Our Bishop + Presiding Elder
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr.
Born in Hampton, Virginia, and primarily raised in Knoxville, TN, he was significantly influenced by the Christian upbringing provided by his grandfather, the late Rev. Dr. J. A. Babington-Johnson, as well as the First A.M.E. Zion Church in Knoxville, where his grandfather served as the founding pastor. He dedicated his life to Christ at the age of 15. Two years later, after achieving success in both academics and sports (including football, basketball, baseball, and track), he graduated from Fulton High School and began his ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC in 1979, followed by a Master of Divinity Degree from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury in 1982, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL in 1998. He was ordained as a deacon in 1977, became an elder in 1979, and was consecrated as a bishop in 2008. His ministry has focused on six key areas: pastoring, evangelism, teaching, community outreach, the episcopacy, and writing.
Rev. Dr. Laticia Hill Godette
Rev. Dr. Laticia Hill Godette is a recognized Elder, entrepreneur, and advocate for social justice. She holds the position of Executive Director for the AME Zion Church’s Rapid Response Team and made history as the first woman to be appointed Presiding Elder in both the Camden and Wadesboro-Monroe Districts.
A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and Hood Theological Seminary, she established the EpiMorpheus Consulting Group and is a board member of Trillium Health Resources. Dr. Godette is dedicated to serving others, focusing on education, reentry support, and global outreach initiatives. She works alongside her husband and takes pride in being the mother of three daughters.