Getting to know our remote worshipers.
At Smoke Rise Baptist Church, we are continually reminded that the body of Christ extends far beyond the walls of our sanctuary. We are overjoyed to welcome those who worship with us remotely each week. Though miles may separate us, our shared faith draws us together as one family. We are excited to introduce four members of our remote worship community who enrich our church with their presence, prayers and participation.
Leona Gowen
Leona Gowen joined Smoke Rise last September. Educators abound in her family! She has two children and one granddaughter, and they are all teachers! Leona grew up in Virginia and worked as a secretary when she met her husband, a Virginia State Trooper with the K9 division, before moving to Atlanta. She loves puppies and puzzles, but it’s her love for butterflies that defines her spirit. She is hopeful and full of compassion. She begins each day with a devotion and time with God. A visit with Leona is like wrapping your hands around a warm cup of tea on a cold winter day. We are blessed that Leona has made Smoke Rise Baptist her church home.
Ohlen and Martha Wilson
Ohlen and Martha Wilson live in an assisted care community in Sumter, SC, and faithfully worship with Smoke Rise by streaming. Ohlen served as a family physician in Alma, GA, and Galax, VA, as well as a professor at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Martha served as a nurse, office manager and homemaker. The couple founded a free medical clinic to help the uninsured through First Baptist Church of Galax. Martha served as a Sunday school teacher and Ohlen was the chair of deacons when the church elected and ordained their first females to serve as deacons. They are proud of their five children, one of whom is our own Rudy Wilson! They also have 13 grandchildren and 15 great grand-children. In 2025, they are celebrating their 74th wedding anniversary!
Marie Jones Solomon
An Atlantan by birth, Marie Jones Solomon resided in Mobile, AL, for 62 years following her marriage to a Georgia Tech defensive end from Alabama. Today, she is widowed with two adult children, Keri and Mike. She stays busy as a museum docent and officer for several Mobile societies. She has attended FBC Mobile since 2010 and has followed Chris’ ministry, even today via streaming Sunday and Wednesday night services. She feels fortunate to be an “official” part of the Smoke Rise family. Her brother, Mike, is an active layman and deacon here.
Kermit and Connie Burnes
Kermit and Connie Burnes live in Webster, FL, and faithfully stream the Smoke Rise services each week. They are retired ministers and musicians. Connie was a pianist and organist while Kermit served as the minister of music in congregations in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. They are graduates of Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. They continue to share their musical talents in their community, most recently by leading a Veteran’s Day celebration. The couple has three living children (their youngest son died in 2013), four grandchildren and two dachshunds.