Tommy Thomson (President) and his wife Kathy and were married at IPC in 1993, and have been active members at IPC since moving back to Birmingham in 1998. He is a physician and is on the clinical faculty at UAB in the Department of Emergency Medicine. He has a passion for missions and has been on many mission journeys to Africa and Mexico with the church. Tommy has served on the Session, has served two terms on the Deacon board, and has been active with the Global Missions team and the Community Ministries committee. He taught Sunday School and volunteered with the youth program and Boy Scout Troop 28 as Kathy’s and his children were growing up Their daughter Ellie is married and lives in Raleigh, NC, where she is a journalist Their son Mac is in medical school at the University of South Carolina Tommy and Kathy enjoy traveling, especially with their adopted Golden Retriever, Jack.
Fairy Sutherland (Vice President) I have been a member of IPC for 39 years. My husband, Frank and I raised our children here at IPC. Ashley lives in Charlotte NC, our son, Stephen lives in Los Angeles and Adam and his wife Emily live in Philadelphia. I am an only child raised in a small Southern town in Alabama and attended the University of Alabama. Upon graduation I moved to Birmingham and worked for UAB. Frank and I married in 1985 and after having children I worked in a private investment firm. Before retiring I was a commercial insurance agent for over 30 years My faith comes from being surrounded by Christian parents and family in the Baptist church I have been fortunate to be involved in many areas of ministry at IPC, serving as an elder, deacon and shepherd. I have served as Chair of New Member committee, Holiday House Chair, Chair of Congregational Care, Chair of Representative Committee, Deacon Moderator and Clerk of Session. Currently I am serving on the Guild and wedding director. I also served on the Presbytery Camp Board for 10 years.
Bo Grisham (Elder) has been a member of the IPC for close to forty years. Bo has worked in Commercial Real Estate in Birmingham since 1984 He was married to Kay Parnell Grisham at IPC in 1988 They have two children, David (34) and Virginia (30) both baptized at IPC and remain as Members David is married to Camilla, who are expecting their first child in January and Virginia serves as a Deacon. Bo has previously served as an Elder and served as the Chairman of the Sanctuary Restoration Committee in 2010 and currently serves an at large member of the House and Properties Committee and as a Board Member at Kirkwood by the River.
Susan Murphy (Elder) and her husband Martin have two daughters, Amelia Anne and Evie Cate, and live in Vestavia. Originally from Kentucky, Susan came to Birmingham to attend Birmingham-Southern College and decided to make the city her home. After joining the church in 2013, she became active with the children's ministry and Sarah Long’s small group. She has enjoyed helping with VBS, BTMP, and serving as a deacon.
Murphy Peterson (Youth Elder) has attended IPC since 2017 and recently joined through confirmation in May 2024. She attends Hewitt Trussville High School and is currently in her junior year. She has been actively involved in IPC events, activities, and service from the onset. Her love of music, community, and fellowship have allowed her to serve alongside her church family in many ways. She looks forward to growing further in her faith as her journey continues with IPC and beyond.
Robert Posey (Elder) My wife Jan and I were married 44 years ago at the Methodist church where she grew up and we joined IPC shortly afterwards. I grew up Baptist, so IPC was a compromise at the time. Our daughters Grace and Lily grew up at IPC, and IPC has been an important part of our family life Both of our girls were married at IPC, Lily’s son Samuel was baptized at IPC this year, and Grace and her husband Kendyl sing in the IPC Choir. I have helped teach Sunday School classes and a weekly Bible study class at IPC for over 30 years and served as a Deacon. In previous terms on the Session, I served as Chairs of the Music, Worship, and Christian Education Committees. I was on the search committee that selected Dr. Jeff McLelland as Music Director and was on the Pipe Organ Task Force that selected our current Joseph Schreiber Memorial Organ. I was on the search committee that selected Rev. Kevin Long, on the search committee for a Director of Christian Education, and served twice on Representative Nominating Committees. I am currently the Chair of the Focus on Faith Committee I practiced law for 42 years, mostly as a federal prosecutor, and retired last year as the Executive Assistant U S Attorney for Northern Alabama I’m excited about what’s happening now at IPC and look forward to the opportunity to serve as an elder.
