Overseer Dr. Tarron Howe
Senior Pastor
Dr. Tarron Howe is an Overseer in the United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic and serves as the Senior Pastor of United Family Worship Center. He also serves as the full-time chaplain at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Dr. Howe is the instructor of theology and biblical studies at Ascent Bible College of the Assemblies of God. He is certified with the American Bible Society as a trauma healing facilitator and trainer. He has served in various ministry positions to include youth pastor and assistant pastor. He is married to his lovely wife Renee Howe and is the father of Alaina Howe. Tarron holds a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, a Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition, and a Doctor of Ministry.
Our Founders
Bishop Lewis L. Stokes, Sr. & Elder Brenda M. Stokes
Bishop Lewis L. Stokes is a native of Hampton, Virginia where he graduated from George P. Phenix High School excelling in the school’s football program. He was nurtured in the Lord at United Bibleway Temple, Newport News, VA, where his father, the late Elder Linwood Stokes was pastor.
Upon graduation from high school, Bishop Stokes attended Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA later enlisting in the United States Army where he served for three years. Upon discharge, he returned home and was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding where he served for 36 years advancing to Supervisor of Network Field Engineers.
Bishop Stokes later attended Christopher Newport University and holds Certificates of Theology from Virginia Seminary and College and Southern Baptist Seminary, a Bachelor of Theology from Union Christian Bible Institute, Portsmouth, VA campus, and a Doctorate of Divinity from International Bible Institute, St. Louis MO, which later became International Bible College and Seminary, DeSoto, MO.
Bishop Stokes formerly served as Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Windsor VA and for many years, served as Ministerial Associate to Bishop Obadiah Colander, Faith Temple Ministries (Apostolic), Suffolk, VA. He is the former president of Faith Temple Bible Institute, Suffolk, VA. In 1996, Bishop Stokes was consecrated to the office of Bishop and served as General Secretary to the Board of Bishops, United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) and Bishop of the National Men's Department. He currently serves as Diocesan Bishop for the 4th Episcopal Diocese . In May 2005, Bishop Stokes returned to his native Hampton, VA and launched United Family Worship Center under the theme “Where Transformation is Perpetual”. In July of that same year, he was elevated to 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop, UCJC (Apostolic). In March 2008, he was awarded the Distinguished Executive Leadership Award by the Pastor and Church Leadership Summit, LLC, Myrtle Beach, S.C. In June 2011 he became 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop, United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic). He is the author of the book, What Constitutes a Dead Church.
Upon graduation from high school, Bishop Stokes attended Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA later enlisting in the United States Army where he served for three years. Upon discharge, he returned home and was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding where he served for 36 years advancing to Supervisor of Network Field Engineers.
Bishop Stokes later attended Christopher Newport University and holds Certificates of Theology from Virginia Seminary and College and Southern Baptist Seminary, a Bachelor of Theology from Union Christian Bible Institute, Portsmouth, VA campus, and a Doctorate of Divinity from International Bible Institute, St. Louis MO, which later became International Bible College and Seminary, DeSoto, MO.
Bishop Stokes formerly served as Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Windsor VA and for many years, served as Ministerial Associate to Bishop Obadiah Colander, Faith Temple Ministries (Apostolic), Suffolk, VA. He is the former president of Faith Temple Bible Institute, Suffolk, VA. In 1996, Bishop Stokes was consecrated to the office of Bishop and served as General Secretary to the Board of Bishops, United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) and Bishop of the National Men's Department. He currently serves as Diocesan Bishop for the 4th Episcopal Diocese . In May 2005, Bishop Stokes returned to his native Hampton, VA and launched United Family Worship Center under the theme “Where Transformation is Perpetual”. In July of that same year, he was elevated to 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop, UCJC (Apostolic). In March 2008, he was awarded the Distinguished Executive Leadership Award by the Pastor and Church Leadership Summit, LLC, Myrtle Beach, S.C. In June 2011 he became 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop, United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic). He is the author of the book, What Constitutes a Dead Church.
Elder Brenda M. Stokes is a native of Hampton, Va. As a young child, she moved to North Carolina with her Aunt and Uncle, both educators, who were deeply anchored in the Lord. Being raised by a Missionary, serving the Lord and His people "was not an option," and for this teaching, she is eternally grateful.
