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Rev. Dr. Bill Eugene Beck (1936–2025)

Rev. Dr. Bill Eugene Beck (M.Th. 1960) of Claremont, California, passed away November 14, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Butler, Oklahoma, he earned a B.A. from the University of the Pacific and his Master of Theology from Perkins School of Theology, where he met his wife of 65 years, Mary. He served United Methodist congregations in California before dedicating 31 years to Heifer International, advancing its global mission to end hunger and poverty. A community leader and faithful church member, he is survived by Mary, their four children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. .

Rev. Mary Jill Wiley (1947–2025)

Rev. Mary Jill Wiley (M.Div. 1990) passed away December 13, 2025, in Brockton, Massachusetts, after a brief battle with cancer. A graduate of the University of Iowa and Perkins School of Theology, she first built a career in politics, serving U.S. senators, members of Congress and the 1984 Democratic National Convention before answering her call to ministry. She served congregations in England, New Mexico, Texas and Massachusetts and was honored in 2011 as one of Brockton’s “Women of the Year.” She is survived by her husband, Philip Jones, her siblings and extended family. .

Rev. Joseph Moody Ray (1929–2025)

Rev. Joseph Moody Ray (M.Th. 1954) of Canyon Lake, Texas, passed away January 5, 2025, at the age of 95. A Dallas native and graduate of Southwestern University and Perkins School of Theology, he served more than 50 years in ordained ministry in the Southwest Texas Conference, including six years as District Superintendent of the Corpus Christi District. Known for his thoughtful preaching, pastoral care and love of sacred music, he is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ruth, their four children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and extended family. .

Rev. Dr. Garth “Kasimu” Anthony Baker-Fletcher (1955–2025)

Rev. Dr. Garth “Kasimu” Anthony Baker-Fletcher (M.S.M. 2021) was a musician, ethicist and ordained American Baptist minister whose scholarship and ministry centered on dignity, justice and unity. He earned degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music and Harvard Divinity School before completing his Master of Sacred Music at Perkins School of Theology. A prolific author and composer, he taught Christian ethics for decades and most recently served as Minister of Worship at Trinity United Methodist Church in Duncanville, Texas. He is survived by his wife, theologian Dr. Karen Baker-Fletcher, and their three children. .

Rev. Karen “Kaylynn” Lynn Tidwell Bright (1963–2025)

Rev. Karen “Kaylynn” Lynn Tidwell Bright (M.Div. 2016) passed away in 2025 after a life of faithful ministry and service. A graduate of Lamar University and Perkins School of Theology, she served as assistant pastor, campus pastor, local church pastor and hospital chaplain within the United Methodist Church. Before ministry, she worked in media and production in Florida and Texas. She is survived by her two daughters, her sister and extended family. .