Lynn Ray

Born and raised in Campbell County. Married to Shan Marie 25 years. Father to Ashlyn and Olivia. Graduate of Wynn High School. Alum of Lincoln Memorial University. Holds Bachelor degree in Elementary Education, Masters in Educational Administration and Eds in Educational Administration and Supervision. Pastor for 20 years and also over twenty years in CC school system. Pastor at Hillcrest. And State Farm Agent for 5 years.

Sherry Shope

She was born in LaFollette, TN to the Rev Paul and Mrs. Faye Heatherly along with her siblings Mark, Stanley and Angie. Growing up in Indiana Avenue, Central and Hillcrest Baptist Churches, receiving the nurture and care of many godly people, she left home truly believing “Jesus loves me, this I know”

After graduating from Carson Newman College in 1972, she married David Shope form Maryville, TN. They made their home in Farragut, TN serving and raising their children in First Baptist Concord. After several years in sales and being a stay-at-home mom, Sherry became a Realtor which keeps her quite busy still.

Finding themselves widowed fairly young she and her mother decided to share a home in Campbell County giving each of them much opportunity to serve their community, travel and most importantly love on their grandchildren and extended family. She finds serving on the board of CCCLC one of the most rewarding opportunities of her life.

Amanda Cox

"I was born and raised right up the road in Bell County Kentucky, but after meeting and marrying a Campbell County boy named Shannon Cox at LMU, I made Campbell County my home. After graduating from UT College of Law in 2001, I spent five years prosecuting in the 8th Judicial District, followed by a couple of years in private practice in Campbell County. Although I now work as an Asst D.A. in Knox County, I still live in Jacsksboro, attend Coolidge First Baptist Church and serve as a board member for the CCCLC. Besides accepting Christ as my Savior, my greatest accomplishment is becoming the mother of two fine young boys. I am ecstatic about the Christian Learning Center. It is proof that there are still many Americans who realize what Christians need to do in order to spread God's word and direct others to Christ. The Center is God at work and I invite everyone to become a part of it."

Faye Heatherly

"I was born and grew up in LaFollette, TN. My parents were Everette and Walcie Bowman who were owners of J. Everette Bowman Jewelers in downtown LaFollette. I was married to Paul Heathery for 46 years when he passed away in 2000. God blessed us with four awesome children, Sherry, Mark, Stanley, and Angie. Paul served as Pastor at Central Baptist Church in Caryville 1964-68 and Hillcrest Baptist Church 1968-2000. As a Pastor’s wife, I was actively engaged during those years in many capacities such as Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, Youth Director, Vacation Bible School Director, Pianist, and Organist all while being a mom and having fulltime jobs. I currently serve at Hillcrest Baptist as Organist, Chairman of Budget and Finance Committee, Treasurer of new Activities Building project, Chairman of Nominating Committee, and Hillcrest Representative on the Campbell County Baptist Association Executive Board.

My education background includes East LaFollette Elementary School, LaFollette High School, Classes at Lincoln Memorial University, University of Tennessee, numerous Professional Development Seminars, and I received a Graduate Gemologist Degree and Appraisal Certification from the Gemological Institute of America, and Tax Consultant Diploma from H&R Block.

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My employment experiences are, J. Everett Bowman Jewelers (eventually became Co-Owner), Finlay Fine Jewelers based in New York. I managed their Fine Jewelry Departments at Rich’s in Atlanta, Profits in Maryville and West Town in Knoxville, Sales Associate at Jared’s Galleria of Jewelry in Knoxville, and Terry’s Jewelry in Oak Ridge. I retired in 2001.

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My community activities include being involved in our children’s schools serving as PTA President and Treasurer. I served as LaFollette Business & Professional Women’s Organization and was President for two terms. I have served on the Campbell County School Board 2000-2010 and 2014 to present, the Tennessee School Boards Association East District Director and 2018 TSBA President and served on National School Boards Association committees and delegate. Served as the Tennessee Legislative Representative attending Washington D.C. for the Annual Advocacy Institute Conference to lobby with Legislators  for education and public schools. Volunteered for many organizations through the years.