Elder Stokes was saved at age 9, and throughout her life has loved the Lord, and had a burden for souls. She is a graduate of Dillard High School, Goldsboro, N.C. and holds a BA in Psychology from Hampton University where she received a commission as an Ordnance officer in the United States Army. She is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and holds the degree of Master of Religious Education. Upon her retirement from the Army in 1995, Elder Stokes became employed as a Senior Military Analyst and Learning Architect.
In 2009 she left corporate America to pursue her greatest passions which are reaching the lost for Christ, ministering to women in all walks of life, and serving as Assistant Pastor of United Family Worship Center, which she co-founded with her husband in May 2005. She was ordained an Elder with United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostlic) in June 2010.
Elder Stokes was saved at age 9, and throughout her life has loved the Lord, and had a burden for souls. She is a graduate of Dillard High School, Goldsboro, N.C. and holds a BA in Psychology from Hampton University where she received a commission as an Ordnance officer in the United States Army. She is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and holds the degree of Master of Religious Education. Upon her retirement from the Army in 1995, Elder Stokes became employed as a Senior Military Analyst and Learning Architect.
In 2009 she left corporate America to pursue her greatest passions which are reaching the lost for Christ, ministering to women in all walks of life, and serving as Assistant Pastor of United Family Worship Center, which she co-founded with her husband in May 2005. She was ordained an Elder with United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostlic) in June 2010.
Bishop Lewis L. Stokes and Elder Brenda M Stokes, are the proud combined parents of 9 children and 24 grandchildren.
Together they serve as our Family Life Pastors.
Elder Melvina Huff
Exective Pastor
Elder Melvina Huff believes that true teaching of the Word of God reaches beyond the pulpit and transcends into the community. She holds an Associate Degree in Religious Studies from Christian Outreach Bible Institute in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and desires to continue her studies in Christian Counseling. She was a member of Endtime United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic most of her life. Throughout the years she has served as a Financial Secretary, Sunday School teacher, Pastor Aide member, Administrative Assistant, Assistant Director of the Outreach Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus E. Mable Wilson until she retired and under Pastor Emeritus Joyce Washington until her retirement.
Elder Melvina serves as an Administrative Assistant and a member of House of Succor a ministry that works with hurting people that needs to be set free from negative issues of life founded by Pastor Emeritus Joyce Washington. She is excited to be a member of UFWC and being able to work along with her husband, Elder Huff as Discipleship Pastors. She is a hard worker in the kingdom of God and believes that if you take care of God’s business, HE will take care of yours. All you have to do is trust Him.
Elder Melvina serves as an Administrative Assistant and a member of House of Succor a ministry that works with hurting people that needs to be set free from negative issues of life founded by Pastor Emeritus Joyce Washington. She is excited to be a member of UFWC and being able to work along with her husband, Elder Huff as Discipleship Pastors. She is a hard worker in the kingdom of God and believes that if you take care of God’s business, HE will take care of yours. All you have to do is trust Him.
Elder Monzelle Huff
Discipleship Pastor
Elder Monzelle Huff Jr. is a catalyst for positive change through his dedication to teaching and preaching the scriptures. He has placed his trust in the Lord throughout the years with believing that God can, and God will. He holds an Associate Degree in Religious Studies from Christian Outreach Bible Institute in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was a member of Endtime United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic for over 28 years under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus E. Mable Wilson until her retirement in 2004 and under Pastor Emeritus Joyce Washington until she retired in 2017. He served as Deacon, Sunday Superintendent, Assistant Pastor and was ordained an Elder in 2004.
Elder Huff, along with his wife, Elder Melvina Huff continues to work with Pastor Emeritus Joyce Washington, Founder of House of Succor that provides ministry, inspiration, And encouragement to men, women, and children through the Word of God. He has a heart to show the love of Christ through the word of God, deed, and actions. He is honored to be a member and to serve along with his wife as Discipleship Pastors at UFWC.
Elder Huff, along with his wife, Elder Melvina Huff continues to work with Pastor Emeritus Joyce Washington, Founder of House of Succor that provides ministry, inspiration, And encouragement to men, women, and children through the Word of God. He has a heart to show the love of Christ through the word of God, deed, and actions. He is honored to be a member and to serve along with his wife as Discipleship Pastors at UFWC.
