Rev. Gypsie LaVue Moore Murdaugh is a native of Lake City, South Carolina, and has been married to Winfred O. Murdaugh, Jr. for 33 years. They have one son, Winfred, III (b.k.a. Chip) who is a graduate of the University of North Carolina – Pembroke, and a Music Teacher at Fairgrove Elementary School in Fairmont, NC. She is also a co-owner of Bartell Funeral Home, LLC of Dillon, SC.
Rev. Murdaugh received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Juris Doctorate of Law Degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. She also received her Master of Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary with a focus in Pastoral Care and Counseling.
She worked as an attorney, college professor, and community college vice president before entering into full-time ministry. She is also a certified grief counselor for more than 20 years. In 2005, she answered the call into ordained ministry and began by working as the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church Director of Christian Education for the African American Churches. In 2007, she became the pastor of Jerusalem United Methodist Church in Laurinburg, NC where she served for nine years. Presently, she served Piney Grove and St. George United Methodist Churches in Maxton, North Carolina for six years and became the full-time pastor at Piney Grove in 2022. In June 2021, she became an Elder in Full Connection.
Her membership and leadership in faith-based and civic organizations are plentiful. She serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Partners In Ministry, as well as on District and Conference Committees. She is also a Silver Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Rev. Gypsie M. Murdaugh is committed to empowering others by sharing knowledge that will give them a “hands-up”; so that, they won’t need a “hand-out”. She believes that this commitment begins with sharing the love, grace, peace, hope, and joy of Jesus Christ, desiring that souls will be saved, lives will be transformed and disciples will be made.