Paul Romjue (Elder) The AM radio on my U-Haul truck was playing Elvis Presley music nonstop on August 16, 1977, the day Elvis died. I was driving back to Nashville after bringing everything I owned to Birmingham where I had been hired to teach at Birmingham-Southern College. I thought that I would be in Birmingham for a year or two at most, but after close to fifty years I am still here!
I taught at BSC full time for five years and then part-time from 1982 until 2003 I also directed faith based nonprofit organization for older adults. In 2003, while serving on the search committee for the Director of Christian Education at IPC, I was urged by several people to resign from the committee and to apply for the DCE job. I did and was hired to serve as the Director of Christian Education. I served in that position until May 16, 2014. Prior to being named DCE I taught courses and was moderator of The Board of Deacons. While working at IPC and overseeing the educational ministries, I also served in several capacities for The Presbytery including being a member of The Commission on Ministry. In that position I served as a liaison to multiple congregations. Immediately after retirement I spent a lot of time at Kirkwood, visiting almost every day to support a dear friend who suffered from the effects of dementia
In recent years, in addition to worship and Sunday school, I have loved Intercessory Prayer, Centering Prayer, and Yoga. I recommend yoga to everyone, even though I’m not very good at it!
Jean Shanks (Elder) has been a member of IPC since 1981. Over the years, I have taught Sunday School, was a Tribal Mother at Bible Times, and am now a Catechist My favorite ministry at IPC is Summer Learning at the Children's Fresh Air Farm. I served on the board of the IPC Foundation and as an Elder and Deacon. I have two children: Will, who lives in New York with his wife, Tera, and their children, Millie and Daphne. Amanda lives in California with her husband, Paul, and their children, Liam and Noah. I am retired from the Birmingham Public Library. I get much more than I give at IPC. The friendships I have made are very meaningful to me. Those who choose IPC as their church home are uniquely spiritual and caring.
Dorothy Smith (Elder) has attended IPC since the age of eight except for living out of town for several years as a young adult. She was baptized, confirmed and married at IPC. Her sons Will (23) and Clark (22) were also baptized and confirmed at IPC. Dorothy and her husband Jodie taught Sunday school for many years and Clark served as an acolyte captain and youth elder Dorothy currently serves on the small group subcommittee and the IPC guild. She is an active participant in Women At The Well and Grace Group and attends Susan Clayton’s Bible Study.
Marion Walker (Elder) was raised in Tuscaloosa where she attended public schools and graduated from Sweet Briar College in Amherst, Virginia and then Cumberland School of Law. She was baptized at age 12 in the First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa Her grandfather Walker, her grandmother and her Aunt Tillie Walker Nisbet were devoted members of the First Presbyterian Church Aunt Tillie was one of the first women Deacons Marion is the oldest of five children of Mr. A.M. “Buddy” Walker and Mildred Newton Walker. For 48 years Marion has practiced law in Birmingham, Alabama. She is primarily a labor and employment defense attorney and handles litigation involving employment discrimination complaints and commercial litigation with an association with a national firm, Fisher Phillips. She has served as a Board member of First Light, the YWCA and the Breast Cancer Research Council of Alabama. In 1978 Marion joined IPC. In 2019, she was elected Chair of the Focus on Faith Committee and served until the first of 2024. She is currently a Board member at Kirkwood by the River and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Birmingham Historical Society. In March she married her longtime companion, Melinda Spawn Marion enjoys golf, sailing, reading, gardening, fly fishing and shooting clays She also enjoys traveling which saw her in Barcelona and many places in Italy in April of this year
Lee Baker (Deacon) was born and raised in Brewton, Alabama and graduated from Birmingham-Southern College and then the University of Alabama with degrees in economics He is father to Baxter (13), Henry (11), and George (6). After beginning his career in healthcare quality analytics and consulting, he transitioned to underwriting and asset management at Medical Properties Trust. He currently works as an asset manager for Kayne Anderson in Boca Raton, Florida. Prior to joining IPC, he was an active member of Spanish River Church (2019-2021) in Boca Raton, Covenant Presbyterian Church (2004-2019) in Birmingham, where he served as a Deacon for six years, and First Presbyterian Church (1983-2002) in Brewton. Outside of IPC, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and cooking.
