023 pilgrimage to Israel. Today, she is grateful to serve as Worship Leader, helping guide the congregation in heartfelt praise each Sunday.

Mary Beth holds a degree in Music from Meredith College and has an extensive background in both performance and conducting. She has performed and conducted operas and sacred works in Italy—including Gianni Schicchi and Mozart’s Requiem—experiences that continue to shape her musicianship and her passion for worship.

Deeply committed to the arts, Mary Beth is active in community theatre throughout Rocky Mount and the surrounding areas. She also teaches private Voice and Violin students through her studio, investing in the next generation of musicians.

Mary Beth and her husband were married at First Church in 2022. They make their home in Rocky Mount along with their beloved poodle, Max. She is honored to serve a church that has shaped her faith and remains a place of worship, community, and calling.

Will Viverette

Organist
Will Viverette joined the staff of First United Methodist Church as Interim Organist on October 1, 2025, bringing with him a deep love for church music and years of dedicated study. He studied organ privately under two collegiate-level musicians and continued his musical development through coursework at Halifax Community College. Will’s thoughtful musicianship and steady presence enrich our congregation's worship life each week.

When he is not at the organ bench, Will enjoys gardening, antique collecting, and spending time with his Labrador Retriever. His hobbies and interests reflect the same care, patience, and attentiveness he brings to his musical ministry.

Will is grateful to serve the people of FUMC and to offer his gifts in support of vibrant, meaningful worship.

Pamela Lathen

Childcare
 

Donna Morales

Pre-K Teacher
 

Krystle Gardner

3-yr old Teacher
 

Mary Tracey

1-2 yr old Teacher
 
Mary Bracey was born in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, surrounded by the beauty of sugarcane fields. The fifth of six children, she spent her childhood weekends at her family’s small house on Pointe à la Hache—fishing, crabbing, and trawling along the Louisiana coast. Those early experiences taught her the value of family, hard work, and appreciating God’s creation.

Raised in the Catholic tradition, Mary developed a strong moral foundation. Much of her character was shaped by her father, who led with quiet strength and compassion. He taught his children to help others simply because it is right, to act from the heart rather than expectation, and to remember that “you are only as good as your name.” Those lessons of integrity and kindness continue to guide Mary’s life and work today.

As a Preschool Teacher at First Church Preschool, Mary brings warmth, patience, and a deep love for children. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where every child feels known, valued, and supported. Drawing on her upbringing and strong sense of integrity, Mary considers it a joy and a calling to help shape the next generation with the same compassion and strength instilled in her.

Amy Brown

Assistant Teacher
 

Ciara Farmer

Custodian