Elder Juan Lancaster
Care Pastor
A man after God’s own heart. Elder Lancaster is the youngest of five children, raised by a mighty woman of God, the late Reverend Shirley M Lancaster. He gave his life to Christ at an early age of 12 and was set on a path to serve God. Unfortunately, the trials of young adulthood caused him to stray away, however, God’s plan reigned supreme and he quickly returned back to a life of godliness. That lifestyle brought a hunger and a drive to serve and please God in His fullness. He embarked upon a quest to learn all he could about the things of God. Bible studies, ministry training , Bible college, study of God’s Word, whatever he could find to fill the hunger. He launched into ministry early in his life and has been steadfastly working for God ever since.
Elder Juan is married to his queen Tonia G Lancaster, and they had five children and four grandchildren. He is currently serving at United Family Worship Center in Hampton Va, as an ordained elder available to God's call as needed.
He formerly served as a youth pastor, youth leader, praise and worship leader, assistant and associate pastor at several different churches over his time in ministry.
Elder Juan is a vessel who keeps himself yielded to God’s call and ever ready to work in the Kingdom.
Elder Juan is married to his queen Tonia G Lancaster, and they had five children and four grandchildren. He is currently serving at United Family Worship Center in Hampton Va, as an ordained elder available to God's call as needed.
He formerly served as a youth pastor, youth leader, praise and worship leader, assistant and associate pastor at several different churches over his time in ministry.
Elder Juan is a vessel who keeps himself yielded to God’s call and ever ready to work in the Kingdom.
Missionary Sandra Pitts
Church Administrator
After trusting Jesus as her Lord, Missionary Pitts nurtured in the Word at Endtime United Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Joyce Washington. It was there that she was ordained as a Missionary and has been involved in extensive community outreach. She has shown herself faithful, serving in many areas in the Lord’s church, such as the usher board, Vice President of the Women’s Department, President of the Women’s Department, and as a pastoral assistant.
Missionary Pitts worked for the government for over 30 years specializing in administrative support, document management, human resources, agenda preparation, and policies and procedures. Sandra is married to the love of her life, Deacon Warren Pitts, and they have five children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandbaby. She has devoted her life to the kingdom of God and is a valuable member and administrator at UFWC.
Missionary Pitts worked for the government for over 30 years specializing in administrative support, document management, human resources, agenda preparation, and policies and procedures. Sandra is married to the love of her life, Deacon Warren Pitts, and they have five children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandbaby. She has devoted her life to the kingdom of God and is a valuable member and administrator at UFWC.
Minister Portia Jackson
Executive Administrator
Minister Portia Jackson is a licensed minister in the United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic. Portia holds a Bachelors of Arts in History with a minor in Afro-American Studies from Old Dominion University, and a Masters of Public Administration from Strayer University.
She has a strong work ethic in the church as well as outside of the church. In church, she has served as a missionary, usher, activities coordinator, adjutant, choir member, Building Fund Chair, Intercessor, Women’s Retreat Chair, Women’s Department Chair and Co-Chair, Pastors Support Ministry Chair, and Church Secretary.
Outside of the church she is an entrepreneur in two businesses: Judah Consulting LLC specializing in personal, business and church finances; and DT&J Enterprises LLC, a real estate investment and property management company. Portia is a military veteran and current civil servant of 19-years.
She is married to her wonderful husband, Eric Jackson and is the mother of their six children.
She has a strong work ethic in the church as well as outside of the church. In church, she has served as a missionary, usher, activities coordinator, adjutant, choir member, Building Fund Chair, Intercessor, Women’s Retreat Chair, Women’s Department Chair and Co-Chair, Pastors Support Ministry Chair, and Church Secretary.
Outside of the church she is an entrepreneur in two businesses: Judah Consulting LLC specializing in personal, business and church finances; and DT&J Enterprises LLC, a real estate investment and property management company. Portia is a military veteran and current civil servant of 19-years.
She is married to her wonderful husband, Eric Jackson and is the mother of their six children.