Kim Bourn (Deacon) I am a lifelong Mississippian, and moved to Birmingham from Madison, MS in January 2022. I was fortunate to find such a welcoming and loving church in IPC, and I have been a member for two years. I am the CFO at Red Mountain Theatre and enjoy being a part of the vibrant arts community in Birmingham. I enjoy running, reading, and I am passionate about SEC sports, particularly Mississippi State, and especially baseball I make regular trips to Starkville for games and to see my daughter, Cate, who is a senior My son, Austin, lives in New York City, where he is trying to navigate his way in the acting/ musician world. I’m excited and grateful to serve the members of IPC as a Deacon.
Morgan Cole (Deacon) I was born and raised in Birmingham, having been christened at IPC and served as an acolyte. After college, I taught middle school for 2 years, then found myself in Seattle working for Microsoft and Amazon for 30 years. In 2022, our family moved back to Birmingham to start the next chapter of our lives, including rejoining Independent Presbyterian Church. I’ve spent the last year building a startup here in Birmingham that helps university and startup researchers identify and secure funding sources to accelerate their science. I have a lovely wife (Elizabeth Lell Cole) and two children (Millie and Bowman).
Chelsea Crenshaw (Deacon). IPC has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was confirmed here, participated in youth retreats and activities as a teenager, and spent summers working as a camp counselor at CFAF during high school Afterward, I attended Auburn University and UAB, where I earned a Master's in Occupational Therapy. I currently run a private practice and have been working with children at IPC Day School for the past four years. I truly love what I do. Additionally, I volunteer as a field trip docent at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. My husband, Arthur, and I were married in 2013, and we have two wonderful children: our son, Jesse (8), and our daughter, Cara (6). In my free time, I enjoy oil painting, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I cherish my IPC community and am excited to serve as a deacon.
Jonathan H. Edwards (Deacon) How do you put 80 years shortly? Grew up in the village of Poland, Ohio. We were poor. I have one older sister. Attended Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA (Presbyterian). As my senior year began, I saw Sylvia Jean Woodward from a distance and knew that I would marry her someday. It took 3 years
Graduated with a BA degree in business. Sent by the Navy to Officer’s Candidate School (OCS) in New Port, RI. Qualified for Diving School. Sent to U.S.S. Apache, San Diego, CA. Walked on as the 3rd officer in charge. Given 14 responsibilities. One being the religious officer on board. God’s calling! There for 2 years, then sent to Vietnam by orders. Convinced Sylvia to marry me before going to war. Served as inner-harbor patrol officer for Quann. Responsible for 12 boats and 50-60 men day and night. Survived!
Came home a changed man. Held several jobs in northern Ohio as I adjusted to civilian life. God sent me to Hanna Seminary, Springfield, OH Graduated in 3 1/2 years Have served 6 congregations Been ordained 45 years My wife and I have come “full circle” as we grew up Presbyterian, were Lutheran, and returned because of IPC. It’s nice to be home on our way to our “True Home”.
Matt Evans (Deacon) I was raised in Atlanta and moved to Birmingham in the spring of 2022. My wife, Gracie, and I have been members of IPC since 2022 We have two daughters, Ella and Cordelia, who both attended the IPC Day school Cordelia was Baptized at IPC I was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church I work for the Southeastern Conference overseeing our television agreements with ESPN.