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My heart has always been drawn to children and youth ministries and this is why I enjoy serving on the Board for Campbell County Christian Learning Center. Great things are happening now and there are no limits for the future."

Derrek Bowman

Derrek Bowman graduated from Campbell County High School in 1986. He attended Tennessee Technological University where he received a bachelors degree in Industrial Technology. In 1995 he opened Derrek's Place Pawn. Derrek and his beautiful wife Andrea attend New Life Ministry Center in Jacksboro where she serves on the worship team and he periodically teaches a class. They have two wonderful sons, Keaton and Jebidiah. When Derrek is not running the pawnshop he enjoys working on their farm and spending time with the family in the great outdoors.  Derrek's wife, Andie, is one of the Center's most generous volunteers with her talents and abilities in artwork and design services better known as Handi Andie's Signs and Designs.

DeAnna Walden

"My name is DeAnna Walden and I am married to Michael Walden. Michael and I have four sons and two daughters-in law, Branden (wife Heather), Dayne, Dylan (wife Kira) and Dalton. We also have three grandsons, Mason, Canaan, and Hunter. I have lived in Campbell County all of my life and graduated from Campbell County High School.

I have attended New Life Ministry Center in Jacksboro for the past 18 years, where I have served as a Sunday School teacher and Awana coordinator. I am currently helping my husband oversee our Sunday School Program. I work for the State of Tennessee as a Judicial Assistant for Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton. When we aren’t working, Michael and I enjoy traveling, camping, running, and playing with our dogs."

Amanda Brown, NP

Amanda Brown graduated from Campbell County High School and was active in the marching band, flag corp, as well as softball. She entered college and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at LMU, Knoxville campus. Immediately after, she went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing at Carson Newman University, each degree she obtained highest honors. She is the business owner of Cumberland Gap Medical with Harrogate, Blaine, and LaFollette locations, beginning in 2008. Amanda continues to operate the business and manage patient care as a Family Nurse Practitioner on a daily basis. She desires to give back to the community in which she was raised. 

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She, her husband David, and their son Dalton are active members at First Baptist Church of LaFollette. She works with the youth program and desires to transform youth into disciples. She has witnessed God's faithfulness every step of her life, believing God's mercy has had a major threshold from day one. She feels unworthy of God's grace and wants others to know God loves you, right where you are in life. He will forgive you and desires to have a relationship with you. She wants all youth, especially those in Campbell County to know Jesus. 

Former Board Members

Karen and Duane Mills, Founding Members

"I’m from the West! Specifically the great state of Arizona.

I came to saving faith in Jesus Christ on November 2, 1979 in downtown Los Angeles, CA. Led to Jesus by my college roommate who was a very loving and assertive believer in Jesus. By divine appointment God placed her & I together as roommates. She loved Jesus, came from a solid Bible teaching church and attended the historic Church of the Open Door in downtown Los Angeles immediately after our moving into our apartment. She had the entire church praying for her ‘JW roommate’…..and that’s when I started asking the questions….about Truth, how do I know any if any of this religious stuff is true? I set out to disprove her beliefs, but I was attracted to her love for Jesus, I’d never met a ‘Christian’ like her. I started my quest to prove her faith wrong, and like so many others who attempt this, I encountered the reality of a Living, Loving, God – in the person of Jesus Christ. And surrendered to Him. My call to ministry was immediate.

I met my husband, Duane Mills, at Church of the Open Door while he was fulfilling his Summer internship from Dallas Theological Seminary. I went on to Moody Bible Institute and Duane went back to DTS to complete his TH-M Old Testament degree. After graduation from DTS we married and were called in to Youth Ministry. From that point on, it has been my driving passion to share the evidences for the Christian Faith, the historical reliability of the Bible and a Biblical worldview to students.

When Duane was called to Pastor FBC LaFollette in 2011, as we drove into town and passed Hillcrest Baptist Church right next to Campbell County High School I commented, 'That’s a great location for a Released Time Bible Education Program! I wonder if they have one.' So, in January 2015 I approached Representative Dennis Powers and asked if we could initiate getting legislation in Tennessee for RTBE. The legislation went through with HB0834 in 2015 and was signed by Gov. Haslam in April 2015. The Board for the CCCLC was birthed in the Summer of 2017."

