BETHEL’S

. “Believe in God!” Read about their remarkable accomplishments and what Bethel means to them on “betheltally.org” (Spotlight Section)

Danyelle Carroll, PharmD Chira N. Wright-Holloman, R. Ph. Marquis Sharrod Lucas (Tallahassee, FL) Charles M. Holloman, II, Esq. (Tallahassee, FL) (Tampa, FL)

Dione Smith-Desir C. Terrell Cummings, MD Malle x Lydell Smith (Tallahassee, FL) (Arlington, TX) (Tampa Bay, FL)

RaQuel Coleman Lesleigh C. Lee Jamila A. Wade, MD, MBA (Abu Dhabi, (College Station, TX ) (Gastonia, NC) United Arab Emirates) st 1 In A Series October, 2018

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

Danyelle Carroll , PharmD

Dr. Danyelle Carroll is the daughter of Deacon Don and Deaconess Ceseann Carroll. She was born and raised in Bethel (thirty-two years). Dr. Carroll was awarded her Doctorate in Pharmacy in 2018, from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. What Bethel Means to Dr. Danyelle Carroll: “Getting the support of everyone, from Pastor Holmes to all of the church members, has been a blessing. Everyone is like family. I appreciate the discipline of going to church, praying and believing in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Dr. Carroll’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Dr. Carroll’s favorite hymn is “How Great Thou Art!”

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Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

“Believe in God!”

Chira N. Wright-Holloman, Registered Pharmacist Charles M. Holloman, II, Attorney-at-Law These childhood sweethearts were raised in Bethel by their loving parents, Dr. and Mrs. Charles and Barbara Wright (Chira); and Carol Holloman and the late Charles Sr. and (Charles II). Chira was blessed by Rev. C.K. Steele in 1970. Brother Charles and Sister Chira Wright-Holloman met on March 8, 1987, in Sunday School at Bethel. Later on during church service, there was an immediate connection when they found themselves holding hands at intercessory prayer. So they obeyed God and planned to meet later that evening for the church’s gospel concert. They spent the week exchanging phone calls and met again on Friday the 13th at the Civic Center for the citywide teen dance. During their college years at FAMU they remained active in church and Sunday School at Bethel and were among the first camp counselors for the C.K. Steele summer camp. Charles and Chira were married at Bethel on July 8, 1995, by Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes, Jr. Bro. Holloman received his juris doctor degree from Florida A&M University’s College of Law. Attorney Holloman leads the prestigious Holloman Law Firm in Tampa, FL. Sister Wright-Holloman received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science from FAMU. She is a registered pharmacist. The Hollomans presently reside in Tampa, Florida, and are the proud parents of Ciara Gabrielle Holloman and Cole Matthew Holloman.

What Bethel Means to me (Chira Wright-Holloman): Growing up in Bethel Missionary Baptist Church gave me the biblical foundations and compass which I have used to navigate my life. By being active in the youth ministry and holding positions such as Vice President and Sunday school secretary, I was taught invaluable leadership skills, which I use to this day.

What Bethel Means to me (Charles Holloman): I mostly grew up in a single parent household led by a loving mother who worked as an educator. There were some tough times and my mother was challenged with the task of raising four children (a daughter and three sons) on her own. At Bethel, there were programs, seminars, and sermons that provided Bible-based answers to the weight and pressures of the world. I held the position of Youth Ministry President. The biblical practices and principles that I learned at Bethel are the bedrock of my existence. Chira’s favorite hymn and scripture: “Blessed Assurance” and Luke 12:48 - “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Charles’ favorite hymn and scripture: “A Charge to Keep I Have” and Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my Shepherd!”

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

“Believe in God!”

