Meet Our Vestry
The Vestry is the elected parish council. Members of the Vestry are elected by the parish at the Annual Meeting. They must be regular in attendance at worship, Confirmed, and known (only to the Parish Treasurer) as contributors. The Vestry members are legally, financially, and spiritually responsible for the well-being of the parish church.
David Barner
David grew up in McKenney, Virginia and was baptized and confirmed in Asbury Methodist Church. He was an active member of MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) until leaving for Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Upon receiving his BS in Engineering Technology, David worked for Newport News Shipbuilding. After marriage, he and his wife, Dukie, moved to Yorktown, Virginia and became members of Grace Episcopal Church. They had two children, and David took confirmation classes with his son, Mitchell, and joined The Episcopal Church. Upon retiring, David and Dukie moved to Lake Gaston, NC, and became members of All Saints Episcopal Church in 2010.
Tony Fleming - Junior Warden
Tony was brought up in the Disciples of Christ denomination. He and his wife, Marla, have been Episcopalians for over forty years, participating in the Diocese of Virginia and Diocese of Atlanta in large parishes. They live on Lake Gaston, and Tony is happy to bring his experience in construction and insurance to All Saints in service of the vestry and in the work of Junior Warden, leading the Buildings and Grounds Committee.
Jennifer Quinn
Jennifer volunteers in the Parish Office and assists with Zoom and other technology at All Saints. She comes from a military family with a varied experience in Christian formation. She and her husband, Richard, make their home in Roanoke Rapids. They have participated in the life and ministry of All Saints for over a decade. Jennifer brings a diverse experience of culture and people to the vestry, and she shares her talent of organization, simplicity, and orderliness.
Katie Green (2028)
Biography coming soon.
Tawnya Gray (2027)
Tawnya grew up in Asheville, NC, and was baptized as an infant and confirmed in the Presbyterian Church. In the 1980’s, she and her family moved to Roanoke Rapids.
Tawnya graduated with an Associate Degree in Medical Secretary and Associate Degree in Executive Secretary. She worked in a Medical Office for nine years and then worked at First United Methodist Church,and as member, for 30 plus years until it’s closing in 2022. She served on several committees and was active in the United Methodist Women, Prayer Ministry, lay ministry, and enjoyed volunteering where needed.
Tawnya is married to Mike Gray. They have one daughter, Christie, who lives in Virginia Beach. They are very excited to welcome a son-in-law on March 30, 2024, when their daughter and her fiancee are married. Tawnya and Mike are very grateful to be a part of All Saints Church family and feel very welcomed.
Bill Searles
Bill enjoyed a successful 23-year career in the investment / financial services industry. Initially working as a securities analyst for two major Wall Street firms (Hayden Stone & Goldman Sachs). Bill then partnered with two associates to offer computer analytics to institutional investors. Out of that experience, he went on to establish specialized research departments for A.G. Becker, Reynolds Securities and Smith Barney. He then spent 10 years with Bear Sterns, as an Associate Director/Limited Partner where he assembled a research group covering the firm's investment banking clients. In 1989, Bill became an independent business consultant and continued his service as a Director of two small public companies, RMS Electronics (AMEX) and VHC, Ltd (NASDAQ). In that same year he joined the Boards of American Physicians Service Group (NASDAQ: AMPH), where he served for 22 years, and Prime Medical Service/Healthtronics (NASDAQ: PMSI/HTRN), where he served for 19 years. He also served for five years on the Board of Probex Corp. (AMEX: PBX). Bill was Chairman of the Board of APS Investment Services, a subsidiary of AMPH for 13 years and Chairman of Uncommon Care Inc. for six years, a private firm in the Alzheimer's field, which was funded in part by AMPH.
Bill & Ellen met 44 years ago and were married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Navesink, NJ and relocated to NC (after 36 years of traveling back and forth) in 2015. They have one son who is married and lives in Arlington, VA.
Ginny Orvedahl
Biography coming soon.
Scott Harris
Biography coming soon.
Tony Short
Biography coming soon.
Diocesan Leadership from All Saints
Parishioners also serve in leadership roles in the Diocese of North Carolina. In 2024, the following members of All Saints are participating in the life and ministry of our diocese:
Rae Mitchell was elected to serve on the Diocesan Council, which serves as a council of advice and a governing board for our diocese. Rae's background in education and nearly life-long experience in culture and living in eastern North Carolina allow her to represent the northeastern "Rocky Mount Convocation" of the Diocese of North Carolina.
Mary Wellman was elected to serve on the Standing Committee of the Diocese of North Carolina. Her skills as an educator and involvement in the life of the Diocese and of All Saints since her youth provide her with perspective to serve this work in discernment.
Tom Wellman serves on the Foundation of the Diocese of North Carolina. Tom is an experienced attorney, having practiced law in Halifax County for decades and is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association.
Patricia Barnes serves as President of the Church Periodical Club. Her back ground in education and leadership skills and life-long dedication to the Diocese of NC serves her well in this work. She also serves as chair of the local committee for the historic parish of Saint Luke's, Gaston, NC, in Northampton County.
Val Short serves on the Sustainability Committee of the diocese, aiding parishes in grant application completion for diocesan grants, and awarding grants to parishes in our diocese. She shares decades of experience in human resources, non-profits, and grants with this work.
Tony Short serves with Churches Helping Churches to assist church leaders in the diocese with business and financial accountability and reporting. Tony has served as treasurer of All Saints for over fifteen years and has experience in completing parish audits, parochial reports, and other diocesan requirements.
