Meet the Fourth Cohort
The fourth cohort consist of 14 Clergywomen serving United Methodist congregations in Mississippi,
Louisiana, and Arkansas. These women make up one large peer group that has formed an intense bond, as they
strive to support each other in a post-disaffiliation context.
Louisiana, and Arkansas. These women make up one large peer group that has formed an intense bond, as they
strive to support each other in a post-disaffiliation context.
Rev. Beth Feisel is an Elder in Full Connection in the Mississippi Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and currently serves Rexford United Methodist Church and Marvin United Methodist Church. Prior to entering full-time ministry in 2015, Beth worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor in a variety of behavioral health and social service settings for over 25 years. Beth’s passion in ministry is to help laity identify their unique giftedness, empower them, and celebrate God’s faithfulness in service together. Beth has been married to her sweetheart and the best clergy spouse ever, Kevin Feisel, for 37 years. They have two adult children, three grandchildren, one rescue pup, and one rescue cat. In her spare time Beth enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, traveling, and playing the piano.
Rev. Cleo McQueen. After ending a career in banking and finance, Cleo thought she would retire and work with First
United Methodist Church-Gulfport as a volunteer, where she had been a member since 1993. God had other plans for her. She was called into ministry in 2015 and chose to become a Licensed Local Pastor. She is currently serving in the eighth year of her first appointment through the Mississippi UMC Annual Conference at First United Methodist Church as one of the Associate Pastors. Cleo attends a Course of Study for her religious studies in ministry at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. She and her husband, Wayne, have lived in Gulfport since 1987 after returning from an overseas tour with the US Air Force in England. They have been married 45 years after meeting when she was in the US Army stationed in Italy. Cleo and Wayne have two sons, Wayne David (Amy) and Joe, and five grandchildren. They are also the proud parents of two Schnauzers, Angus and Holiday Joy McQueen. Cleo is excited to become our Pastor at The Church at The Barn and is blessed that God has allowed her to walk with us on our spiritual journey.
United Methodist Church-Gulfport as a volunteer, where she had been a member since 1993. God had other plans for her. She was called into ministry in 2015 and chose to become a Licensed Local Pastor. She is currently serving in the eighth year of her first appointment through the Mississippi UMC Annual Conference at First United Methodist Church as one of the Associate Pastors. Cleo attends a Course of Study for her religious studies in ministry at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. She and her husband, Wayne, have lived in Gulfport since 1987 after returning from an overseas tour with the US Air Force in England. They have been married 45 years after meeting when she was in the US Army stationed in Italy. Cleo and Wayne have two sons, Wayne David (Amy) and Joe, and five grandchildren. They are also the proud parents of two Schnauzers, Angus and Holiday Joy McQueen. Cleo is excited to become our Pastor at The Church at The Barn and is blessed that God has allowed her to walk with us on our spiritual journey.
Rev. Beth Miller is a retired Ordained Elder in the MS United Methodist Conference, having served churches across the state for 25 years. Beth's first career was in social services and mental health, working primarily with children and their families in the private, non-profit sector and state government. Beth is mother to one much loved adult son, mother in law to one treasured daughter-in-law, and grandmother to two delightful grandchildren. Presently Beth serves as Director of the MS License to Preach and Course of Study Schools for bi-vocational local pastors, a joint venture of the MSAC of the United Methodist Church and the Center for Ministry at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. Beth is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Spiritual Director, and a practitioner of contemplative spirituality.
Rev. Sylvia Strickland Blackwell is an Elder in the Mississippi United Methodist Church, a mother of two adult children Seth (Sidney) and Blythe; and grandmother to two grandchildren. Sylvia has served United Methodist Churches in Mississippi since 1987. Currently she is the Director of Soulful Parenting and Caregiving Initiative at The Center for Ministry at Millsaps College. Sylvia is also a Certified Pilates Instructor.
Rev. Dr. Benetra Mangum-Johnson is a Provisional Deacon of the Mississippi Annual Conference. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys meeting and working with all of God's people. When describing her experience as being a part of the Thriving In Ministry (TIM) Cohort, she states, "This has been a deeply meaningful experience for me. It has provided intentional space for self-care, and an opportunity to foster lasting sisterhood with women who truly understand the unique challenge of ministry. TIM has helped me strengthen my relationship with God throughshared spiritual practices, vulnerability, and mutual support. I love this program and all the cool women I have had an opportunity to meet."
Rev. Sandras Anderson is a Provisional Elder in the MS Conference UMC and the Pastor of Hopewell, Asbury, and St. Peter UMC’s. She is a 2022 graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA where she obtained her Master of Divinity. Sandras has a great passion for serving in rural communities with diverse demographics and backgrounds. After a lengthy career in healthcare and social services she has received her calling into pastoral ministry. Sandras is the mother of four adult daughters and four amazing grandchildren. They are the wind beneath her wings as was their deceased father. When Sandras is not in ministry with her church community, she assists her daughter with her goat farm and small area gardening projects. Sandras is currently working with her community members to start a small community garden. Sandras states, “Thriving in Ministry has been a life changing experience and the saving grace for me, and the ministries of all the congregations that I shepherd.”
Rev. Dr. Terry Hilliard. I am a native Texan and have called Mississippi my home since 2000. I Graduated from the University of Houston in 1995 with a degree in Occupational Technology and Industrial Studies. I attended Perkins School of Theology and graduated with an M.Div. from Memphis Theological Seminary in 2004 and a Doctor of Ministry in 2016. I have served United Methodist churches in both the Texas and Mississippi Conferences in the areas of children, youth, and family ministries; missions; and as pastor. Following Hurricane Katrina, I worked with UMCOR as the Western Regional Director and as chaplain of the Methodist Children’s Home of Mississippi. I am married to Larry, a UM pastor as well and we have 6 children and one grandson. In my spare time I spend time gardening, playing with our dogs, cycling, hiking, and cruising in our Jeep and my dad’s 1977 Toyota pickup.
Rev. Mary Stewart was born in Utica, New York, and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and Pascagoula Mississippi. Mary worked as a Music and Spanish Teacher for 7 years before being called into the ministry. She attended Duke Divinity School and faithfully served United Methodist Churches in the Mississippi Conference for 28 years. Mary is currently serving as a part-time pastor in the Arkansas Conference at Norphlet UMC. While enjoying retirement, Mary babysits her great nephew and niece and practices the dulcimer. Mary also is practicing her French for a Mission Trip to the Taize community in April 2026.