Terry Bray, Board Advisor

"I describe myself as a servant. I have been favored to serve God in full time Christian lay ministry for nearly 10 years; first at the Knox Area Rescue Ministries; recently with The Shepherd’s Home; and now with the Campbell County Christian Learning Center.

God spent about 40 years training me for this calling, I have worked as a reporter, editor, publisher, printer, business consultant, and business owner. By His providence I have been brought into the company of men and women recognized as kings of commerce, leaders of government, patrons of the arts, and masters of war. I have also been privileged to serve the homeless and broken hearted, the slaves of addiction, the victimized, and the criminal.

I have known worldly wealth and recognition; physical and emotional defeat; spiritual desolation and restoration. Throughout my life journey, God has remained a faithful and constant companion, guide, father and savior. He has given me joy, hope, and courage. He has taught me patience, self-control, and perseverance. All that I am today is what He has molded me to be. All that I have to offer is what He has entrusted to me to steward. I am honored to be in the company of my fellow board members. I am here to serve in any way I can."

Chuck Kohlmeyer

"I have lived in Campbell County my whole life. I grew up going to church at LaFollette First Baptist, where I was saved and baptized as a young boy. I graduated from Campbell Co. High School in 1993 and went on to Roane State Community College before transferring to Tennessee Tech University as an education major. I later changed direction and received an Associate’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from the Tennessee Institute of Electronics, followed by a Bachelors of Applied Science in Network Security and Forensics from Fountainhead College. I am currently finishing up my Masters in Theology.

I continued to attend First Baptist until I married my wonderful wife, which I have been married to for 20 years, and moved to West Lafollette Baptist church where I became a deacon and served for many years. My wife and I have two children, Cassie and Dalton. Cassie will be a junior at Tennessee Tech University in the fall, and Dalton will be Sophomore at Campbell Co High School. While attending West Lafollette the Lord called me to preach, and my family and I stepped out in faith. I left my career of teaching at the college level behind and followed the Lord into the ministry. I am currently the Pastor of Coolidge First Baptist Church and the Moderator for the Campbell Co. Baptist Association, as well as a part of the Association Leadership Team. When not preaching, out visiting, or spending time with family, I enjoy restoring old cars and motorcycles as a hobby."

Bonita Farias

She's been around the world and back (literally) living a life dedicated to service! She's ready to settle in her very first hometown! And we're so happy she decided to serve with us! Meet board member, Bonita Farias:

Bonita was born on November 13, 1959 in LaFollette, TN, as Bonita R. Ford. She left LaFollette at the age of 5 with her family to live first in East Moline Ill, and then to Dayton, Ohio, where she graduated from Kiser High School in 1977. After graduation, she joined the United States Air Force where she served until July 31, 1999 retiring as a Master Sergeant (E-7). Her Air Force career took her to Okinawa, Japan; Clark AB, Philippines; Osan AB, Korea; Guam; Mildenhall AB, England; Patrick AFB, FL; Beale AFB, CA and finally, Vandenberg AFB, CA.

In August of 1999, she began working at Santa Maria High School as Administrative Assistant to the Principal, in Santa Maria California. Bonita retired from Santa Maria Joint Union High School District in June of 2012 and moved back to Dayton, Ohio. In May of 2014, she moved to LaFollette and has settled here. She is a member of West LaFollette Baptist Church. She has one daughter, Melvina who lives in California. She has worked at First Baptist Church, LaFollette as an Administrative Assistant for four years. She has an AAS, in Military Science and Technology and a BA in Business Management.

Shane Pitman

"I was raised all over the country until my father retired from the US Air Force and settled in the Campbell County area. I graduated from Campbell County High School in 1991. After graduation, I joined the United States Navy. After my time in the Navy, I returned home to Campbell County and obtained a degree in computer science. I am currently working as the Director of Technology for an international insurance company. I have been married to my wife, Wendy, for 24 years and we have two children, Collin and Kali. I was baptized at East LaFollette Baptist Church and later became a deacon and served for many years at First Baptist Church Jacksboro. We are now members of Hillcrest Baptist Church where I teach a young adult Sunday School class."