Deacon Couples
Mark and Edna have been together since 1987 when they were high school sweethearts.
They were married in 1991, and have two daughters, Taylor and Haley. In 2015, God chose to expand their family from four to six by blessing them with the adoption of two sons, Nelson and Harold, from Bogota, Colombia.
Mark is retired after a career in federal law enforcement and Edna is employed as a social worker at an area high school. Edna and her two sisters also operate a rental home in Vienna, IL, and you can find that listing on Air BNB and VRBO (Dickson Trails to Adventure).
Mark and his children own/operate a vehicle detailing business in Vienna, IL, and they work several days per week. Mark teaches jiujitsu to children and adults both in his house and at IQ Academy in Benton, IL. Mark also works two days per week as a school security officer for the Marion School District.
Our family enjoys family vacations to the beach, gardening, bonfires pretty much anytime spring or fall, cooking on the grill, swimming, and watching soccer (from high school level to professional).
At a prior church, Mark served as a deacon for 20 years, served on the worship team and church security team, and taught Sunday School. Edna taught seventh/eighth grade Sunday School for 15 to 20 years at the same church.
Kerry is a former teacher and football coach who dedicated many years to shaping young lives both in the classroom and on the field. He has been married for 39 years to his wife, Tracey. Together, they have two adult children, Andrea Borum and David Martin, and are the proud grandparents of four—Wyatt, the late Walker, Aubrey, and Addison.
Now retired from full-time teaching and coaching, Kerry devotes much of his time to his grandchildren, engaging in civic organizations, and sharing his insights through various speaking opportunities. He also co-hosts a coaches podcast, where he continues to mentor and inspire others through stories, strategies, and his deep passion for leadership and character development in sports and life.
Aaron and Kera Robinette met in 2006 and were married in 2008.
Over the past 17 years of marriage, we have had the privilege of raising two children. Both lifelong residents of Southern Illinois and graduates of Johnston City High School, we currently reside in the Marion area where we enjoy the outdoors and supporting our children in their different sports and activities.
Throughout the years, we have participated in various ministries both jointly and individually. We look forward to contributing to The Mission and are eager to see how we can serve through our roles in the Deacon Ministry.
Mike and Phyllis met in 1967 while attending Southeast Illinois College and were married later that year.
They have two children, a son Keith married to Kelly Simonton and a daughter Kerri married to Jason Henry. They are also blessed with four grandchildren: Kalli Farthing married to Aaron Farthing, Kameron married to Abigail Moore, Kaden Dover and Jack Henry. Mike and Phyllis also have one great grandchild, Kaya Farthing.
Phyllis is a retired counselor and enjoys gardening and shopping. However, her most joy comes from spending time with all of her grandchildren and watching them participate in all of their activities.
Mike still works in the family concrete construction business. He enjoys playing golf and fishing. Mike has served as a deacon and elder at previous churches for over 25 years as well as teaching Sunday School.
Phyllis has taught Sunday School, as well as worked in children & youth ministry. She has also been involved in the music ministry. Both Mike and Phyllis have been beyond blessed to witness all of their children and grandchildren accept Jesus as their Savior.
Walt and I first met in 1967 when he applied for an after-school job at the store where I was working. We became friends and remained in touch over the years as long-distance friends. After my husband passed away, Walt reached out to check on me, and we reconnected. Eventually, he moved back to Southern Illinois so we could be together. This September, we will celebrate seven years of marriage.
I have two sons in West Frankfort—one is a high school English teacher, and the other is a pastor. I’m also blessed with three granddaughters and two great-grandchildren, a boy and a girl.
Walt had a successful career as an executive at a management consulting firm, where he specialized in leadership, adult learning, and organizational change. He has a son in Baltimore and a daughter in the Washington, D.C. area.
Together, we enjoy traveling and look forward to many more adventures in the days ahead.
Chris and Dawn Stayton, five years new to Southern Illinois from the
southwest suburbs of Chicago, are honored to serve as Deacons at The Mission Church. Though newly appointed, they bring years of experience in leadership and ministry, having met while serving in youth and financial ministries at a church up north.
Married nearly seven years, Chris and Dawn share a deep bond rooted in faith and a heart for service. While they don’t have children of their own, they are cherished by many nieces, nephews, and “church kids” who see them as bonus parents—and now, bonus grandparents.
Active in the local community through the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and civic groups, they also enjoy traveling and soaking up the sun whenever possible. With grateful hearts, they look forward to serving their church family with love, prayer, and a readiness to follow wherever God leads.
Tammy and I began dating in the summer of 1979 and were married on March 3, 1985—recently celebrating 40 wonderful years together. We have one son, Craig, a daughter- in-law, Jenna, and a grandson, Carver, who brings endless joy to our lives. I accepted Christ in April 1978, and Tammy followed in June 1979. Now both retired, we enjoy antiquing and taking scenic drives. I currently serve as a Public Safety Commissioner for the City of Harrisburg and as Vice President of the Harrisburg Township Park Board. I also serve on the Mission Church Worship Team and Prayer Team. Tammy serves faithfully in the Kids Ministry and on the Communion Team—and she’s truly the best Oma ever.
We were both born and raised in Marion. We met in grade school, worked together in high school and began dating right before our senior year.
We were married in 1994. We have 2 sons. Landon is 25 years old and Logan is 21 years old. We were super involved as young parents in church and now we are entering a new chapter as deacons.
John is retired from the State of IL Department of Corrections and Terrill is a Reading Specialist at Jefferson School in Marion.
We have a passion of building relationships with our deacon team and others in the church.
Benny and Jan married in 1985. They have four adult children and six grandchildren.
Benny retired from the Department of Corrections in 2002. Since then, he worked part time at our local Credit Union for ten years and has been employed part time at Shawnee MTD as a bus driver. He enjoys playing golf in his spare time.
Jan is a retired Registered Nurse since 2017. She worked as a nurse for about 39 years. She cared for her elderly parents after retiring. Jan taught children in Sunday School and worked at Church camps for about 17 years at a previous church. She also worked in children’s church for many years at another church. Benny and Jan facilitated Divorce Care for about 12 years at a previous church. Jan enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Benny and Jan also enjoy attending concerts.
Benny and Jan love their new church and are glad that they can now serve our new church family.
Pastors
We are a community of faith dedicated to spreading the love of Christ and living out His teachings. Our mission is to create a welcoming space where individuals and families can grow spiritually, find purpose, and build lasting relationships.
Michael Nave
Lead Pastor
Zach Nave
Associate Pastor
Board of Directors
Burk Watts
Facilities
Keith Dover
Finance
