Senior Warden & Lay Minister

Tommy was baptized, confirmed, and married at Good Shepherd. His paternal grandparents and parents were prominent members of the church. He’s served as acolyte and for the last 33 years and since 1992 has served a lay Eucharistic minister.

Tommy attended public schools in Sumter, graduated from the University of South Carolina, worked for Sumter County government for 21 years and retired in the summer of 2022.

Tommy serves as a member of Diocese of South Carolina Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission.

He was presented with the Bishop’s Cross in 2023–a honor given by The Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. This honor recognizes the faithful individuals who have worked to change the course of the Diocese for the good.

Junior Warden

Eric is a lifelong member of Good Shepherd and has served as a lay Eucharistic minister for 30 years. He is an instructor of Theatre on the University of South Carolina-Sumter faculty.

He was also presented with the Bishop’s Cross in 2023 a honor given by The Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. This honor recognizes the faithful individuals who have worked to change the course of the Diocese for the good.

Vestry Member

Born and raised in Florence, SC to the late Dr. and Mrs. G. A. Williams, Sr. Valeria is an experienced art educator with a passion for community service. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Art from Bennett College, continued her art education at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. and earned a Master's Degree in Technology in Education from Lesley University.

Throughout her 32-year career as an Elementary School Art Teacher at Crosswell Drive and Millwood Elementary Schools in Sumter; She dedicated herself to fostering creativity and artistic expression in young minds.

In addition to her teaching career, Valeria served as a board member of the Richland County Library Friends and Foundation, where she raising awareness and provided financial support for the library's initiatives.

Valeria has been an active member of Link's Incorporated for 37 years. This organization is committed to strengthening community ties and giving back to those in need.

Her late husband of 32 years, Dr. E. M. McDonald, Jr. introduced her to her spiritual home of Good Shepherd Episcopal which turned into a longstanding membership with the church. She has served as a Sunday School Teacher and takes great pride in the baptisms of her daughters within this church community.

Currently residing in Columbia, she commutes to Sumter to attend services at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, which holds a special place in her heart.

Vestry Member

Clay moved to Sumter in 2017 and became a member of Good Shepherd in 2018. Clay is a stay at home dad and part time construction estimator who shares his talents by working on the church’s budget and weekly bulletins.