Looking back on my life so far, I William “Bill” Fletcher Collier, have a lot to be thankful. Orphaned at seven, raised in the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home, graduated from Clinch Valley College (now UVA at Wise), married for fifty years to Carol Frances, father for three, and grandfather to four, “grand” to many pets, retired from the pharmaceutical industry; I can say with my whole heart, “Thank you, God” for many blessings. Most important in my life is Jesus Christ, and I give praise to God and humble gratitude to First Presbyterian Church for putting trust in me. My journey of faith started with my mother’s love for me. It finds me now wanting to serve God in as many ways possible. It has been my pleasure to serve as Deacon, College of Elders, committee member, usher, youth mentor, and recently the call to become Active Elder. With God’s help, I look forward to these next steps.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Raised in the Baptist church, Kathy came to First Presbyterian Church in the late 1980s, upon returning to her native Richmond. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia School of Law, Kathy now enjoys retirement after 33+ years of state employment (preceded by a handful of years in private practice in New York and Virginia) in both the legislative and executive branches (education law). She is grateful for all the FPC communities that have welcomed and blessed her through the years, whether the Chancel Choir and worship band, DISCIPLE and small group studies, confirmands, Belarus missions, Henry Marsh Elementary School, or Young Adults ministry. She loves singing, painting, exploring Scripture, traveling, and cheering Tar Heel basketball.
I was born and raised in Richmond. My parents were long time members of First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Jim Jones taught my confirmation class at FPC and Dr. Jack Sadler presided at Cynthia’s and my wedding. Cynthia and I have two children – Charles and Claiborne. They were baptized at First Presbyterian and grew up in the church. Cynthia has served as a Deacon and as moderator of Presbyterian Women and I have served as an Elder for three years. I am a member of the Stewardship Committee, the Planned Giving Committee, and the Capital Campaign Committee. Professionally, I work in the commercial real estate industry with Capital Square. Previously, I worked in health care administration on the medical campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.
I was first introduced to FPC by Jane Willis, my husband’s grandmother, through an invitation to join the Homecoming lunch on the lot, when our family moved to Richmond in 2016. My husband JD and I are raising our three boys (Ridge-12, Red-10, and Pratt-6), who are a vibrant part of FPC’s Children’s Ministry programs, for which I have served as instructor of Wonder Hour and VBS in recent years. This summer, I had the pleasure of chaperoning our Youth Conference in Montreat, NC, which greatly deepened my faith and connections to our wonderful FPC community. I also enjoy helping develop programming for the many groups and interests of our congregation by serving on the Faith Formation Council.
When not in the balcony with my boys on Sundays, I support families of children and adults with developmental disabilities as an Occupational Therapist, and deliver aging-in-place and environmental design consultative services to older adults wishing to remain in their homes. After living in Louisiana, New Jersey, California, North Carolina, (briefly) Massachusetts, and (for the most recent decade) Richmond, Virginia, I am so glad to finally feel grounded, and grow generously, with this church family that cares deeply and purposefully for its members and the larger Richmond community. I am honored, and energized, about serving FPC in the Class of 2029!
I was born in Jacksonville, FL but spent most of my childhood in Richmond following my Dad’s transfer to VA. I grew up in one of the other Presbyterian churches here in Richmond, but chose to transfer my membership to FPC when I was in college. My husband, Pete, and I were married at FPC in 1979. My studies at James Madison University lead me to a job as a speech pathologist in the public school system. After many years, I switched gears and moved into the non-profit sector. I retired from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture where I was the manager of the membership office. Over the years, I have been active in several of FPC’s Presbyterian Women’s circles. I currently am participating in Amy’s/Stephanie’s Bible Study, Centering Prayer and Women on Zoom. I also am finishing up my term as a Deacon. I also am co-chairing the Congregational Life Committee. Involvement in those activities and the wonderful people involved continues to bless my life on a daily basis. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with Pete, gardening, reading, cooking and needlepointing. I look forward to continued involvement with FPC.
First Presbyterian Church has been an important place in my life since 1998 when my husband, Jack and I moved back to Richmond. I have been actively involved in the church since then and have served in multiple capacities.
All four of our children, Anna, Eliza, John, and Marlo were Baptized and Confirmed at First Presbyterian and attended FPC Preschool. I have served on the Preschool Board ( Chairman), the youth council, APNC, Circle 3 and have taught many Sunday school classes. In 2002, I was part of a medical mission to our sister church in Bluefields, Nicaragua. Over the last year, I’ve enjoyed being a part of the centering prayer group.
For the past 28 years, I have worked as a family doctor and in my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, reading, walking our two wonderful dogs, and spending time with friends.