Dany Hollingsworth (Deacon) currently holds the position of Curated Learning Program Manager at the National Headquarters office of the American Red Cross, where she began her career in 1999 in Learning & Development Dany is a certified CliftonStrengths and Korn Ferry coach, and an accomplished facilitator, possessing certifications in facilitating various programs, including Inclusive Leadership Compass, Inside Out Coaching, Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue, and True Colors Personal Success and Team Building. Dany holds a Masters in Secondary Education and a Bachelor’s degree in American studies with a minor in Business Management from the University of Alabama. Dany serves on the board of the Hollingsworth Colorectal Cancer Awareness organization, founded by her late husband, James Hollingsworth, in July of 2022. The mission of the foundations is to increase public awareness for the need for early screening for colorectal cancer through colonoscopies at age 45 to prevent colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States She fervently advocates for increased public awareness with videos like this, in hopes of saving lives Dany spends 9-months of the year studying the Bible with the women’s group of Community Bible Study, CBS, on Monday nights. Dany lives in Mountain Brook, AL, has two daughters, one in college at Samford, Halli, and one in High School, Heidi. Dany adores their puppy, a black English Labrador, named Myko. She is training to become a certified Pilates instructor, and loves to spend time outside hiking, walking, and soaking up the sun. Dany leads with her Top 5 CliftonStrengths: of Empathy, Context, Maximizer, Belief and Positivity.
MaryWills LeCroy (Deacon) is a lifelong Presbyterian and has been active in seven churches in various cities where she and her late husband Tom lived. They joined IPC in 1999 and have been inspired by the worship, prayer and Bible study groups, and church and community service opportunities. MaryWills is grateful for the IPC friends she has come to know over the past 25 years. She has served as Deacon and Elder here and is happy to serve again as Deacon. She has two daughters (one a Presbyterian minister in New Jersey) and five grandchildren, ages 3 to 14.
Sara Anne Lester (Deacon) has called IPC her church home since moving to Birmingham in 2009. She and her husband, Jay Lester, were married at IPC in 2014, and they have three wonderful children, Jackson (7), James (4), and Grace Anne (Grey, 1). All three children have attended the IPC Day School, and Sara Anne recently served on the Day School Committee. They live in Homewood. After completing medical training at UAB, she now works as an obstetric anesthesiologist at Grandview. Jay works as attorney at Maynard Nexsen. Sara Anne is also the daughter of two PCUSA ministers. Her father Jay Wilkins, after retiring from serving the church across the country, served as an interim associate pastor at IPC in 2020-2021.
Matt Moody (Deacon) was born and raised in the Birmingham area. He and his wife, Sarah, have been members of IPC since 2019 and are active participants of the Bridges class. Matt values the diversity and inclusive mindset of this long-standing faith community and seeks to continue that tradition with members and visitors inside and outside the church walls. On most Sundays you can find Matt and his family, including Willow (5) and Rosemary (3), at the Table Service.
Coley Puckett (Deacon) I grew up in Birmingham and I’m a lifelong member of IPC. I currently work as a preschool teacher at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. My fondest memories growing up involve Bible Times Marketplace at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm. My mother, Evelyn Puckett, volunteered at IPC for as long as I can remember. She began working at IPC as the Site Director for STAIR and later became the IPC Social Services Coordinator. My grandparents were IPC members when my father, Steve Puckett, was born, and he was raised in the church I am excited and honored to better serve the Lord and the church community that is so dear to my heart.
Macey Robinson (Youth Deacon) is the daughter of Bob and Leslie Robinson, and the sister of McClain Robinson. She was baptized in 2008 at First Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, AL, and was confirmed at IPC this spring Macey began attending IPC and the Day School in 2009 She was in the first group to began Sundays in the Atrium She has attended VBS, BTMP as a camper and youth volunteer, children’s choir, Wednesday nights, Advent Workshop, youth Sunday School, and youth group on Sunday nights. She has served as an acolyte and is currently on the Youth Grant Team. She has volunteered with Worship Care, Holiday House, and many children and youth service opportunities. Macey is currently a Junior at Mountain Brook High School. She enjoys travel, horseback riding, pickleball and spending time with friends. She loves Montreat and the annual youth trip to Gatlinburg and is excited to serve as a Youth Deacon.
