H. Gray Southern, District Superintendent
Gray Southern is a native of Smithfield, NC. After graduating Smithfield Selma High, he received his BA in psychology and religion from UNC-Chapel Hill, his Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School, and a D.Min from Columbia Theological Seminary.
He has been deeply involved and committed with NCCUMC for over 36 years. His most recent appointment, Lead Pastor at the Apex UMC Campus. Gray’s hopes for the Capital District: Witness for the sake of the Kingdom and to increase and build upon the strong commitment and connection that we already feel.
He has been married to his wife, Susan, for over 33 yrs and they have 2 children: Mary Gray and Kirk.
Nancy Martinez, Capital/ Fairway Administrative Assistant to the DS
I am so blessed and excited about serving as the Administrative Assistant for the Capital District! I was born and raised in the Bronx. Since a very young age, I have always enjoyed serving and helping others; therefore, I pursued a career in mental health. After graduating I relocated to Miami, Florida, where I worked as a Social Worker for 17 years at the University of Miami Child Protection Team, where I conducted assessments of children and families due to allegations of child abuse and or neglect. In 2012 my husband, Rafael Martinez, and I took a leap of faith and I relocated to Clayton, North Carolina and shortly after our move he was appointed Associate Pastor at Greater Heights UMC to plant a Hispanic church. Here in North Carolina, I worked as an Intensive In-Home Therapist at Easter Seals serving children with a variety of disorders including autism, bipolar, schizophrenia, depression and other mental health disorders.
I gave my life to God when I was a teenager and I have served within the United Methodist Church for over 35 years in many capacities, such as SPRC chair, youth leader, children’s choir director, Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, Leader of the Women’s Ministry and as event planner for the church. I am a Consecrated Stephens Minister and a certified Coach with Passion in Partnership. I am currently offering coaching services to African American UMC Churches participating in the Renew and Connect Retreats and I will be serving as a delegate in this year’s Annual Conference. I sincerely consider it a blessing and privilege to serve in these positions and to share God’s unconditional love with others.
I have been married to Rafael for 10 years and have been blessed with two biological children, Valerie Irene and Leuvis Daniel, whom also live in Clayton and two additional children, Liliam and Marcos, by marriage. I am the proud grandmother of four precious grandchildren, who bring the most joy to my life. I greatly enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading and traveling.
Roxie Lee Floyd, District Co-Lay Leader 
Roxie Lee Floyd entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ as a teenager and has been a lifelong United Methodist. Her commitment to serving and loving the people around her started at her mother’s and grandmother’s apron strings in South Carolina. “Both of these women had such deep abiding faith and love in Christ that it was hard not to want some of what they had.” She is the 6th child of her parent’s 12 children. Her oldest sister is a UM Minister in the Western Carolina Conference.
Since moving to Raleigh in the mid 80’s, Roxie has been a part of the congregation at Wilson Temple United Methodist where she has been an integral part of the church. She has lead the youth ministry, the Sunday school program and worked to make sure that vacation bible school left a lasting impression of Jesus’s love in the minds of the children who attend. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Church Council. She has served as the Capital District UM Women’s president, vice president and E&I Coordinator and has served the UMW Ministry wherever needed.
Roxie loves to laugh and is very sure of Jesus’s love for her. Her life has been a testimony of God’s love for His people. She has a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree from Clemson University in Agricultural Economics. She manages a utility audit business in the southeast.
She currently lives in Raleigh with her husband Connie Floyd and son Daniel, a student at East Carolina University. She is an avid photographer and loves family history and wants Ice Cream to be declared a national treasure!
W. Lawrence Bradley, District Co-Lay Leader
Lawrence Bradley is a life time member of First United Methodist Church, Wilson, NC, and has spent many years as a member of the Chancel and Handbell Choirs. Since its inception, Lawrence has been a member of the Praise Band playing rhythm guitar and adding vocals. God really speaks to Lawrence through the lyric of song. He has enjoyed the past few years as Lay-Leader of his church and looks forward to his new position as Capital District Co-Lay-Leader. May God be Glorified!
October of 1992 was a life changing experience for Lawrence as he attended the Walk to Emmaus. God’s call on his life became real as he accepted Him as both Lord and Savior. Lawrence became a student of the Bible, participating in Bible Study Fellowship of fourteen years and varying other weekly Bible studies. He has had the privilege of serving on many Emmaus Walks and youth events as a leader and/or music leader.
Hobbies include twenty plus years of competitive water skiing in slalom, trick, and jumping with highpoint being 1987 NC State Overall Champion. As another element of competitive water skiing, he enjoyed being involved as a Senior Rated American Water Ski Association Boat Driver and Rated Judge.
He really enjoys cooking, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife Debbie of 49+ years, children, grandchildren, and his three dogs. Life is very good.
Lawrence has always been in awe of God’s creation while watching sunsets over the Pamlico. The blending of water and sky color can take your breath away!
Lawrence began work in 1969 at Wilson Iron Works, Inc., where he is the Operations Manager. He considers his work there as part of God’s calling in ministry.
Favorite Scriptures that speak directly to Lawrence:
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 101:1
I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise.
1 John 4:16
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Marlee Ray, District C4C Coordinator
Dr. Marlee Ray is pleased to assume the role of Congregations 4 Children Coordinator for the Capital District. Marlee is a member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Goldsboro, NC where she currently serves as Missions Chair.
Dr. Ray graduated from Meredith College and received graduate degrees in education from NCSU and ECU. She has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from ECU. Dr. Ray worked in public education for 34 years as a teacher, principal and central administration supervisor in Pitt, Wake and Wayne Counties. She retired as Director of Exceptional Children’s Programs for Wayne County in 2007. She then started a second career as Executive Director of WAGES Community Action Agency. Through this agency the community was provided services through Head Start/ Early Head Start, Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, Weatherization, Self-Sufficiency and Meals on Wheels.
Marlee is now fully retired and is enjoying being able to commit more time to church and community activities. She remains an advocate for the poor and disadvantaged and is a strong believer in local and global missions. She is excited to be a part of C4C at the local and district level and knows that through this program our churches can make a positive difference in the lives of children.