Dedrick and Kenya O'Neal
Pastor and First Lady
Pastor Dedrick Dewayne O’Neal, born October 11, 1979, in Brighton, Alabama, is the son of Drs. Willie B. and Patricia A. O’Neal and was raised at Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church. A true “church baby,” he grew up immersed in ministry, worship, and service—formed by the teachings, discipline, and example of his parents and the Mount Canaan family.
From an early age, Pastor O’Neal developed a passion for music and ministry, learning to play the drums, piano, and organ. Over the years, he faithfully served Mount Canaan in numerous leadership roles, including Youth Pastor, Minister of Music, Media Director, Marketing Director, and Executive Director of Media, Music & Arts.
After a season of personal growth and rededication to God, Pastor O’Neal experienced a life-changing miracle in October 2020 when he received a kidney transplant without ever undergoing dialysis—an event that marked a defining turning point in his faith journey.
In 2022, Dr. Willie B. O’Neal installed his son as Assistant Pastor, preparing him to assume greater responsibility as his health declined. Following Dr. O’Neal’s passing, Pastor Dedrick was appointed Senior Pastor of Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church, with his mother, Dr. Patricia A. O’Neal, serving as Overseer.
Pastor O’Neal is married to Lady Kenya O’Neal, who faithfully serves alongside him in ministry. Together, they lead their beautifully blended family of eight children and one grandchild. Committed to honoring his father’s legacy, Pastor Dedrick continues to lead Mount Canaan as a family church with a strong teaching ministry—dedicated to reaching the world for Christ.
From an early age, Pastor O’Neal developed a passion for music and ministry, learning to play the drums, piano, and organ. Over the years, he faithfully served Mount Canaan in numerous leadership roles, including Youth Pastor, Minister of Music, Media Director, Marketing Director, and Executive Director of Media, Music & Arts.
After a season of personal growth and rededication to God, Pastor O’Neal experienced a life-changing miracle in October 2020 when he received a kidney transplant without ever undergoing dialysis—an event that marked a defining turning point in his faith journey.
In 2022, Dr. Willie B. O’Neal installed his son as Assistant Pastor, preparing him to assume greater responsibility as his health declined. Following Dr. O’Neal’s passing, Pastor Dedrick was appointed Senior Pastor of Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church, with his mother, Dr. Patricia A. O’Neal, serving as Overseer.
Pastor O’Neal is married to Lady Kenya O’Neal, who faithfully serves alongside him in ministry. Together, they lead their beautifully blended family of eight children and one grandchild. Committed to honoring his father’s legacy, Pastor Dedrick continues to lead Mount Canaan as a family church with a strong teaching ministry—dedicated to reaching the world for Christ.
Patricia O'Neal
Overseer
Overseer Patricia O’Neal is a woman of virtue, strength, and Godly wisdom whose life reflects unwavering devotion to God, family, and ministry. For 48 years, she faithfully served alongside her beloved husband, Dr. Willie B. O’Neal, co-laboring as Co-Pastor and helpmeet in ministry until his passing in July 2025. Following his transition, she was prayerfully elevated to the role of Overseer, continuing the legacy God established through their union.
Born to the late Jacob and Mary Bodley, Overseer O’Neal was raised in the Westfield community and later relocated to Bessemer, Alabama. At a young age, following the loss of her mother, she was thrust into a maternal role for her siblings—a formative experience that shaped her nurturing spirit, leadership capacity, and lifelong call to ministry. Rooted in a holiness background, she developed an early awareness of the move and promptings of God. Though she stepped away from the church as a young adult, God lovingly reunited her to Himself through her marriage to Dr. Willie B. O’Neal.
In 1980, Overseer O’Neal rededicated her life to Christ, receiving the precious gift of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. From that moment forward, she committed herself fully to spiritual growth, allowing the Holy Spirit to deepen her understanding of God’s Word and strengthen her walk in faith.
Overseer O’Neal is the proud mother of eight children: the late Triola Crawford; Willie Ellis Jr., affectionately known as Chop; Tracy O’Neal Daniel; William O’Neal Sr. (Bridgette O’Neal); Franchesca O’Neal; Pastor Dedrick O’Neal (Lady Kenya); and JaCarlos O’Neal. She and Dr. O’Neal also helped raise their nephew, Patrick Fisher, as their own. Together, they established a rich family legacy that includes more than 30 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
As Overseer, Patricia O’Neal continues to exemplify humility, wisdom, and spiritual authority—serving as a matriarch, mentor, and vessel of God’s love to the Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church and beyond.
Born to the late Jacob and Mary Bodley, Overseer O’Neal was raised in the Westfield community and later relocated to Bessemer, Alabama. At a young age, following the loss of her mother, she was thrust into a maternal role for her siblings—a formative experience that shaped her nurturing spirit, leadership capacity, and lifelong call to ministry. Rooted in a holiness background, she developed an early awareness of the move and promptings of God. Though she stepped away from the church as a young adult, God lovingly reunited her to Himself through her marriage to Dr. Willie B. O’Neal.
In 1980, Overseer O’Neal rededicated her life to Christ, receiving the precious gift of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. From that moment forward, she committed herself fully to spiritual growth, allowing the Holy Spirit to deepen her understanding of God’s Word and strengthen her walk in faith.
Overseer O’Neal is the proud mother of eight children: the late Triola Crawford; Willie Ellis Jr., affectionately known as Chop; Tracy O’Neal Daniel; William O’Neal Sr. (Bridgette O’Neal); Franchesca O’Neal; Pastor Dedrick O’Neal (Lady Kenya); and JaCarlos O’Neal. She and Dr. O’Neal also helped raise their nephew, Patrick Fisher, as their own. Together, they established a rich family legacy that includes more than 30 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
As Overseer, Patricia O’Neal continues to exemplify humility, wisdom, and spiritual authority—serving as a matriarch, mentor, and vessel of God’s love to the Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church and beyond.
