Page 18 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2025

PEOPLE
A FOND FAREWELL
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Westminster Presbyterian Church
No one likes to see church and community leaders move away. That’s especially true of Will and Anna Kate Shurley of Westminster Presbyterian Church, who’ve lived in Gulfport 11 years and are leaving an abundance of goodwill as they go. We wish them a fond farewell.
Rev. Shurley says he knew there would be a degree of transience in pastoral ministry. “Leaving Gulfport is most definitely a bittersweet experience,” he said. “We have been so deeply grateful for the people at Westminster who have loved us so well, and to the Coastal community for welcoming us with such warmth. I remember being excited for the opportunity and looking forward to becoming part of Westminster and the community.”
The couple and their children, Oliver and Virginia, are moving to Acworth, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, with Will serving as pastor of the Mars Hill Presbyterian Church there. Their last Sunday at Westminster was March 30.
“Will has been an integral part of building community on
the Coast. In a world of selfish behavior, he gave to the local community with humility and selflessness,” says Dave Weldon, PhD., dean and professor in William Carey University’s School of Pharmacy. “He has spent many hours mentoring young men
Anna Kate, Oliver, Will and Virginia Shurley. 18 | April 2025
Reverend Shurley baptizing Siwan Winter.
in the Boy Scouts troop that meets at Westminster church. “Additionally, he has spent hundreds of hours helping to lead
and, along with other community leaders, ultimately save the existence of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony. I am losing a friend, and the community is losing an advocate.”
LeAnn Davis has been the administrator at Westminster since August 2016 and has found Will a pleasure to work with. “He is very gracious when I make mistakes,” she says. “He is appreciative of my efforts and is always kind when he’d like something done differently. Truly the best boss I’ve ever had.”
Rev. Claire Dobbs, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, recalls that she and the Shurleys came to Gulfport within months of each other. She had history with Anna Kate, who is also an ordained minister, because they were classmates at Duke Divinity School. Dobbs quickly became acquainted with Will as they formed the Gulf Coast Ecumenical Fellowship together.
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Anna Kate Shurley has been active with young people in the church.