VESTRY
Ben Williams:2023-25
Dr. Ben Williams was raised here at Good Shepherd. He has been an active member of this congregation since he was a child. In fact, Ben has also been involved in our Tend My Lambs Mission Ministry for all of the 32 years Good Shepherd has enjoyed this ministry. Ben and his wife Emily have two boys, Arthur and Bryce, both of whom serve as acolytes. Emily also serves on the EDS Board and heads the Parent's Prayer Group which meets here on Monday mornings. Ben serves as a Eucharistic Minister here at Good Shepherd and at our EDS school Eucharists. Ben has served on the vestry a number of times, and we are very excited to have him serve, as he brings a well-rounded approach to leadership.
Toni Yoder 2024-26
Toni Yoder has been associated with Good Shepherd for many years through her association with EDS. Toni's three grown children are all alumni of EDS, as is her eldest grandson. She presently has several grandchildren enrolled in the school and one of her grandsons will graduate from EDS next year! Tony is the co-owner and manager of Oilquip, Inc here in Lake Charles. Oilquip is a third generation business serving the industries throughout the region. Toni is also a trained potter and loves giving her time at the wheel as a way to give back. She works annually with the Salvation Army's Empty Bowl Project. In addition, she and her granddaughter Nina make the Communion wafers we use each week. She brings her fine-tuned business management skills and her love for charitable work to the table, something every vestry needs.
Robert Williamson: Treasurer
Robert Williamson has graciously accepted our call to serve as Treasurer of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Robert is replacing Denise Rau, who graciously asked to be relieved of those duties after a long 2 1/2 years as we cleaned up the books and accounting practices here at Good Shepherd. Robert comes to us as a dedicated member of the Church. He is married to one of our high school teachers and Eucharistic Ministers Skye Williamson, and father to three boys. Robert comes to us with a strong financial background of over 25 years in banking and service to several non-profits. His resume is perfect for Good Shepherd. Robert regularly attends the 10:30 service with his family, and we hope you will congratulate him on his new position here at Good Shepherd.
Mary Jones: Chancellor
Mary Jones is an attorney, here in the Lake Charles community. Her family has been a part of the Good Shepherd family since its inception. Mary is the first Chancellor of the Church. She was recruited by Mother Mitzi as one of her first orders of business. A Rector of a church the size of Good Shepherd needs good legal advise on many issues. The Chancellor assists the rector and the vestry on contracts, writing resolutions, policies, and negotiations. Mary has a long history as an oil and gas attorney doing just that kind of work and has been instrumental in helping us to move forward with all of our hurricane damage, and our new policies. Mary also serves as the Chair for the Diocesan Committee on Constitution and Canons.
Beth Frey 2024-26
Beth Frey was Received by Bishop Jake Owensby, here at Good Shepherd in 2022. Since that time Beth has been very active with St. Cecilia's Group, and serves as a Lay reader for the 8:30 am service. Beth is presently preparing to be a Eucharistic Minister and will serve in our regular rotation. Beth and LeAnn live with their menagerie of pets close by the Church. She has been employed with Sabine Pools for 27 years, as their head designer, so if you have had a pool built, you have probably worked with Beth. We are so happy to have her on the vestry. Beth is replacing Nancy Shaw as a vestry member.
Earl Daigle 2024-26
Earl Daigle is a lifelong Episcopalian. He and his wife Marybeth have two sons: Owen is grown and on his own. Carson is a junior at EDS and has been at EDS for a most of his educational career. Earl's mother Margaret also lives with the family. Earl and Marybeth are loving caregivers to both Earl's mother and Marybeth's father. Earl and his family attend the 10:30 service here at Good Shepherd. In addition, Earl is a Maintenance Supervisor at LyondellBasell. His expertise in maintenance makes Earl a great asset for the vestry. We are so happy to welcome him aboard.
Paul "Sonny" Marks: 2025-27
Sonny is an experienced Vestry member, as he has served before, here at Good Shepherd. We are so thankful to have him back on board. Sonny is a regular at our 5:00 service, where he attends faithfully with his wife Louise and where he serves as a Eucharistic Minister. In his spare time Sonny is an attorney and sometimes journalist. We look forward to having Sonny serve on the vestry, he brings a depth of abilities, strengths, and a calming spirit to the table.
Cunliffe McBee 2025-27
Cunliffe and his family have been at Good Shepherd previously, were transferred due to work, and now have transferred back. We are so thankful to have them back. They have been back with us for a few years now and we are certain, you have seen their two beautiful children serving as acolytes, at the 10:30 service. Cunliffe and his lovely wife Francis both work behind the scenes, for one of our local casinos. The McBee's have been such a wonderful addition to Good Shepherd, we look forward to having Cunliffe on our vestry.
Matt Hughes: 2025-27
Matt Hughes first came to Good Shepherd as a child. He has a love and fondness for this Holy place. He sees Good Shepherd as his spiritual home, and we are so very glad he has agreed to serve on the vestry. You have probably seen Matt signing in the choir at the 10:30 service. He also serves as a lay Eucharistic visitor, bring Holy Communion to those who cannot make it to Church. Matt is a retired nurse anesthetist, he serves in several local non-profits, as well as in our Brown Bag, and our front desk. We are thrilled to have Matt on board.
Martha Hoskins: 2023-25
Martha is a seasoned vestry person, although serving her first year of her 2023-2026 term. She is an educator, having taught History at McNeese State University for many years. She brings a plethora of skills to the vestry including her organizational skills, her understanding of Constitutions, Canons, and By-Laws, along with her expertise in Roberts Rules of Order. She is an exceptional note taker and serves as this vestry's Secretary. Martha has been a member here at Good Shepherd since the early 80's when here children attended EDS. She serves on the Tend My Lambs Committee, she is a Eucharistic Minister, and serves on the Altar Guild. She has also served on multiple Diocesan committees. Martha is great to work with and we are so thankful for her willingness to serve.
Clayton Davis: Senior Warden 2025
Judge Clayton Davis will serve as our Senior Warden this year. He joined our vestry as a member of 2023-2026 class. He and his wife Geralyn have been active members here at Good Shepherd for many years. Clayton and Geralyn both serve on the Brown Bag Committee helping to pack and give out much needed groceries to those less fortunate. Judge Davis is a very respected member of the Bar here in Lake Charles and is the newest judicial member of our State Appellate Court. He brings to the vestry many years of well-reasoned and thoughtful decision making, excellent management skills, and a real heart for justice and rightful actions. All of these abilities are vital to a well-functioning Church community. We are fortunate to have Judge Davis on our team!