Marquis Sharrod Lucas

Accounting Services Analyst

Brother Marquis Sharrod Lucas is the son of Bro. Michael and Sis. Adrienne Lucas. He was born and raised in Bethel (Twenty-five years). Brother Lucas earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2018, from Florida A&M University. He is presently employed as an Accounting Services Analyst at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Pastor Holmes recently appointed Bro. Marquis Lucas as a church trustee. What Bethel Means to Brother Marquis Lucas: “Bethel has helped to shape me into the man I’ve become. Bethel is like an extended family to me. It is a place on which I can always depend. Rev. Holmes is a trustworthy pastor who always looks out for others. As chair of the Collegiate Ministry, he pushed me above and beyond my entire comfort zone. I was pushed to extend my talents beyond my limits. I thank God for Bethel and the foundation I have received here.” Bro. Lucas’ favorite hymn is “Blessed Assurance.” Bro. Lucas’ favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

Dione Smith-Desir

Boys’ Basketball Coach

Sister Dione Smith-Desir is the daughter of Sis. Betty Smith. Dione and her husband of six years, Bro. Moses Desir, are the proud parents of Grace and Joy Desir. Dione Smith-Desir was born and raised in Bethel (thirty-two years). Sis. Smith-Desir received her degree in Communications and Sociology with certifications in Education and Coaching from the University of Florida. Dione Smith-Desir has been tapped to coach Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Developmental Research School’s (FAMU DRS) Boys’ Basketball Team. Smith-Desir was a P.E. coach at FAMU DRS before taking the coaching position. She is the first African-American female boys’ basketball coach at DRS.

What Bethel Means to Sister Dione Smith-Desir: “Bethel means everything to me. It is a true faith-based church. Bethel is my foundation. I love the family atmosphere and the love from the pastor, Reverend Holmes. There are so many prayer warriors in Bethel. You are always covered in prayer. The sound teaching and instruction from the pastor keeps us strong and together.” I like the old hymns; one of my favorite hymns is “We’ve Come This Far by Faith!” Sis. Smith-Desir’s favorite scripture is Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid

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Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

“Believe in God!”

Lesleigh C. Lee

Doctoral Student Sister Lesleigh C. Lee is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Esias and Brenda Lee. She was born is Augusta, GA, and came to Bethel at the age of two ½ years old. She is currently a doctoral student in the School of Public Health in the Department of Health Promotion Community Health Sciences at Texas A&M University, in College Station, TX. Sis. Lee attended Florida A&M University, receiving both her B.S. in biology as well as a Master’s in Public Health. She also attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, where she received her Master’s in Social Work. Her goal is to return home to the school on the highest of seven hills and work as a professor, hopefully inspiring the next generation of Rattlers.

What Bethel Missionary means to Sis. Lesleigh Lee “It is truly amazing as, I reflect upon what growing up at Bethel Baptist has meant for me over the course of my life. I was blessed not only by the lessons I received on Sunday mornings from Pastor Holmes, but also from my Sunday school teachers, Sunday school superintendent and the entire Bethel Baptist church family. Tallahassee at times can be a small place. Growing up, the odds of someone from Bethel Baptist seeing you at the mall or movies or a home game for the Rattlers was very high. We were definitely held to a higher standard. I knew I was not only representing my family but also Bethel Baptist as well. Bethel Baptist instilled a confidence in me as a young child that I have carried over into adulthood. We were expected to continue in the traditions of all of those that had gone before us. Whether we were preparing for the annual Christmas or Easter program or even to review the Sunday school lesson “Black Excellence” was expected. While I was given the opportunity to grow, make mistakes and learn in a safe nurturing environment I was also taught “To whom much is given, much is required.” Growing up in the nurturing arms of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church I learned that I could be and do anything. This lesson was re-enforced as I looked around at my church family. Educators, physicians, lawyers, business owners, political leaders; you name it, there was an example at Bethel Baptist. Even now when others may doubt me; I think back on all those lessons from Bethel Baptist. I am a child of the King; and with Him all things are possible.”

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

“Believe in God!”

