Our Staff

Meet the wonderful people who serve First United Methodist Church in the

many ministries that we share with our congregation and the Magnolia Community!

  • Reverend Kenny Lee, Pastor

    Phone: 870-234-4530 ext. 102

    On Staff Since: 2023


    Favorite Scripture: "When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”" John 21:15-18


    Favorite Person from the Bible: Peter

    Favorite Food: Steak

    Hobbies: Learning to do new things by watching YouTube

    A fun fact about me is: My childhood nickname was...Preacher

  • Shelly Burgess, Director of Children and Families Ministries

    Email: shellyb@magnoliafumc.org

    Phone: 870-949-1818

    On Staff Since: 2017

    Favorite Scripture: "Be still, and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10

    Favorite Person from the Bible: Peter

    Favorite Food: Chocolate

    Hobbies: Genealogy

    A fun fact about me is: I am a licensed contractor in the state of Arkansas. I also love essential oils!

  • Elizabeth "Liz" Wilson, Director of Youth Ministries

    Email: liz@magnoliafumc.org

    Phone: 870-234-4530 ext. 104

    On Staff Since: 2022

    Favorite Scripture: "Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." 1 Peter 4:10

    Favorite Person from the Bible: Ruth

    Favorite Food: Anything chicken!

    Hobbies: Digital and traditional character art, video games, playing and listening to instrumental music

    A fun fact about me is: I was a barista at Starbucks and I love to experiment with different espresso and coffee drinks at home!

  • Kim Shirey, Director of Music

    Email: klshirey@att.net

    Phone: 870-904-3546

    On Staff Since: 2003

    Favorite Scripture: Psalm 91:4 "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge."

    Favorite Person from the Bible: Paul

    Favorite Food: Pizza

    Hobbies: Working in the yard

    A fun fact about me is: My father and my son have the same birthday.

  • Sharon Ard, Organist

    Email: sharonard@yahoo.com

    Phone: 870-814-8574

    On Staff Since: February 2018

    Favorite Scripture: All of Song of Songs chapter 2. Favorite verse from that chapter is verse 6, "His left hand is under my head and His right arm embraces me."

    Favorite Person from the Bible: Ruth

    Favorite Food: Fresh seafood

    Hobbies: Reading, music, swimming, hiking, Pilates, gym

    A fun fact about me is: I have hiked the Inca Trail!

  • Tracie Nipper, Administrative Secretary

    Email: tracie@magnoliafumc.org

    Phone: 870-234-4530 ext. 101

    On Staff Since: 2004

    Favorite Scripture: Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

    Favorite Person from the Bible: Noah

    Favorite Food: Junk food!

    Hobbies: Cooking, walking, spending time with family and especially my grandchildren

    A fun fact about me is: I enjoyed English Smocking when the girls where little. I even taught classes on it!

  • Shawn "Skippy" Warlick, Building Superintendent


  • Kenneth Manning, Custodian

    On Staff Since: 2006

    Favorite Scripture: Psalm 100 "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

    Favorite Person from the Bible: Job

    Favorite Food: Meat Loaf

    Hobbies: Dancing

    A fun fact about me is: I was a running back on the football team in high school.

  • Barbra Lewis, Director of The Caring Place

    Email: barbarafumc@sbcglobal.net

    Phone: 870-949-5088

    On Staff Since: 2008

    Favorite Scripture: Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

    Favorite Person from the Bible: King David

    Favorite Food: Chocolate

    Hobbies: Music and golf

    A fun fact about me is: I am the second of 4 generations currently members of First United Methodist Church.

  • DIONEDRA BIDDLE, Stewpot/CDC cook


  • stephen BIDDLE, STEWPOT/CDC COOK