Our Staff


  • Rev. Jeff Walton, Pastor

    Jeff was appointed as our pastor in August, 2019. He grew up in Pascagoula and graduated from PHS in 1995. He attended Mississippi College and earned a degree in English. After serving as the youth minister at FUMC Louisville (MS) for eight years, Jeff earned his MDiv. from Asbury Theological Seminary. He then served as pastor of Noxapater & Mt. Pisgah UMCs in Winston County for four years before being appointed to Eastlawn UMC.
    Jeff is married to Dr. Laura Walton. They have two sons, Riley and Eli, and are currently in process of adopting a young daughter from India, whom they hope to bring home soon.

  • Robert Weathersby, Lay pastor and Choir Director

    Robert Weathersby is currently serving as lay pastor, youth leader, 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.

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.

Susie Riley, Children/Families Ministries


Susie was born and raised in Pascagoula, MS.  She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  Susie has been an active part of the children's ministry over the past several years.  In March of 2010 she took the position of the Director's Positions for the Children/Family Ministry.



Rachel Goff, Children's Music Director

Rachael Goff is from Hurley, Ms and graduated from Delta State University with a degree in Music Education. She teaches PreK through 4th music at College Park Elementary in Gautier and the Children’s Music Director here at Eastlawn United Methodist Church. 


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.

Charlene Gibson, Nursery

Charlene has been with Eastlawn since 1981.  "I am now taking care of many children in the Eastlawn nursery that years ago I took care of their mothers and fathers when they were this age", Charlene tells us.  She also keep children in her home and has been doing so for 40 years.  She tells us, "I have  a passion for taking care of little children, I love what I do."

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.