Staff

Koby Strawser, Pastor

Dr. Koby Strawser began his ministry at Edenton Baptist Church in January 2024. A Central Texas native, he has pastored several churches throughout Texas and Tennessee. Koby is married to Chasity, and together they have six boys.  He holds the Master of Divinity degree from Baylor University and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Hardin-Simmons University. He enjoys spending time with his family, as well as reading and watching Baylor football and basketball. Koby’s favorite Bible verses are Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Marisa Woodley, Associate Pastor

Reverend Marisa Ellis Woodley joined the Edenton Baptist Church Staff in August of 2024. She grew up in Edenton and even attended Edenton Baptist Church for a great deal of her childhood. She is a graduate of East Carolina University (Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies) and Campbell University Divinity School (Master of Divinity). In 2023, Marisa married her husband, Dylan Woodley, of Creswell, NC. Marisa has served in ministry for many years and in various roles. However, her passion is serving with youth, children, and families. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 6:8 which reads: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Jackie Copeland, director of music

Jackie has served at Edenton Baptist Church since the spring of 2013. She grew up in Edenton and is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill (Bachelor of Music) and East Carolina University (Masters in Sacred Music/Organ). She also fullfilled N.C. licensure requirements in Music Education at ECU. Jackie has been the accompanist for the Albemarle Chorale since 2000 and has taught elementary school music since 1994. Jackie lives in the Ryland community of Chowan county with her husband, Jeff Copeland, a farmer and retired livestock agent. They have a son, Sam and a daughter, Callie. Jackie loves gardening, walking, visiting waterfront places and singing.

Anna Kay Laughton, Assistant Music Director

Anna Kay (Manning) Laughton, a native of Edenton, joined the staff as Assistant Music Director in August 2024. Raised in Edenton Baptist Church, she previously served the church as pianist/organist from 1982-1986. Laughton studied music at Campbell University and graduated earning her bachelor’s degree in music education. She taught music for most of her career in Edenton-Chowan Schools and earned National Board Certification. In addition to teaching music in school, she worked at Corinth Baptist Church in Elizabeth City, NC for many years serving as their Music Director. She is married to J. Craig Laughton who she met at Campbell University, and they have a daughter, Carole Laughton Sykes who also is a Campbell alumna. Anna Kay enjoys spending time with her family, which also includes son-in-law Scotty and amazing grandchildren Pete and Hannah. Her hobbies include working in the yard, walking, spending time at the beach, and road trips with her sister Nelle and their dogs. Her favorite scripture passage is Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Anna Kay is very thankful to be back in her home church serving as a staff member.

Karen Renner, Office Administrator

Karen joined Edenton Baptist Church's staff in March 2019 as our Financial Secretary. In May 2021, she began her role as our Office Administrator.Originally from Ohio, she moved to Edenton in 2008. Karen enjoys adventure and discovering new places and has been fortunate enough to have lived in several places across the country, and even in Japan. Some of her pastimes include spending time at the beach, gardening, cooking, floral arranging, and painting. Karen’s greatest pleasure is spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her go-to Bible verses are Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

SELMA CHESSON, HOUSEKEEPER

Selma Chesson joined Edenton Baptist Church as Church Custodian on September 11th, 2014.  Selma, now a Chowan County resident, was raised in Roper and graduated from Plymouth High School.  She was a school bus driver for Plymouth High School for 4 years and also worked as a certified nursing assistant for 17 years.  She attended College of the Albemarle where she graduated with an Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration and Medical Terminology.  Her favorite chapter in the Bible is Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” She has a daughter, Sabrina and a granddaughter, Mel’vae.  Selma enjoys fishing, walking and gardening.

Little Goose Nest Staff

karen davey, Teacher of Little Goose Nest Preschool

Karen values the ability to impress the Golden Rule upon God’s youngest learners. Her background includes more than 30 combined years of coaching, volunteering and teaching in a Pre-K classroom. Karen and her husband have two children and became full-time Edenton residents in August 2018 after relocating from Northern Virginia. Born and raised in Maryland, Karen attended Catholic grade and high schools before earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Richmond in Virginia, where she was a nationally ranked basketball player and remains the school’s all-time scoring and rebounding leader. As a freelance writer and editor, Karen has written three historical books and appreciates the opportunity to engage with pre-emergent readers and writers. She enjoys the beach, sports and traveling.