Meet Our Staff

Leonard Rex, Pastor

Leonard was born near Erie, Pennsylvania, and moved to Kentucky when he was 15. He graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College and Asbury Theological Seminary. He has pastored churches in Elkton and Hanson, Kentucky, and in Halifax and Bailey, North Carolina, before coming to Mount Zion in 2007. His wife’s name is Donna, and they have two boys: Josiah and Daniel. Leonard’s hobbies are ventriloquism, illusion, hunting, and fishing.

Pastor Leonard can be reached at 772-8415 and pastor.leonard@mountzion-umc.org.

Casey and Angel Taylor, Youth Pastors

Casey and Angel came to Mount Zion as interns in September 2004 through Duke Divinity School’s Field Education program. In September 2005 they joined the Mount Zion pastoral staff as youth pastors. Angel and Casey both graduated from Greenville College (Angel with a degree in psychology/religion and Casey with a degree in religion/philosophy). Both will also earn their master of divinity degrees in May 2008 from Duke Divinity School.

Casey was raised in the Midwest. His family was active in church during his teen years. Casey accepted Christ and was baptized at age 10. When Casey was 17, he had what he describes as an experience of God that changed his life. During a summer camp, God called Casey into full-time Christian ministry.

Angel grew up in a small town in Illinois and attended the same Southern Baptist Church from age three until leaving for college. Angel was actively involved in the youth group and drama team and came to know Christ through the guidance of faithful youth leaders. Angel attended church camp each summer, and it was there that she recognized God’s call on her life for ministry.

Casey enjoys watching movies and quality TV shows as well as reading theology, fiction, and comic books. Casey loves to preach, teach, and write. Angel enjoys traveling out of the country, going on mission trips, drinking vanilla lattes, reading the Harry Potter series, and watching LOST. Casey and Angel have two children and one ornery, old dog.

Angel and Casey can be reached at 282-1128, angelic_girl2003@yahoo.com, and caseyt_2003@yahoo.com

Nancy Rivers, Music Director

Nancy Rivers was born in Gassaway, West Virginia. When she was nine months old, her father entered Duke Seminary and became a Methodist minister. Nancy is an instructor of mathematics at Wake Technical Community College. Growing up immersed in music and church led Nancy to serve as choir director. She has sung in church choirs for as long as she can remember and has rung handbells for about 15 years. She previously directed the handbell program at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church before coming to Mount Zion in 1990.

Nancy served many roles in music at Mount Zion that led to her hiring as choir director in 2002. Nancy and her husband, Anthony, have two daughters, Elizabeth and Tori. Nancy plays the piano and clarinet, and her hobbies include music (of course), yard work, attending her girls’ sporting events, horses, and reading mysteries.

Nancy can be reached at 772-8415 and info@mountzion-umc.org.

Elaine Heintzleman, Musician

Elaine is from Pennsylvania, Montana, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, ever on the move, taking music wherever she goes. She has served churches in all these states as organist and pianist. As a Methodist she served as conference officer and music director at Schools of Mission.

Elaine's husband, Kermit, supports her endeavors! They have three grown children with families of their own. Elaine and Kermit proudly acclaim their achievements.

Elaine can be reached at 772-8415 and info@mountzion-umc.org.

Marilyn Johnson, Church Secretary

Marilyn was born in Warren, Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Doug, have been married for 31 years and have two children, Evan (age 10) and Mary (age 10). Their family has lived in Willow Spring for 15 years. Previously, Marilyn's husband served in the military, and they have lived in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Georgia. Marilyn has held several office positions over the years, managed the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center, and taught preschool at a local church. Marilyn's hobbies include reading, cooking, and sewing.

Marilyn can be reached at 772-8415 and info@mountzion-umc.org.