Meet Our Leaders

Bobby Ray Simmons is the seventh child of Joseph and Josephine Simmons, born in 1957 in Westfield, North Carolina. After finishing North Stokes High School (Danbury, N.C.), where he was a three sports athlete: Football, Basketball, and Track and Field; he matriculated into post-secondary education, and is an alumnus of three renown colleges: AAS in Electronics Engineering Technology (Surry Community – Dobson, N.C. 1979); BS in Mass Communications (Winston-Salem State University – Winston-Salem N.C.1986); Master of Divinity in Philosophical Theology (ITC – Atlanta, GA. 1993), and pursues the PhD degree in Systematic Theology (Emory – Atlanta, GA.). He is celebrating his 38th year in the ordained Christian Ministry, and has pastored Broomfield and Reynolds Temple CME Churches in Winston-Salem, N.C. (1986-1990). The Hillsboro Circuit and St. John CME Churches in Monticello Georgia (1990-1998). Greater Hopewell CME Church in Atlanta (1998-2000), and Holsey Chapel CME Church in Marietta (2000-2002). Simmons now serves as pastor of Holy Union Christian Church in Atlanta (2002-present). He has authored many theological articles, Biblical critiques, and books, including, Five Steps toward Salvation: A Guide to Christianity; Daughters of the Light; Lawson Tillman of Brown Mountain; and newly released: Brother Dude. His hobbies are residential construction and HVAC. He is a student of the languages: Greek, Hebrew, Spanish, Latin, Arabic, and German. Bobby’s honors and awards include the following: Valedictorian 1993 ITC, International Society of Scholars (Theta Phi); Benjamin E. Mays scholar; Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges 1992. He is married to the former Karen Hill of Atlanta, Georgia and they have four children: Victoria, Jamaal, and Arielle, Hip-Hop artist B.O.B. His favorite motto is “One in Christ”.

The Reverend Karen Hill Simmons hails from Senoia Georgia, born the fifth daughter to the late Joe Will and Othella Hill. She began her academic journey through the Coweta County public School system. Karen and family relocated to Atlanta at the beginning of her Elementary School years. She then graduated from Charles Lincoln Harper High School at the top 10 of her class. Her academic record earned her scholarship offers from up the Atlantic coast, but instead she followed her older sister to Tuskegee University where earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. (BSEE). Upon Graduation, she chose to work for AT&T Network Systems where she would later retire after 20 years. She also holds a Masters of Science in Technology Management from Mercer University, and a Project Manager Certification from George Washington University in St. Louis Missouri. In 2009, Reverend Karen founded KD Business Solutions where she offers her professional services in the federal legal systems and in the private medical establishments. At present, She serves as Office Manager of Arthritis Research & Treatment Center. In 2016, Reverend Karen was ordained to the clergy at Holy Union Christian Church where she serves as Associate Minister and 1st Lady under her husband and Pastor The Reverend Bobby Simmons. Reverend Karen is the proud mother three children: Jamaal, Bobby Jr. (Rap Artist B.O.B), and Reverend Arielle (Davis). She has two beautiful grandchildren: Timothy Davis Jr. and Abigail Rose Davis. Her hobbies include reading, sewing, and professional photography.

The Reverend Berneva Crowe is a stalwart servant of God, who has proven herself faithful to the cause of Christ for over a half-century. At the tender age of six, she began her journey in school and Church: a student at Eastside Elementary School and a baptized member of Neriah Baptist Church, both in Senoia, Georgia. After the completion of Central High School in Newnan, Berneva matriculated to several Universities and colleges: Morris Brown, Georgia State, and Aurora Community College in Denver Colorado. She is a certified phlebotomist and a former employee of US Postal Service and Southern Bell. Over the years, Reverend Crowe has served in the capacities and performed duties as pastor of Shield of Faith Ministry, evangelist, missionary, Prayer Breakfast and Half-Way House organizer, and now serves as Assistant to the pastor at Holy Union Christian Church. Her ministering has shown to be effective in family, community, and Church. She daily seeks for the guidance and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Berneva believes her shining moments are when she stands in the pulpit and allows God to use her. She is the first born of Mr. Joe and Mrs. Othella Hill, a mother of three children: Derric, Bonita, Dexter, and six grandchildren.

Arielle Davis is a devoted servant of God, creative, and leader who was called into pastoral ministry in 2021. She now serves as Pastor of Holy Union Christian Church, where she is passionate about guiding others in their walk with Christ and creating a welcoming, Spirit-led community. Her journey has been shaped by faith and passion for the arts. She began her studies at Indiana University before traveling the world performing with a musical band—an experience that broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for people and culture. She later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Writing from Kennesaw State University, graduating summa cum laude. In addition to ministry, Arielle is a gifted pianist, composer, and graphic designer. She is the creator of the piano album Romance Me, using music as a way to inspire, uplift, and connect. Above all, she is a proud mother of three and is committed to serving both her family and her church with love, humility, and purpose.

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