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        Meet Our Staff

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Jeffery Lee Cannon

Born in Great Lakes, Illinois, October 2, 1955.  Raised in a Navy family and Raised mostly in Michigan.  Attended High school in the Tidewater, Va. area.  Graduate of Denbigh High School.  Attended College of William and Mary.  Graduate of Oklahoma City University 1978 with B.S. in Psychology.  Jeff is also a graduate of  Eastern Mennonite Theological Seminary with a M.Div..  He is a Member of the National Honor Society in Psychology "78"; Recognized as an Outstanding Young Men of America by Jaycees "81"; He was recognized as a Scholar Leader for Oklahoma by the State Regents in "1978".  Mr. Cannon was a staff member of Youth for Christ for 18 years, serving in virtually every area of ministry including state director for Virginia in 1985 and the National Board in 1990.  Jeff's last appointment before Bethany UMC was as the pastor of Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Poquoson, Va..  Mr. Cannon lives in Hampton, Va with his wife Karen.

Jeff feels that his major achievement in life so far was being Captain of the Safety Patrol in sixth grade.

Jeff was an avid runner, competing in biathalons and marathons until a mountain climbing accident in 1990 where he fell nearly 120 feet ended his running career and nearly his life.  Jeff walks with a distinct limp as a result of the 5 major operations to re-attach his left foot to his leg, despite this limitation Jeff still actively bikes, walks for recreation. 

Rebekah Doggett, Administrative Assistant

Rebekah has been the administrative assistant at Bethany since 2018. She has 10 years of experience as an office manager. She was raised in South Carolina and graduated from the College of Charleston. Rebekah finds joy in serving God by serving his people.

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Carl Olson, Director of Music

Carl Olson learned of his interest in music at age 8, and went on to study piano with several teachers, and now teaches music to students himself.  Carl enjoys performing in a variety of settings, and loves to use his spiritual gift of music in praise and worship, where the Holy Spirit often moves within us. 

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Elizabeth Linthicum, Youth Coordinator

Elizabeth Linthicum, our new Youth Director is a lifelong member of Bethany.  Her “day job” is Program Coordinator for Hampton School Age Programs and she has been working with children of all ages since 1988.  She hopes to bring our youth closer in their walk with Jesus and shine a light for them to follow.  She's married to Jody Linthicum and  they have 2 daughters, Sarah, a Senior at ODU and Lily a Freshman at Poquoson High School.  They have a dog named Oliver Butch and a cat named Independence Peach Bottom.   

Kelly Cannon, Nursery Worker

I find it a real blessing to work with each and every “little one” that comes through our doors at Bethany UMC. I always enjoy helping, loving, and sharing with every parent and child – that is my ministry.

Myra Matthews, Sexton

Myra Matthews has served as the sexton for Bethany United Methodist Church since 2006. She enjoys working at the church and around all the people she has grown up with.

Myra has lived in Hampton since 1979 when Joyce and James Sample, members of the congregation, adopted her.

Prior to working at Bethany she worked a variety of jobs, including veterinarian assistant, New York Times delivery, and a maintenance assistant.

Myra and her husband Jon were married at Bethany in 1988. They have one grown child, Amber Paje. Her hobbies are bowling, gardening, fishing with her husband, and also yoga.

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