Reverend Dr. Gayloyce Willis

Dr. G. was born on October 27, 1964, to the parentage of Mr. Jap Willis and Ms. Laura Walker in West
Helena, Arkansas.

He is a Graduate of Central High School of Helena/West Helena Arkansas. After High School, he joined
the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably for 16 years until he was discharged
medically. After the Marine Corps, he went back to school and earned his Bachelor of Social Work from
East Carolina University. A few years later he went back to further his education to earn his Master of
Pastoral Leadership, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Pastoral Ministry, and finally a Doctorate of Divinity all from Newburgh Theological Seminary.

After receiving his Social Work Degree, Dr. Willis worked as a Child Protective Social Worker with the
Onslow Department of Social Service for 7 years. For the last 14 years, Dr. Willis has been an
employee of the Family Advocacy Program, as a Prevention and Education Specialist. He is a Certified
Anger Management Facilitator in the State of North Carolina. He is also a Domestic and Child Abuse
Subject Matter Expert. He facilitates various psychoeducational groups to help increase the quality of
life for the military families he serves daily aboard Camp Lejeune Marine Base.

Dr. Willis accepted Christ at an early age under the Pastoral Leadership of Pastor Lewis T. Mapp at
Precious Grove Missionary Baptist Church. It was under Pastor Mapp’s Leadership that Dr. Willis was
elevated as a Junior Deacon and served faithfully until High School graduation. After graduation, he
joined the Marine Corps to serve his country.

Dr. Willis was licensed to preach on June 2, 1990, at First Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, under the
Pastoral Leadership of Pastor James E. Brown, where he served faithfully as an Associate Minister until
he received orders to change duty station from the Marine Corps. Before going overseas for 3 ½ years.

Dr. Willis went back home and joined his home church under Pastor Lewis T. Mapp at First Baptist
Missionary Baptist Church whereby he was ordained in June 1992 by the PLM&D Baptist Association.

Dr. Willis married his high school sweetheart, Brenda. They have been best friends for 41 years and
married for 37+ years. They have three children, nine grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Dr. Willis was called to pastor Myrtle Grove Christian Church on November 7, 2020.