Reverend D’Leigh Harvell joined Temple United Methodist Church as pastor in January 2013. She retired early from the Shelby County School System after 25 years of teaching, with almost all of those years teaching kindergarteners.

 

D’Leigh was raised in Millington and attended school at Millington Central Elementary and graduated from Millington High School. She received her B.S.Ed. and M.S.Ed. from the University of Memphis and completed post-graduate work at Cumberland University. She graduated with her Master of Divinity degree from Memphis Theological University in May 2015.

 

D’Leigh has two favorite scriptures, both of which are, ironically enough, chapter 6 verse 8: Isaiah 6:8 and Micah 6:8. Both scriptures describe her approach to ministry and life: “Here I am, Lord! Send me!” and “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God,”

 

Accepting and loving people where they are, sharing God’s love and God’s word, making disciples, and building God’s kingdom are foundational to D’Leigh’s ministry. Reaching out into the community (both locally and internationally), serving her neighbor, and cultivating and nurturing personal relationships are key elements of her ministry.

 

D’Leigh has enjoyed sewing since her grandmother, “Ninny,” taught her when she was ten years old. She is an avid quilter. She has taught countless numbers of people to sew. D’Leigh also loves reading, spending time at the beach, and sitting in her backyard swing.

 

D’Leigh and her husband, George, live in the Bartlett area. They have four children and soon-to-be nine grandchildren.

 

You may contact Rev. Harvell at dharvell@memphis-umc.org .