Bios
Johnny Witherspoon - Lead Pastor
I was called to Cooper First Baptist Church in August, 2003 after pastoring churches in Odessa and Direct, Texas. I grew up in Odessa, Texas and attended Odessa Junior College, Texas Tech University, Criswell College and Andersonville Baptist College. I married my lovely wife, Kathy on December 24, 1977 and we were blessed with four children: Shelley, Kelley, Tracy and Sean. They have blessed us with 4 beautiful grandsons: John Daniel, Eli, Gavin, and Asher. I feel it an honor and privilege to pastor and share the Word of God with the wonderful people of Cooper FBC.
Brent Bolton - Minister to Students
I was born in 1966 and born again in 1993, soon after that the Lord called me into His kingdom work to serve Him as a minister to students. He has grown and shaped me into the person I am today. I presently serve Him here at First Baptist Church Cooper as the student pastor, leading and investing my life in the students of Cooper, TX. God has blessed me beyond my own imagination. I married my beautiful high school sweetheart, Deborah, in 1987. We have 3 daughters: Hallie 20, Jade 17, and Madison 14. I love hanging out with students, loving on them, and pouring my life into them. My ministry philosophy is Love God/Love People. (Matthew 22:37-40)
Matt Byrd - Minister to College/Young Adults
I have been on staff at FBC since 2003, I am currently the college and young adult pastor, and lead worship for the contemporary service. I teach sixth grade math at Cooper Jr. High. I married my college sweetheart Katie in 2007 who is a teacher at Cooper schools. I love to spend time hanging out with students, spend time in the word, and worship through music. I lead worship for the band Kindlin, we do alot of youth ralleys and camps which is a passion of mine. I love anything outdoors, especially fishing. My ministry philosophy is to love God and love people. (Matthew 22)
Dianne Thomas - Organist
I retired from Cooper ISD in May, 2006 with 29 years in education. I have a degree in Elementary Education with a Mental Retardation Endorsement and Minor in Music from Stephen F. Austin University , Nacogdoches, Texas. I accepted Christ as my Savior in 1957 at my home church: Freeway Manor Baptist in Houston, Texas. I have served the Lord by playing the organ or piano in church since I was 11 yrs. old. I was married January 5, 1974 to Dayton Thomas. We have 2 daughters & son- in- laws: Bree & Blake Randle and Megan & Nick Granelli. Our grandchildren are: Kenzlee and Karter Randle and Kayelin and Harper Grace Granelli. We joined First Baptist Church in 1988 and have played the organ since fall of 1992. I love reading books and spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren.
Neali Landers - Secretary
I have been the secretary of First Baptist Church since August, 2000. I married in 1991 to my best friend, Jeff Landers and we have 2 beautiful daughters. Emily,18, a freshman at Texas A & M Commerce and Addie, 15, a junior at Cooper High School. Jeff has served as Deacon since 1995. Both of our girls are very active in the FBC Student Ministry and Emily sings with the Praise Team in our contemporary service. I love spending time with my family doing everything from softball to basketball, from cheerleading to livestock showing.
Rick Perkins - Assoc. Pastor/Minister to Senior Adults
Having been pastor of churches in Texas and Montana for over thirty years, the Lord led us here as the Associate Pastor and Minister to Senior Adults. We believe that the best years of service to our Lord ought to be glorious, if we stay young in the Lord. (Proverbs 16:31) Our desire is that no senior be left behind whether it be in salvation or in service to the Lord. We like to refer to our seniors as Just Older Youth because in Jesus the outward man may be perishing, but the inward man is being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16) For thirty-nine years, God has blessed me with the perfect help meet in my wife, Pat. Outside of the Lord Jesus Christ, she is the joy and the love of my life. God has blessed our marriage with five beautiful daughters: Riki, Honey, Kesi, Paige, and Summer, and with eight precious grandkids: Madison, Micah, Payton Joi, Luke, Attikus, Axton, Grayson, and Lilly. God has filled my quiver and happy am I. (Psalm 127:4-5) Forty-two years ago, Pat shared with me Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." I couldn't get away from that kind of love then, and I've never wanted to get away from this kind of love since. My life verse is Hebrews 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." I want Him to be the focus of my life. I enjoy singing, playing guitar, writing, reading, sports, observing people and enjoying God's creatures and His creation.
Judy Thompson - Minister of Music
I have loved making music with the people of Cooper FBC fellowship all my life. I attended this church when I was saved at nine. I grew up playing the piano and singing songs of the gospel. I graduated Cooper High School in l967 and earned my Bachelor and Masters degrees from East Texas State University. Gary and I married in l969, and then we lived at NAS Mirmar, CA, during the Vietnam War. We have two sons, Duane and Geoffrey; one daughter-in-law, Cara; and three granddaughters, Madison, Ellie, and Claire Grace. Other than family and music, I spend my spare time working in the yard/garden and traveling. I have just completed thirty-three years teaching in the Cooper ISD school system. I have taught elementary music for the past 17 years. It has been my pleasure to serve as the Minister of Music here since l995. We members of the choir enjoy a unique 'family' relationship that comes from singing praises together and loving each other. Many of our membership have gone on to be with the Lord, but that 'bond' still holds. I am so blessed to have many, many beautiful memories from serving the Lord with you at Cooper FBC.
Darren Braddy - Minister to Children
I am the Children’s Minister here at First Baptist Cooper. I was born In Dallas Tx. 1966 and married the Love of my life Denise in 1987. We have three children Tarrah , Tessah and Tyler, I have also been blessed with a Son in Law Kameron and a grandson Gavin Lee and have Granddaughter Alexis on the way. I came to truly have a relationship with the Lord late in Life and when I accepted him as my Lord and Savior he started drawing me to him. I knew the Lord was leading me into the Children’s Ministry after attending my first Pre-teen camp as a counselor in 2005 I have not missed a camp since. In 2008 I became the Children’s Minister and God has truly given me a passion for reaching the Children of Delta County. My vision is that every Child in Delta County hears the good news of Jesus Christ. (Acts 5:42)