Meet Our Vestry
The Vestry is the elected parish council. Members of the Vestry are elected by the parish at the Annual Meeting. They must be regular in attendance at worship, Confirmed, and known (only to the Parish Treasurer) as contributors. The Vestry members are legally, financially, and spiritually responsible for the well-being of the parish church.
David Barner (2026)
David grew up in McKenney, Virginia and was baptized and confirmed in Asbury Methodist Church. He was an active member of MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) until leaving for Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Upon receiving his BS in Engineering Technology, David worked for Newport News Shipbuilding. After marriage, he and his wife, Dukie, moved to Yorktown, Virginia and became members of Grace Episcopal Church. They had two children, and David took confirmation classes with his son, Mitchell, and joined The Episcopal Church. Upon retiring, David and Dukie moved to Lake Gaston, NC, and became members of All Saints Episcopal Church in 2010. David serves as an usher in liturgy.
Tawnya Gray (2026) - Clerk
Tawnya grew up in Asheville, NC, and was baptized as an infant and confirmed in the Presbyterian Church. In the 1980’s, she and her family moved to Roanoke Rapids.
Tawnya graduated with an Associate Degree in Medical Secretary and Associate Degree in Executive Secretary. She worked in a Medical Office for nine years and then worked at First United Methodist Church,and as member, for 30 plus years until it’s closing in 2022. She served on several committees and was active in the United Methodist Women, Prayer Ministry, lay ministry, and enjoyed volunteering where needed.
Tawnya is married to Mike Gray. They have one daughter, Christie, who lives in Virginia Beach. They are very excited to welcome a son-in-law on March 30, 2024, when their daughter and her fiancee are married. Tawnya and Mike are very grateful to be a part of All Saints Church family and feel very welcomed. Tawnya serves as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and licensed worship leader in the liturgy.
Bill Searles (2026)
Bill enjoyed a successful 23-year career in the investment / financial services industry. Initially working as a securities analyst for two major Wall Street firms (Hayden Stone & Goldman Sachs). Bill then partnered with two associates to offer computer analytics to institutional investors. Out of that experience, he went on to establish specialized research departments for A.G. Becker, Reynolds Securities and Smith Barney. He then spent 10 years with Bear Sterns, as an Associate Director/Limited Partner where he assembled a research group covering the firm's investment banking clients. In 1989, Bill became an independent business consultant and continued his service as a Director of two small public companies, RMS Electronics (AMEX) and VHC, Ltd (NASDAQ). In that same year he joined the Boards of American Physicians Service Group (NASDAQ: AMPH), where he served for 22 years, and Prime Medical Service/Healthtronics (NASDAQ: PMSI/HTRN), where he served for 19 years. He also served for five years on the Board of Probex Corp. (AMEX: PBX). Bill was Chairman of the Board of APS Investment Services, a subsidiary of AMPH for 13 years and Chairman of Uncommon Care Inc. for six years, a private firm in the Alzheimer's field, which was funded in part by AMPH.
Bill & Ellen met 44 years ago and were married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Navesink, NJ and relocated to NC (after 36 years of traveling back and forth) in 2015. They have one son who is married and lives in Arlington, VA. Bill serves on the Stewardship Committee.
Scott Harris (2027) - Senior Warden
Scott grew up in Roanoke Rapids. He and his wife Betty joined All Saints when they returned to Roanoke Rapids in 1984. Scott is a financial advisor. Betty and Scott have two sons and grandchildren. Scott also serves as a lector and an usher for liturgies.
Katie Green (2027) - Junior Warden
Katie grew up in Roanoke Rapids at All Saints. She attended NC State and married Billy Green. She has a daughter and three grandsons. She enjoys life on the lake and golf course. Katie serves as a lector in liturgy and as a volunteer in the parish office. She is part of Genesis II at All Saints.
Tony Short (2027) - Treasurer
Tony grew up in Warrenton, NC. He attended NC State and worked in soil conservation. He and his wife Val make their home in Roanoke Rapids. They have two children and two grandchildren. They have been a part of All Saints since 1984. Tony serves as a lector and usher in liturgies. He is a member of the Stewardship Committee.
Ginny Orvedahl (2028)
Ginny was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She became an Episcopalian and joined All Saints’ in November 2001. She was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and spent her growing up years in neighboring Minnesota. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She retired in 2019 as the director of the Halifax County Library System. She serves as a lector in liturgies. She is a member of the Christian Formation & Education Committee.
Mike Scott (2028)
Mike and his wife Cathy live and work in Roanoke Rapids. They have children, grandchildren, and cats which occupy their time and energy! They enjoy serving their community. Mike has served on the vestry in prior years, including the work of Junior Warden, overseeing the replacement of three roofs. Mike serves as a lector in liturgy.
Tom Wellman (2028)
Tom grew up attending Grace Episcopal Church in Weldon, NC. He attended UNC Chapel Hill. He and his wife Mary make their home in Littleton. They have three children and multiple grandchildren. Tom has served on the vestry in prior years, including Senior Warden and on many committees. He is a partner in the Wellman & White Law Firm in Roanoke Rapids. Tom serves as a lector in the liturgy.
Diocesan Leadership from All Saints
Parishioners also serve in leadership roles in the Diocese of North Carolina. In 2026, the following members of All Saints are participating in the life and ministry of our diocese:
Tom Wellman serves on the Foundation of the Diocese of North Carolina. Tom is an experienced attorney, having practiced law in Halifax County for decades and is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association.
Patricia Barnes serves as President of the Church Periodical Club. Her back ground in education and leadership skills and life-long dedication to the Diocese of NC serves her well in this work.
Val Short was elected to the Standing Committee of the Diocese of North Carolina. She also serves on the Sustainability Committee of the diocese, aiding parishes in grant application completion for diocesan grants, and awarding grants to parishes in our diocese. She shares decades of experience in human resources, non-profits, and grants with this work.
Tony Short serves with Churches Helping Churches to assist church leaders in the diocese with business and financial accountability and reporting. Tony has served as treasurer of All Saints for over fifteen years and has experience in completing parish audits, parochial reports, and other diocesan requirements.
Rae Mitchell was appointed to the Commission on Ministry, which assists aspirants for ordination to the diaconate and priesthood in discerning their call to ministry.
