Meet Our Staff

Rev. Blake Smarr

Pastor

Reverend Blake Smarr has been a United Methodist pastor since July 2017. Blake grew up in Gastonia, North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from UNC-Charlotte in Charlotte, NC (2015) and his Master's in Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. (2020). West Jefferson UMC (began July 2023) is Blake's fourth pastoral assignment. He and his wife Alexa have two children: Archie and Oliver. In his spare time, Blake is an avid runner and a forever hopeful Carolina Panthers fan.

Barbara Miller

Director of Music

I'm Barbara Miller. It has been my privilege to be the director of music at WJUMC for over 50 years. I studied music at Marshall University and Pfeiffer College (now Pfeiffer University), where I met my husband, Dick, who grew up attending WJUMC. I enjoy playing the piano, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Teresa Worley

Pianist/Organist and Accompanist

Hi! My name is Teresa Worley, and I have been living in Ashe County since 2012. I have been playing piano since I was 6 years old and started playing for my first church at the age of 12. I started attending WJUMC not long after moving here and was immediately very drawn to the friendly people and the fantastic music program. Some things I enjoy doing for fun are spending time with family, reading, yoga, and, of course, playing the piano.

Diane Roark

Administrative Assistant

I was born in North Carolina but moved to Texas in my early adult life. While in Texas, I attended Baylor University. I worked for the McLennan District Attorney's office for 2 years, then became the director of the billing and collections for a family practice teaching program that supplied 2 hospitals with residents. I moved back to North Carolina in 1992. I have been employed by West Jefferson UMC since 2011. I love my job and the people I am associated with daily. My favorite thing to do is to go shopping with my granddaughter.