Pastors

The Rev. Dr. George Freeman,  Senior Pastor

 The son of a retired United Methodist Minister and native of Sandersville, GA, George grew up in the Emory section of Atlanta.  Appointed to Jonesboro First in June, 2009, he entered the ordained ministry following service in the United States Air Force (Vietnam era), and several years in the business world.  He served as a District Lay Leader and conference United Methodist Methodist Men's officer while he and his wife,  Peggy-Ann,  were living in Stone Mountain.  The founding pastor of Simpsonwood UMC in Peachtree Corners, Rev. Freeman has also been a pastor at Dallas First, East Cobb, Trinity UMC in Rome, Briarcliff, Thomson First and North Springs prior to coming to Jonesboro.

Dr. Freeman's formal education came from Briarcliff High School in DeKalb County, Georgia Southern University (B.S.-Journalism), Emory University's Candler School of Theology (M.Div.), and United Theological Seminary (D.Min.).  He has served in numerous leadership positions on the local, district, conference, jurisdictional,  and general church levels.  He as president of the National Association of  Stewardship Leaders and was a member of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Council and the General Board of Discipleship.  Currently, he chairs the Administrative Review Committee of the North Georgia Conference and is a mentor for ministerial candidates seeking ordination in The United Methodist Church.

The Freemans have two grown children: Trey, married to Endien;  and Betsy, who is married to Charlie Madrerohon.  They have blessed Peggy and George with five grandchildren: Ross and Ben Madrerohon; Kate, Samantha and Madison Freeman.  They all live in Marietta and are part of Marietta First United Methodist Church.  George's father, the Rev. Dr. G. Ross Freeman, resides in Stockbridge and attends Jonesboro First.

We welcome Pastor George and Peggy into our lives, hearts, and church family.

 Click here to e-mail George.

The Rev. Dr. Candy Thacker, Associate Pastor

Reverend Candy Thacker is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She made Atlanta her home back in the days when the Piggly Wiggly was the main grocery store. She found the slower life style and the friendliness of the people to be her cup of tea.