Dr. George Freeman, Pastor
The son of a United Methodist minister and native of Sandersville, Georgia, George grew up in the Emory section of Atlanta. Appointed to Jonesboro First United Methodist Church in June, 2009, he entered the ordained Ministry following service in the United Stated Air Force, Viet Nam, and several years in the business world. He served as a District Lay Leader and United Methodist Men's Officer while he and his wife Peggy-Ann were living in Stone Mountain. The founding pastor of Simpsonwood United Methodist Church in Peachtree Corners, Rev. Freeman has also been a pastor at Dallas First, East Cobb, Marietta, Trinity in Rome, Briarcliff, Thomson First, and North Springs prior to coming to Jonesboro First United Methodist Church.
Dr. Freeman's formal education came from Briarcliff High School, DeKalb County, Georgia Southern College, Emory University's Candler School of Theology and United Theological Seminary. He has served in numerous leadership positions on the local, district, conference, jurisdictional and general church levels. He was President of the National Association of Stewardship Leaders and served on 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. So far (twin girls are on the way!), two grandchildren: Ross Madrerohon and Kate Freeman. They all live in Marietta. George's parents, Dr. & Mrs. G. Ross Freeman, reside in Conyers.
We welcome Pastor George and Peggy into the life and ministry of Jonesboro United Methodist Church. The entire Freeman Family is now part of our Church Family!
Candy Thacker, Associate Pastor
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.
Candy is a graduate of Oglethorpe University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts, and of Emory University where she received a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology. She is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, North Georgia Conference.
Prior to her appointment to Jonesboro First in 2008, Candy served for 10 years at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in Lake City, Georgia.
