Church Staff
Robert and Cheryl Shepherd
Pastor
Robert Shepherd came to Memorial Baptist in October of 2024 after serving in ministry with various Baptist churches since 2005. He and his wife, Cheryl, began vocational ministry at Concord Baptist Church of Mena, Arkansas before relocating to McKinney, TX in 2006. God, then, called him to serve as pastor at East Sherman Baptist Church, before replanting under the name New Heritage, in April of 2012.
Dr. Shepherd holds a Doctor of Ministry in Church Revitalization from Liberty University School of Divinity (2024), a Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University School of Divinity (2019), a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary (2014) and a Bachelor of Arts in Historical Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas (2000).
Laura Robertson
Financial Secretary
Laura grew up right here in Cocke County. She met the Lord at a young age and has been serving in the local church since. Laura manages all church financial information and serves in various volunteer roles in our church. Laura began her role as financial secretary in 2021. She and her husband own and operate a regional security business in East Tennessee. She has two kids, Andrew and Breanna. Laura is an avid reader of Amish fiction books.
Vickie Mason
Church Custodian
Vickie was born and raised in Cocke County. She met the Lord as a young girl and has served him faithfully since. Vickie has worked at The Newport Plain Talk for over 25 years. She has two kids, Kari and Will. Vickie has two grandchildren, Silas and Levi. As the church custodian, Vickie enjoys spending time alone in prayer with the Lord as she attends to our facilities.
Alvin Watts
Pastor Emeritus
