Renowned Pastor Jeremy Shoulta Passes Away at 42
Jeremy Shoulta, a well-respected pastor known for his leadership at First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia, has died at the age of 42 following a battle with cancer. He had previously led Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, attended by the late former President Jimmy Carter.
Shoulta’s passing occurred at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, where he was surrounded by family, according to a statement from First Baptist Church. He spent his final days in the intensive care unit. Memorial Park Funeral Home will release funeral details soon.
“Jeremy served as a faithful, caring, and creative pastor who cared deeply for this church as you all have cared deeply for him,” First Baptist Church conveyed in their statement. The church also acknowledged the support the Shoulta family received during his illness.
Shoulta is survived by his wife, Valarie; daughters, Maggie and Macy; parents; and siblings.
A Journey Marked by Grace and Dedication
In July 2025, Shoulta disclosed his cancer diagnosis, with the church announcing his condition as a blood cancer in August. He had been undergoing treatment, including blood transfusions, at Emory Hospital while awaiting further medical procedures.
Previously, Shoulta served the Maranatha Baptist Church from 2014 to 2016, during which time he interacted closely with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. “It was a joy to walk with [Carter] on this Christian journey and to experience his teachings up close,” Shoulta shared with The Gainesville Times in 2020.
His ministry career also included a tenure at First Baptist Church in Black Mountain, North Carolina, before his move to Gainesville in April 2020. He was called to this position amid the early challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a virtual sermon delivery and a remote engagement with the congregation.
A Life of Service and Education
Raised in Louisville, Shoulta pursued theological education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Georgetown College, a Master of Divinity from the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, and completing his Doctor of Ministry at Gardner-Webb University.
In an interview with BBC News, Shoulta recounted anecdotes from his years in Plains, highlighting Carter’s humble service, such as repairing a broken church stair rail. “When the cameras were not on, he took joy and found meaning and purpose in even doing those seemingly small tasks,” Shoulta remarked.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
