Our Staff


  • Rev. Nance Hixon, Pastor

    Nance Hixon is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. He has pastored congregations in Mississippi since 2012, serving in Natchez and Sumrall before coming to Eastlawn. He loves the Bible and helping others bump into God's Spirit. Nance is married to Emily, and they have been blessed with two wonderful little girls, Noah and Sojourner (Jo). Nance is a proud LSU Tiger, though he doesn't judge (much), and an alum of Duke Divinity School. He is a lifelong nerd and enjoys reading and indoor rock climbing, but he doesn’t get to do the things he enjoys because of his two wonderful little girls. 

  • Robert Weathersby, Lay pastor

    Robert Weathersby is currently serving as lay pastor, and senior adult facilitator at Eastlawn.  Robert grew up in Gulfport and attended Mississippi State University.  Robert worked for 35 years in public education as a teacher, counselor, and principal.  Robert is married to Carolyn, has two children, William Weathersby and Leslie Ryder, and three grand children, Michael, Maya, and Whitney. Robert enjoys music, reading, and running. 






  • Lashunda Taulbee, Administrative Assistant

    Lashunda has been employed with Eastlawn UMC since 1996 as Administrative Assistant (secretary/bookkeeper).  She has been married to Davie Taulbee for 29 years and has 3 children and 4 grandchildren.  She is a member of Wade Baptist Church and lives in Hurley, MS.  Lashunda worked at 2 other churches in the area prior to coming to Eastlawn.

  • Adam Swedenburg, Children & Youth Ministries

    Adam and his siblings were put into foster care at an early age. Adam and his brother Brad then got put into the home of Jeff Swedenburg. Jeff ended up adopting both of them in 2001. Adam gets his love for children and youth ministry from his dad, who was a youth pastor until he retired. Adam brings a lot of knowledge with him as he has had four years of experience in children and youth ministry and from watching his dad. Adam graduated from Coastal Alabama Community College in 2020 with his associate in health science and from Liberty University in 2021 with a bachelor in NextGen Ministry. Adam met his wife, Brandi, five years ago and the two of them have been married since 2021. Adam and Brandi plan to have kids in God’s timing and are in the process of becoming foster parents.

Doug Wall, Choir Director

Doug is a native of George County, Mississippi and a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi School of Music with advanced studies in sacred music, choral conducting and vocal performance. He served as Director of Music and Worship at United Methodist Churches in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas before retiring from First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Arkansas and returning to “the farm” in Agricola. In Addition to working with the talented singers and ringers at Eastlawn United Methodist Church.  Doug enjoys working in his yard, doing genealogical research and traveling.

David Westfaul, Pianist & Organist

David has been providing musical accompaniment and arrangements for Eastlawn since 1990.  A native of Moss Point currently living in Pascagoula, he is a graduate of The University of Mississippi.  He is employed with Northrop Grumman Corporation, leading all Configuration Management activities of the Mission Package Computing Environment and Multiple Vehicle Communications System within the Littoral Combat Ship class.  David is married to Janice, of Franklinton, LA and they have two children: Tyler (Laura) Westfaul and Katie Scott (Adam) Parr. David likes to spoil his grandson, Oliver Parr, as well as his granddaughters, Collins Westfaul and Millie Parr.

Brenda McCormick, Day Care Director

My name is Brenda McCormick; I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work at Eastlawn Child Development Center as the Director since January 2014.  I was raised in Pascagoula and attended University of Southern Mississippi where I received an Associate’s Degree in Human Services and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.   I also attend Escatawpa Baptist Church, where I am over the Children’s Ministry.  I have worked with children most of my life and feel like this is what God has called me do. My staff and I are here to teach your child in a Christian atmosphere and to prepare them for their journey to Kindergarten and we strive every day to provide a lasting education in each child that comes through our center.

Amy Davis, Nursery

Amy started working in the Eastlawn nursery on Mother's Day, May 13, 2007.  "I really enjoy taking care of the babies in the nursery every Sunday. It is a joy to watch  them grow up and then get promoted to the big kids class".  Amy has had a daycare in her home since 2006.  


Maya Ryder

My name is Maya Ryder; I work in the nursery on Sundays. I was raised in Pascagoula and graduated from Resurrection Catholic High School in 2019. I have completed my

Associate  of Science degree and am pursuing an elementary education degree at Southern Miss Gulf Park. I also work at First Baptist Gautier Daycare as a three year old teacher during the week. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my one year old and family and friends.