Page 19 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2025

story by Cherie Ward photos courtesy of Nadiya Copeland
Reverend Shurley and Siwan, Suhyeon, Annie, Scott and Emily Winter.
“They have not just been pastors at Westminster but pastors to the whole community, and they’ve added so much to the community through their involvement,” Dobbs said. “If I was in a jam, I would go to them.”
Long time Westminster parishioner Brenda Pace says the Shurleys brought their many gifts, talents and education along with their generous love and fellowship. “They became the heart and soul of our church with their genuine enthusiasm and identity in Christ. They have shared the gospel personally by spending time not only
in leading and interacting with our membership, but also in the community,” she said. “We see God’s light shining through them as they make authentic connections with everyone.”
Pace praises the Shurleys for their authentic sermons, innovative ideas, creative education program and music. “Will is a talented organist and pianist, and Anna Kate is a pianist who shares her beautiful singing voice.”
Margaret McKenzie has served with Will on the boards of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony and Feed My Sheep, a Gulfport soup kitchen. “Will has accomplished more in his 11 years here than many people do in their whole career. He hit the ground running and never stopped,” she said. “Will was instrumental in helping make sure the needy continued to be fed during the pandemic. He has spent years on the Symphony board, including two years as president. He has worked tirelessly to see that the Symphony continues.”
She points out Will’s other duties as a Boy Scout Den Leader, Coast Ecumenical Fellowship and Rotary Club
of Gulfport, which he served as President. “All this has been done in addition to his real job as a pastor. Will accomplishes more in one day than three normal people and always makes time for anyone who needs him,” McKenzie adds.
While Will may have had a more public role, Anna Kate Shurley is also leaving her mark. Originally from Radford, Virginia, she has taught in the Gulfport School District, most recently teaching AP English Language and AP English Literature and co-leader of the creative writing club at Gulfport High. She earned an M.Div. and Th.M. (magna cum laude) from Duke University Divinity School; and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary.
“I have long thought that the Coast is a special place because it will weave transplants like us into the fabric of the community,” Will says. “One of the most rewarding experiences was being part of the Coast Ecumenical Fellowship. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Rotary Club of Gulfport, and will long be grateful that Skip Ryland was willing to sponsor me.
“I was the ‘pandemic president’ of the club, and, while it certainly made for an interesting year, I remain so proud of all of the people who made sure we continued the legacy of service during that time.”
He concludes by saying that pastors by definition have to give of themselves to serve their churches well, and he cannot quite express in words how being Westminster’s pastor this last decade, and sharing life together with the most wonderful people, has been the honor of a lifetime.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
April 2025 | 19