Missionary Dorothy Smiley
Outreach Director
A native of Philadelphia, Missionary Smiley worked as a Kindergarten teacher for 10 ½ years. She attended Philadelphia Community College, OIC, and later worked for Solus Colon Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia for 7 years. She also became a Cub Scout leader and Den Mother with girl scouts. After 17 years of working with children, she later worked with District Council 33 Union Hall , and Senior Advocate . Creative skills runs though her family. Missionary Smiley became a certified Event and Designer specializing in Creative Balloon Art. Owned and created Tasty Caters which ran for over 20 years and was then passed down to a family member.
In moving to Virginia in 2005, she married Claude Smiley and they share 14 years of being happily married. After giving her life to Christ , she became a Missionary. Being a giver from the heart and meeting the needs of others she truly believes this is a calling. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business, and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma, Alpha, PI. She retired from Sentara Hospital after 14 years and now volunteers with LA FRA (ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association) as East Regional President and VSO Officer. Missionary Smiley is stepping into a familiar role as the Director of Outreach, which she is looking forward to. God is doing a great work in her as He shapes and molds her into this position.
In moving to Virginia in 2005, she married Claude Smiley and they share 14 years of being happily married. After giving her life to Christ , she became a Missionary. Being a giver from the heart and meeting the needs of others she truly believes this is a calling. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business, and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma, Alpha, PI. She retired from Sentara Hospital after 14 years and now volunteers with LA FRA (ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association) as East Regional President and VSO Officer. Missionary Smiley is stepping into a familiar role as the Director of Outreach, which she is looking forward to. God is doing a great work in her as He shapes and molds her into this position.
Minister Sherry Green
Youth & Children's Director
Sister Sherry Green was born in Easton, Maryland and grew up in a household with 5 siblings and both parents. Her mother and grandmother instilled in her at an early age the importance of having a relationship with God. Sister Sherry accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at the age of 13; and has since developed a profound devotedness for youth and young adults.
Over the years, Sister Sherry has worked extensively as a youth leader, youth choir director, vacation bible school coordinator, and praise dance leader. Her mission is to encourage and equip the “Next Generation” in knowing the importance of having a personal relationship with God. She is happily married to Deacon Tony Green and the proud mother of 3 remarkable children.
Over the years, Sister Sherry has worked extensively as a youth leader, youth choir director, vacation bible school coordinator, and praise dance leader. Her mission is to encourage and equip the “Next Generation” in knowing the importance of having a personal relationship with God. She is happily married to Deacon Tony Green and the proud mother of 3 remarkable children.
Elder Nancy Williams
Senior Ministry Director
Elder Nancy K. Williams was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. In 1996, Elder Williams decided to be totally sold out to God. Later she went on to graduate from Hampton University-Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business. She is currently an entrepreneur who owns Nancy’s Famous sauce which is a multi-purpose sauce.
In 2011 she was ordained as an Elder but throughout her walk with Christ she has faithfully served on the Finance Committee, former President of the After Six Singles Ministry, former President of Women’s Ministry, Pastors aide committee member, as well as Usher board member to name a few. Elder Williams truly has a heart to win souls. She has seen the hand of God move quickly for those whom she has interceded. This anointed woman of God embodies Isaiah 58:12 and stands in the gap as the repairer of the breach and the restorer of paths.
Elder Williams is a servant of God, who seeks to do His will. Her favorite passage of Scripture is Ecclesiastes 3.
Elder Williams is the proud Mother of three children, Laequinla, Edward, and Kodi and a Grandmother of four, Kayla, Kyla, Brennan and Kierra.
In 2011 she was ordained as an Elder but throughout her walk with Christ she has faithfully served on the Finance Committee, former President of the After Six Singles Ministry, former President of Women’s Ministry, Pastors aide committee member, as well as Usher board member to name a few. Elder Williams truly has a heart to win souls. She has seen the hand of God move quickly for those whom she has interceded. This anointed woman of God embodies Isaiah 58:12 and stands in the gap as the repairer of the breach and the restorer of paths.
Elder Williams is a servant of God, who seeks to do His will. Her favorite passage of Scripture is Ecclesiastes 3.
Elder Williams is the proud Mother of three children, Laequinla, Edward, and Kodi and a Grandmother of four, Kayla, Kyla, Brennan and Kierra.