My family moved from Charlotte NC, where I was born, to Richmond when I was in 7th grade. I was thankful to be a part of different churches in both Richmond and Charlottesville, where I spent five years in school at UVA earning a BA and Masters in Elementary Education. I was raised by loving parents who modeled the importance of service to others, and I have gained much joy and satisfaction from my volunteer work at the Virginia Home as well as Henry Marsh Elementary. My husband, Orran, and I joined FPC four years ago because of the personal, welcoming, and inclusive community here. In this season of busyness with our three children, we value the familiar liturgy, beautiful music, and the good news of the Gospel preached each Sunday by our wonderful ministers. Aside from chauffeuring my children around town, you can find me playing tennis, walking and hiking outdoors, and spending time with my friends and family. I am hopeful that I can use my gifts to serve this community well and extend the love of Christ to all who walk through our doors—as well as in the larger Kingdom of God
I grew up in suburbs of Buffalo, NY until going off to College at Syracuse in the early ‘70’s. Met Katie and we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in August. We have 3 grown children and blessed to have 6 grandchildren all located within reasonable distances! I spent my entire professional life in the local broadcast business as an executive for our company owned TV stations. Katie and I are enjoying these active retirement days sharing time with grandchildren, exploring the Chesapeake Bay by water and enjoying other travel. Katie and I are on our second and final pass with First Presbyterian. We both are interested in meeting more people and looking forward to the opportunities serving as a church Deacon will bring.
I grew up in Arkansas and Illinois and both of my parents were actively involved with church committees and choir. I moved to Richmond in 2002 and for several years didn’t really have a church home here. That changed when I met Heather who was already active at FPC. We got married in 2008 and I joined FPC later that year. I was “drafted” into the Chancel Choir in 2010 and have been part of the choir family ever since. When Wilson Kennedy was interning at FPC, I served on a small committee to provide support and help nurture his growth in ministry. Outside of church, I’m an avid golfer and movie buff. During COVID, Heather and I welcomed a new family member to our home: Brodie, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who keeps us on our toes.
I’m a native of Atlanta with a railroad and south-Georgia peanut farm heritage. My family moved to Virginia from Texas in 1969. In 1976, at age 20, I became a Christian and was baptized at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Harrisonburg. Upon graduation from JMU with a Social Work degree in 1978, I wanted to start a career in criminal justice and law enforcement. That did not happen. Instead, I turned to working in sales and politics with success. I moved to Richmond in 1984, working at the General Assembly as a member of the Hampton delegation. It took me some time to find my way. By 1994 I entered and continued my education in financial services, where I found my calling as a CFP. I’m a very thoughtful person with a drive for service and caring for people. For the past 32 years, I married my work, and I’ve built a healthy, successful practice in financial planning; insurance; and investments.
I joined FPC in 2022, transferring from Second Presbyterian, which I joined in 1993. While at Second I served as an usher for 10 years; a deacon for 6 years; and I also created and ran a fellowship group for 6 years. I prefer spending time in-person with friends instead of remotely on social media. I believe it’s important that kids should start learning something about financial literacy by the time they are in middle school. I love music, especially the Great American songbook; Big Bands; and 20th century popular songs and vocalists. My favorite sports are baseball and golf; my favorite team is the Atlanta Braves. I love pets and have 2 rescue cats. In addition to FPC, I’m a member of the Financial Services Institute, NAIFA, the Richmond Coin Club and the VMFA.
A Richmond native, I am happy to be back home in Virginia and First Presbyterian Church after having lived in Houston, Texas for the last 7 years. My husband, Matt, and I joined FPC in 2008, and our daughter, Claire (now 17) and son, Austin (now 15), were both baptized at FPC and spent all of their preschool years here. I graduated from the University of Virginia and have a M. ED from Campbell University and loved teaching at FPP for 2 years. I also enjoyed serving as the Circle 2 Leader and a member of the Presbyterian Women’s Council. When not attending my children’s sporting events, I love to read, travel, and be outside in any capacity.
Kierston was born and raised in Vinton, Virginia near Roanoke and grew up Methodist singing in the Youth Choir and occasionally playing handbells. When her parents, Fred & Jewel Baldwin joined FPC several years ago, she would attend with them on special occasions and felt the warm and inclusive vibe each time she visited. However, it was the unparalleled music that moved her to finally become a member herself in Fall of 2023. She was surprised and honored to be nominated for Deacon as such a recent member, but looks forward to doing and giving more to reflect how much she’s received. Married to husband Michael for almost 13 years, they enjoy hiking along the James, attending the Folk festival and visiting cabins throughout Virginia and beyond.
I grew up in Asheville, North Carolina going to FPC. I met my husband, Steve, at a college youth group sponsored by Williamsburg Presbyterian Church when we were students at William & Mary. We joined FPC in Richmond in 1994 and have enjoyed getting to know many wonderful people by participating in the life of this church. I have served in a variety of ways from ushering to being a choir mom to teaching Sunday school and facilitating adult classes . I have been enriched by Presbyterian Women as a member of Circle 7, 2, 3 and now 7 again as I have encountered various stages of my life. I love small group Bible study . Steve and I have three adult children and recently moved to Montpelier. I enjoy reading, walking, cycling and cooking.
Stephanie grew up in northern Virginia and began her love affair with Richmond as an art student at VCU School of the Arts many years ago. She has lived in seven states and three countries but was pleased to return to Richmond ten years ago, when she and her husband Jim joined First Presbyterian Church. In addition to returning as an active deacon, Stephanie is also involved in Kairos Prison ministry, the usher guild, RISC, Circle 4, as well as volunteering at Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School and with our partnership in the Jewish Family Services to support Ukrainian refugees in our community. She and her husband Jim’s other hobbies include international/US travel and making improvements in their antique Fan District house.
