Beverly J. Shamana facts for kids

Beverly J. Shamana (born November 4, 1939 – died August 1, 2021) was an important leader in The United Methodist Church. She became a bishop in 2000. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the church. She was the second African American woman to become a bishop in the United Methodist Church.

Growing Up and Learning

Beverly J. Martin was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 4, 1939. She was the oldest of four children. She grew up in Pasadena, where she loved studying music in school.

In 1961, she graduated from Occidental College. She earned a degree in choral conducting and music education. This meant she learned how to lead choirs and teach music.

After college, Beverly taught music and led choirs in schools around Los Angeles. She also directed church choirs. Later, she even started her own business. She made and sold knitting machines.

Her Work in the Church

Beverly Shamana was very active in the Methodist church throughout her life. In the 1970s, she worked for the church's Pacific and Southwest Conference. She helped with a group focused on the role of women in the church.

She then decided to become an ordained minister. In 1979, she became an ordained deacon. The next year, in 1980, she earned her Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

From 1980 to 1984, she served as a pastor at Faith United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. In 1984, she became an ordained elder.

Leading Congregations and Conferences

From 1984 to 1989, she was the pastor at Inglewood United Methodist Church in Inglewood, California. After that, she started working at a higher level within the church. She became an associate council director. Her work focused on justice, outreach, and helping different ethnic groups. She held this important role from 1989 until July 2000.

In July 2000, Beverly Shamana was chosen to be a bishop at the United Methodist Church's General Convention. She became the bishop for the San Francisco region. She served in this role from 2000 until she retired in 2008.

In 2001, Bishop Shamana wrote a book. It was called Seeing in the Dark, A Vision of Creativity and Spirituality. The book was published by Abingdon Press.

Later Life

Beverly Shamana married Walter Woods in 2002. She passed away on August 1, 2021. Her death was due to problems from Parkinson's disease.

See also

• List of bishops of the United Methodist Church
• Leontine T. Kelly