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 34 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 is also one of our two postulants here at Good Shepherd.
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 was among the first graduating class of EDS. 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 of giving back. She works annually with the Salvation Army's Empty Bowl Project. In addition, she makes 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. Robert has worked very hard to continue the work we began in 2023 to enable Good Shepherd is using proper methods of accounting, sound judgement, and is on solid ground with all areas of our finances
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 advice 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 which has benefitted us here at Good Shepherd as work to ensure our By-Laws and policies are aligned with the National and Diocesan Polity.
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 a Eucharistic Minister and will serves regularly at the 8:30 service. Beth and LeAnn live with their menagerie of pets close by the Church. She has been employed with Sabine Pools for 28 years, as their head designer, so if you have had a pool built, you have probably worked with Beth. Beth's business savvy makes her a huge asset to the Vestry.
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 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, which is why we invited him to be Junior Warden
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. Sonny is also our thurifer, so you will see him at high Holy Days swinging the incense. Sonny brings a depth of abilities, strengths, and a calming spirit to the table.
Amy Allen 2025-27
Amy Allen is no stranger to Good Shepherd or the Vestry. She has graciously accepted the Vestry's invitation to serve out an unexpired term vacated this past summer. Amy follows in her parent's footsteps in serving her Church community with zeal and vigor. She and JD usually attend the 5:00 service. Amy likes to say she was Baptized here, confirmed here, married here, her children were Baptized and confirmed here, and she will be buried here when the time comes. She is a cradle Episcopalian in other words, but more importantly she is a cradle Good Shepherd lamb! Amy's enthusiasm for our Church is contagious, and she works tirelessly to ensure our Church thrives. She works as second or third in command on our annual book sale, and that is a huge job! We are so thankful she said yes to the call to return to the vestry to fill this position.
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 is 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!