Mallex Lydell Smith

Professional

Tampa Bay Rays Team

Brother Mallex Smith is the son of Bro. Michael and Sis. Loretta Smith. He was born and raised in Bethel (Twenty-five years). Brother Smith graduated from Rickards High School and attended Sante Fe Junior College in Gainesville, FL, before being drafted his freshman year (2016) by the . He is presently an outfielder with the Major League Baseball Team. The “Mallex Effect” extends beyond the diamond and into the community where he is respected and highly involved. What Bethel Means to Brother Mallex Smith: “I really cherish the ongoing communication, conversation and support I receive from Pastor Holmes. He is very open and available to talk at any time. During baseball season, he’s right there for me. He’s even attended several games. When I was ill recently, my pastor and church covered me in prayer. God answers prayer. Bethel is a place where people believe in the power of prayer.” Bro. Smith’s favorite hymn is “Blessed Assurance.” Bro. Smith’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:13-15 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

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Jamila A. Wa de, MD, MBA Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Jamila A. Wade is the daughter of Sis. Margie Wade and Lester Wade. She came to Bethel in 1994. Jamila was one of the original students at Bethel’s Steele-Collins Charter Middle School. Her educational accomplishments include the following:  Doctor of Medicine from St. Matthew’s University in the Cayman Islands, British West Indies; dual enrollment in MD and MBA programs (2012)  Masters of Business Administration in Health Care Management from Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI (2011)  Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Miami (2006) Dr. Wade is now practicing medicine at Gaston Women’s Health Care/Caramont Regional Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in Charlotte, NC, where she and her husband, Attorney Lee Powell, Jr., reside.

What Bethel Means to Dr. Jamila Wade: The Bethel Church Family has always been my support and encouragement throughout my life. Rev Holmes, my spiritual father, has been there to pray and provide support since my baptismal at age nine (9). Through the various ministries I participated in as a teen, and even in special moments in my adult life, I have never felt disconnected from this place. No matter where my life has taken me...truly there is no place like home.

Dr. Wade’s favorite hymns are “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Yes, God Is Real!”

Dr. Wade’s favorite scripture is Psalm 13:5-6 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

“Believe in God!”

RaQuel Coleman

Cycle 2 Mathematics Instructor

RaQuel Coleman was born and raised in Bethel. Her parents are Bro. Ralph G. Coleman, Jr., and Sis Pam Coleman. RaQuel was the first baby christened by Dr. RB Holmes when he became pastor of Bethel. Sis. Coleman earned her degree in Mathematics Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. After teaching in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sister Coleman accepted an exciting teaching assignment as a Cycle 2 Mathematics Instructor in Abu Dhadi, United Arab Emmirates, where she presently resides.

What Bethel Means to Sis. RaQuel Coleman: Bethel will forever be home for me. I was fortunate to grow up in Bethel and I’m extremely thankful for that. I’m thankful for my Bethel family, for the love and support I’ve received since I was born. I’m thankful for all the wonderful memories Bethel has given me. From the watching my grandfather (Deacon Ralph G. Coleman Sr. lead devotion by singing Hymn #1 Holy, Holy, Holy, to C.K. Steele summer camp, to spiritual lock-ins downstairs, to 24hr Prayer Vigils, to ministering through music as a child at Governor’s Square mall during Christmas, to forming lifelong friendships, to serving as Collegiate president. I’m thankful for technology, now I can watch Bethel “live-stream” in Abu Dhabi. And mostly, I’m thankful that God has allowed Bethel to stand and be influential to the Tallahassee community and thousands of members for more than 140 years

Sis. Coleman’s favorite hymn is “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”

Sis. Coleman’s favorite scripture is Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor

“Believe in God!”

C. Terrell Cummings, MD Anesthesiologist, BIP Pain & Orthopedic Clinic Dr. C. Terrell Cummings is the son of Attorney Carolyn D. Cummings and Cornell Cummings. He was born and raised in Bethel. Dr. Cummings earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Cummings is currently an Anesthesiologist at BIP Pain & Orthopedic Clinic in Arlington, Texas

What Bethel Means to Dr. C. Terrell Cummings: “Bethel has been a steady stable foundation for my spiritual growth. I thank God for the countless mentors and friends who were great examples of what it means to be a Christian in a modern world and how to be of service to the community. Pastor Holmes is always trying to lift someone else. I shall never forget growing up and going to Dr. Holmes’ house and playing with his kids. He took us to the movies and made me feel like a part of the family. He and Mrs. Holmes were always so genuinely warm and welcoming. What a great role model! I will always be appreciative of the special relationship I have with my pastor.”

Dr. Cummings’ favorite hymn is “Blessed Assurance” Dr. Cummings’ favorite scripture is - Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6