REVEREND TEMPE FUSSELL
Tempe' was ordained in 1981 and has served churches in New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia. She retired from First Franklin in 2024. She has four children who live near and far. Tempe's mother resides in Harrisonburg, VA., therefore she is frequently making trips up Highways 26 and 81. In her free time, she serves on several Mission teams and writes for local churches and non-profits. She also enjoys writing novels. Walking on their local woods trails with her dog, Ellie, is another joy.
REVEREND CURTIS FUSSELL
Curtis was ordained in 1982 and has served four churches in North Carolina and Virginia. He also served as an Adjunct Teacher at UNC-Greensboro for six years, teaching Communication Studies. With Tempe, he raised four children: three girls and a boy who live “near and far.” In his free time, he enjoys gardening, baking bread, and tending to Ellie our beloved dog.
REVEREND TERRY HANNA
Pastor Terry has worked on a church staff in many different roles for over 30 years, 20 of those years as an ordained minister. From Florida to West Virginia, to Pittsburgh, to Charlotte, to Bryson City, Pastor She served Providence Presbyterian as their Youth Minister, Sharon Presbyterian as their Pastor for congregational Care, and Bryson City Presbyterian as their Minister for nearly 15 years. Terry now lives on a farm in Waynesville with her husband Mark, two dogs, two horses, three bee hives, and until recently has been working at Wall Street Books.
REVEREND DENNIS HYSOM
The Rev. Dennis Hysom and his spouse Lenora live in Waynesville, NC. They have been married for over 36 years. He served a church in Fremont, Nebraska after seminary and then served as an Army Chaplain until his retirement in 2022. They have 3 adult children; Bryce, Thomas and Graham.
JEAN CHANCE
Administrative Assistant
Born and raised in Chipley, Florida, Jean and her husband, Arnie, spent the first 40 years of their lives there. They have 3 children, 5 grandsons, and 3 great grandsons, living in Kentucky, Virginia and Washington. Arnie’s job has taken them to Georgia, Virginia, Michigan, Iowa, and Indiana over the past 20 years. Her calling as an Administrative Assistant in various churches in these states have included Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and Brethren.
Email: office@sylvapres.org
COURTNEY UMPHLETT
Music Director
Courtney is a person of many hats. She lives on a small farm, loves exercising but also ice cream, likes to make things from scratch, plays a variety of musical instruments, and loves to read a good book. But her favorite thing is working with and developing the lives on children and young adults. Courtney is married to Drew and they have a little girl named Cecilia.
Email: courtney@sylvapres.org
JUDY HENDERSON
Treasurer
Judy is a life-long Presbyterian who loves her church and the God it serves. She has had many jobs along the way, from teacher to engraver, but her favorite calling has been to be a wife to Bruce and mom to her three children. Now Judy can add "Meema" to that list. "I have been co-treasurer and then treasurer for over 25 years and am glad that my love of numbers has been of use to the church."
Email: treasurer@sylvapres.org
HEATHER MONAR
Children & Youth Ministry Director
Heather and husband, Kelder, have been members of First Presbyterian since 2017. They welcomed their daughter, Alice, in 2019. In that time she has enjoyed getting to know the children of the church and watching them grow. Heather also works at Harris Hospital as a speech-language pathologist and loves being a part of the Sylva community.
Email: fpcsylvakids@gmail.com
MARGARET HALE
Organist/Pianist
Margaret loves playing the organ for First Presbyterian Church. No matter what kind of music she plays, or how many mistakes she makes, the congregation members make her feel appreciated. Margaret also loves working with the First Presbyterian Church Choir. "The choir members are dedicated, faithful, hard-working, marvelous singers who take seriously their call to lift up our hearts in worship through their music."
Email: camelotmarg@yahoo.com
Elders
Class of 2025
Bruce Henderson - Christian Education Committee
Frances Hess - Hospitality Committee
Lynda Parlett - Missions Committee
Class of 2026
Steve Baxley - Worship Committee
Robert Porter - Transition House
Kathy Grace - Personnel
Class of 2027
Lee Galloway - Finance Committee
Amanda Murajda - Clerk of Session
James Walawender - Property
Deacons
Class of 2025
Susan Blair
Robbie Hess
Jeff Pope - Moderator
Class of 2026
Beth Baxley
Billy Noell
Jae Crawford
Class of 2027
Travis Berry
Marjorie Eyre
Larry Selby