I joined FPC in 2023 after our family moved from San Francisco to Richmond. It’s great to be back in Virginia, closer to my hometown of Virginia Beach and my college town of Charlottesville. I love spending time outdoors on adventures with my husband, our two kids and our dog and hunting for antiques and unique finds for my interior design clients. I’m grateful to be a part of this community of faith and I am honored to have been nominated to serve the members of our church as a Deacon.
I moved to Richmond about three years ago and officially joined FPC a little over a year ago. I grew up going to Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, VA, where I was lucky enough to meet ministers who helped me really love church and the church community. I feel very lucky to have found that same sense of community here at FPC through the Young Adults Group and RISC. I’m looking forward to learning more about how I can support our community as a deacon!
Outside of church, I love spending time outside, reading, going to museums, and napping with my cat, Felix (bonus points if you get the Harry Potter reference). I’m also a proud William & Mary graduate, and I work for the Hanover County Community Services Board.
I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and studied music at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). I received my Bachelor of Music degree from the University of West Georgia and held Director of Music positions at several Presbyterian churches in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1985, we moved to Richmond for my late husband to be Vice-Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. I have two amazing children; Heather Smith Cooper who is an Elder at FPC, and Matthew Smith who lives in Atlanta. I also have the best son-in-law, Matt Cooper.
The music program is what drew me to FPC! Heather had been in the Chancel Choir for several years before I joined, so I knew the quality and felt a strong match with the repertoire. After retiring from my empty nest career in college textbook publishing, I became involved with Presbyterian Women. I have served as Program chair for two years and also as Co-chair of Circle 4.
I treasure both my Choir family and my Circle 4 family at FPC. Both have provided so much joy, support, and growth for my Christian journey. In my spare time, I enjoy my Book Club, activities with neighbors, sewing, and playing with my Westie, Paisley.
I am looking forward to serving as a deacon. I grew up in Richmond and have been a member of First Presbyterian most of my life. I attended and graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania before I returned to Richmond. I started working at Woodfin several years ago and am currently VP of real estate and retail operations. I recently married my husband, Joey, in October and we love attending FPCs downstairs service. In my free time I like to spend time with friends and family, enjoy barre and spin classes, tennis, and baking.
Eone comes from a long line of Presbyterians, dating back to at least 1745. She was raised in the Senatobia Presbyterian Church congregation of the Presbytery of St. Andrew in Mississippi, and graduated from public high school, the University of Mississippi and Washington & Lee. She has been an active, dedicated member of FPC since 1995, and has served it in many different capacities. Eone’s three sons attended FPC Preschool and are now enrolled at the College of William & Mary and the University of Virginia, making their mother an unenthusiastic empty nester. She is a civil defense litigator and enjoys listening to audiobooks and following college sports. Eone agrees with Mark Twain that travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. She has been asked to join the CNC after one term as an Elder.
I am a native Richmonder and lifelong Presbyterian. As a youth I was a member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and active in youth group and choir. I’m a graduate of UVA and spent 4 years teaching at the Carlisle school in Martinsville.
My wife, Frances, and I returned to Richmond in 1973 and joined First Presbyterian. We raised 3 children here and I served as both a Deacon and Elder and Frances has served as a Deacon. After a 40 plus year career in the Trust Banking industry I retired and spend my time fishing, playing golf and tennis and visiting our 6 Grandchildren.
I grew up in Ginter Park Presbyterian Church but joined FPC in 1976 after my marriage to Michael. My parents and sisters and brother joined as well. I have taught Sunday School, been a leader of circle 4, served as moderator of PW,a deacon, an elder and as a member at large of the CLC for one year. One of my daughters and my son and their families are members of the church. I graduated from the Collegiate School, Hollins University, and received a Master’s degree in Public Administration from UVa. I cherish my relationships with our church community and am so proud of what we are doing to serve our members and fellow citizens in Richmond.
I am a native of Richmond, Virginia and graduated from Virginia Tech School of Architecture and a graduate of NC State School of Design. Pat and I joined First Presbyterian Church in 2000. Since joining, I have served as Moderator of Diaconate and on Session. I have always believed in faith in action, which has led me to serve on City Council and many nonprofit organizations. Currently, I serve as the Chair of the Carver Literacy Project (Richmond Kiwanis), Board Member CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, Board Member ChildSavers Foundation, Chairman Richmond Community of Caring, Board Member Carver Promise, and Board Member Richmond Slavery Museum Foundation.
I grew up in Richmond and have been a member of First Presbyterian most of my life. After graduating from UVa with a BA and MBA I worked in the commercial real estate industry in Richmond for more than 35 years before retiring in 2024. My wife Marsha is very active at FPC and we have a son Preston who was baptized and confirmed at FPC, and now works in New York City. Wonderful news for us recently is that he is engaged…so we will have another family member soon! I have had the privilege of serving FPC as a Deacon, Elder and on several committees over the years. Service to and with our church community helps me understand God’s presence in the often hard work of living a Christian life.