George (Sonny) Williams (Deacon) has been a member of IPC for the last 14 years. Married to Jeff Johnson since October of 2018. Sonny grew up in the York, AL Presbyterian Church working with his parents at Williams Farm Supply until graduating from the University of West Alabama (the college formerly known as Livingston University). Upon graduation, he later moved to Birmingham where he had a 20-year career with AmSouth Bank in the Plan Administration area working with retirement plans. He left AmSouth Bank as a Vice President during the merger of AmSouth and Regions Banks. Sonny continued his career working with retirement plans for the following 20 years at Fidelity Information Systems (formerly SunGard Data Systems) until his retirement earlier this year Sonny is excited to serve the Lord in his church home for a second time as Deacon with the Class of 2027.
He is a Grace Group member and enjoys putting his talents to work supporting our Religious Arts Festival and IPC Connect committees.
Carolyn Featheringill (Foundation Board) is an attorney, professor emeritus of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and part-time farmer She is a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and the University of Virginia School of Law. Coming to Birmingham after law school, she joined IPC, having grown up in the Methodist church in her hometown of Huntsville. Like so many in this congregation, Carolyn’s participation has been a family affair. She and her late husband Bill Featheringill were married in the sanctuary as was their daughter. Their daughter and grandchildren were all baptized at IPC and attended the Day School. Carolyn has been an elder, deacon, STAIR volunteer and was a member of the IPC Foundation in its formative days Her civic and community activities have included service on the boards of the Junior League of Birmingham, Altamont School, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Children’s Aid Society, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and chair of the 2015 Museum Ball.
Foster Cook (Foundation Board) was born in Birmingham Alabama and was raised in the Methodist Church. He and his wife, Rowena Macnab, have been members of IPC since 1992, when he was recruited to sing in the choir. They have two children Erin and Nathan and two grandchildren, Ada Grace and Mary Frances Stetler who were baptized at IPC. Foster graduated from the University of Alabama and from graduate school at UAB. He retired from UAB where he was Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Substance Abuse and Criminal Justice Programs. As an elder he has served on numerous Community Ministries Committees and has made multiple mission trips. He is currently the Chairman of Finance and the serves on the Church/ Foundation Liaison Committee. He has served as a member and President of the IPC Foundation and many years on the Foundation Grants Committee. He and Rowena love to hike and started our IPC hiking group five years ago.
Kent Hartzog (Representative Nominating Committee) has been a member of IPC for 6 years. He is married to Anna and has two sons, Owen (8) and Emmett (4). He is active in the Bridges Sunday school class. Outside of church, he is a Water Technical Practice Leader at Gresham Smith and enjoys spending time outdoors running and camping.
Bev Krannich (Representative Nominating Committee) I grew up in Mobile, where I attended Central Presbyterian Church, a place that provided love, friends, and experiences that shaped my spiritual journey. I attended Rhodes College in Memphis and then Cumberland School of Law. I held legal and HR roles at three great Birmingham companies, including Brasfield & Gorrie, from which I retired in 2013 Larry and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this summer on an Alaskan cruise with our four children, their spouses, and our six grandchildren. We love to travel and have especially appreciated several memorable international trips with the IPC choir.
We have been active members of IPC for 48 years. I have served as Deacon, as Elder for several terms, and on a number of committees and task forces While on Session, I served on the HR Ministry Team and as Clerk of Session. Over the years, I have been involved in Children’s Ministry, most recently as a catechist. I enjoy the opportunity to train and work with the multi-generational catechist team and getting to know the staff and young families at IPC. I participate in the IPC Book Club and Tapestries. I am on the Board of Trustees of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley.