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 | Rev. Dr. L. Franklin Fant
Pastor
Dr. Franklin Fant was born and raised in Columbia, SC. He graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Financial Management and from Florida State University with a Ph.D. in Finance. Dr. Fant is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and was formerly a Certified Public Accountant. He has worked in the private and government sectors, as well as in academia, in Columbia, SC, Durham, NH, and Washington, DC.
In 1999 Franklin received an unmistakable and undeniable call to the pastorate. Soon thereafter he moved his family to Decatur, GA to begin studies at Columbia Theological Seminary. Upon graduation in 2004 he accepted a call to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church.
Franklin enjoys music, reading, cooking, watching college football, and (very infrequently) salt water fishing. He is married to the former Mary Christine (Christi) Harley of Spartanburg, SC and they have three delightful children: Mary Harley, Luke, and Tate.
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 | Parish Associate
Position Currently Open
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 | Mrs. Betty Anderson
Administrative Assistant
Betty was born and raised in Columbia, SC and has been a longtime, faithful employee and member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church. She was hired in March of 1977 and has seen many changes and has contributed immensely to the growth and spiritual life of Seven Oaks.
She is married to John Anderson and she has two children and five grandchildren. Betty enjoys reading and traveling (when she can and if she could!).
There is a famous saying around here; if you want an answer to something about Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, “ask Betty.”
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 | Ms. Sharon Staton
Administrator of Finance
Even though she has a full time job in the banking industry, Sharon has graciously volunteered to be our temporary Administrator of Finance. Sharon is married to Chris and they have two lovely daughters. She has been a member of the Seven Oaks family since 1990.
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 | Mrs. Becky Shumpert
Director of Preschool and Children's Ministries
Becky has been a Columbia resident for over 24 years, after having been born and raised in Greenville, SC. She attended Winthrop University followed by a career teaching elementary and middle schoolers in residential programs.
She has been married to her husband Lynn for over 18 years and they have two children and 1 grandchild. Becky and her family currently attend a local Methodist church.
Besides children, she loves reading, entertaining family and friends, shag dancing, gardening and volunteer work. Mrs. Shumpert began working at Seven Oaks in the Fall of 2006 and we are so thankful to have her, nurturing and teaching our precious children in a wholesome, Christian environment.
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 | Amy Witt
Youth Coordinator
Amy Witt was born and raised in Livonia, Michigan approximately 20 minutes from downtown Detroit. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2008 with a degree in Independent Studies with concentrations in Health & Fitness, Behavior & Development, and Language Arts.
Amy is currently attending Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary here in Columbia, where she will be obtaining a Masters of Arts in Religion focusing on Christian Education.
Amy enjoys scrapbooking, suduko puzzles, and spending time with her friends and family. Amy is active at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Chapin, SC as part of her degree requirements for seminary.
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 | Mrs. Alida Rawl
Director of Music
Ms. Rawl is a former high school choral director, private piano, and voice teacher. Her higher education includes a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of South Carolina. She has been our Music director since 1980 and joined the church in 1971. Her recreation activities all revolve around music.
Married to Mr. Billy Rawl, she has four children and two grandchildren.
"The Chancel Choir is a source of great joy and fulfillment," says Alida.
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Dr. Lloyd R. Pilkington
Organist and Director of Handbells
Lloyd and his family joined Seven Oaks in December 1998. In May of 2000 he became our Organist and Director of Handbells. His education includes a Bachelor of Sacred Music from Nyack College, an M.Ed. in Community Counseling from Winthrop University, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University. In addition to his work at Seven Oaks, he is currently a full-time Instructor in Psychology at Midlands Technical College. He has worked in private practice as a Counseling Psychologist, and has provided counseling services in both university and hospital settings.
Dr. Pilkington and his wife are also the founders of Words-4-Life, a ministry dedicated to bringing God’s Word to God’s people through weekly email devotionals. You may enjoy the latest issue in the Spiritual Journey>Weekly Devotional area of our website or the home page under Faith and Values.
Lloyd is married to Tina and they have two children, Mark and Nicole.
"It is a joy and privilege to serve as a worship leader with the dedicated and loving people of Seven Oaks. Together we ring and sing for joy!"
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 | Mrs. Sharon Watkins
Children's Choir Director
Sharon Watkins was born in Spartanburg, but her family finally settled in Martin, Tennessee. She got her Bachelor of Music Degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and her Master of Music Degree from the University of North Texas in Denton. She has taught public school music since 1981 and is currently the music teacher at Seven Oaks Elementary. Sharon has also served on the music staffs of several Presbyterian Churches, primarily directing children's and youth choirs.
Sharon is married to Ken, who is also from Martin, TN. They have one wonderful son, Will.
"Nothing is more fulfilling to me than helping young people 'Make a
joyful noise to the Lord' through music."
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Ms. Amy Schwartz
Childcare Coordinator
Amy is a longtime member of Seven Oaks, the daughter of charter members, Pete and Marty Spearman. She was born and raised in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Irmo High School. Married for 13+ years to her husband Larry, they have two fine boys. She has been involved for over 13 years in childcare at Seven Oaks and has been professionally employed at a child development center in the local area for over 10 years.
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