Tonya Melton
Executive Facilitator
Tonya Melton joined the Executive Directors Team in 2019 and currently serves as Executive Facilitator. In this role, she assists with strategic planning, supports leadership development, and provides executive support to the Overseer and Pastor to help advance the ministry’s mission.
Tonya earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Oakwood University. She has served as a Healthcare Executive for 22 years and continues to impact her community through board service both locally in Birmingham and nationally. Her leadership extends to organizations such as Bridgeways, the Black Women’s Mental Health Institute (BWMHI), and the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE).
She is married to her loving husband, Deacon Barry Melton, who has been a devoted member of Mt. Canaan for more than 15 years. Deacon Melton serves faithfully as an Executive Board Member, Deacon, and the Pastor’s Armor Bearer. As a distinguished military veteran, he served 34 years in the US Coast Guard and US Marine Corps and is a former Board Member of the 100 Black Men of America, Orange County, CA Chapter.
Together, Deacon and Sister Melton are extremely blessed with seven children and are honored to serve as leaders within the Mt. Canaan family.
Tonya earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Oakwood University. She has served as a Healthcare Executive for 22 years and continues to impact her community through board service both locally in Birmingham and nationally. Her leadership extends to organizations such as Bridgeways, the Black Women’s Mental Health Institute (BWMHI), and the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE).
She is married to her loving husband, Deacon Barry Melton, who has been a devoted member of Mt. Canaan for more than 15 years. Deacon Melton serves faithfully as an Executive Board Member, Deacon, and the Pastor’s Armor Bearer. As a distinguished military veteran, he served 34 years in the US Coast Guard and US Marine Corps and is a former Board Member of the 100 Black Men of America, Orange County, CA Chapter.
Together, Deacon and Sister Melton are extremely blessed with seven children and are honored to serve as leaders within the Mt. Canaan family.
Minister James and Elder Angela Brazzill
Executive Directors / Missions And Ministries
Minister James and Elder Angela Brazzill have been members of Mt. Canaan since
2000. The Brazzill’s were appointed Directors of the Missions Department in 2003, and later God opened the door for them to step into the role of Executive Directors of Missions and Ministries. In this position they have the privilege of guiding mission
strategies, fostering partnerships with local homeless shelters, and non-profits while
supporting the Pastors vision in reaching the world for Christ.
Their calling and desire to champion the Gospel in both word and action has grown from simply serving , God, the Pastor, and the People. They have been blessed to witness lives transformed, families restored, communities uplifted and individuals awakened to God’s purpose for their lives.
The Brazzill’s continue to aim toward and produce excellence in all their ministerial
opportunities. One of their life scriptures is Psalm 27:4, "One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever", and their prayer is that God will keep shaping them into leaders who listens well, loves deeply, and leads faithfully.
2000. The Brazzill’s were appointed Directors of the Missions Department in 2003, and later God opened the door for them to step into the role of Executive Directors of Missions and Ministries. In this position they have the privilege of guiding mission
strategies, fostering partnerships with local homeless shelters, and non-profits while
supporting the Pastors vision in reaching the world for Christ.
Their calling and desire to champion the Gospel in both word and action has grown from simply serving , God, the Pastor, and the People. They have been blessed to witness lives transformed, families restored, communities uplifted and individuals awakened to God’s purpose for their lives.
The Brazzill’s continue to aim toward and produce excellence in all their ministerial
opportunities. One of their life scriptures is Psalm 27:4, "One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever", and their prayer is that God will keep shaping them into leaders who listens well, loves deeply, and leads faithfully.
Anita Carlisle
Executive Director / Character Development Ministry
Anita Carlisle is the Executive Director of the Character Development Ministry which oversees the Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Couples, Singles, Young Adults, and Counseling Ministries of Mt. Canaan Full Gospel Church.
For 48 years, she served as Executive Assistant to our Founding Pastor, Dr. Willie B. O'Neal and is an active member of Mt. Canaan for over 48 years.
She serves on the Board of Directors of Mt. Canaan, Board of Directors of Canaanland Learning Enrichment Center, oversees Human Resources, Finance Department and wherever is deemed necessary.
The objective of the Character Development Ministry is to "Build character in the men and women of God through teaching and fellowship." Pastors’ revelation from God, “You build the people and I will Build the Church", is our goal and purpose we use to build character, in stability, moral values, commitment, and integrity.
Anita studied Business Administration at Lawson State Community College and Miles College. She is the youngest of five children, she has three children, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
For 48 years, she served as Executive Assistant to our Founding Pastor, Dr. Willie B. O'Neal and is an active member of Mt. Canaan for over 48 years.
She serves on the Board of Directors of Mt. Canaan, Board of Directors of Canaanland Learning Enrichment Center, oversees Human Resources, Finance Department and wherever is deemed necessary.
The objective of the Character Development Ministry is to "Build character in the men and women of God through teaching and fellowship." Pastors’ revelation from God, “You build the people and I will Build the Church", is our goal and purpose we use to build character, in stability, moral values, commitment, and integrity.
Anita studied Business Administration at Lawson State Community College and Miles College. She is the youngest of five children, she has three children, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Minister Cynthia Ward
Executive Director / Christian Education Ministry
Appointed to this position in November 2023, Minister Cynthia Ward serves with passion and purpose, grounded in the strong foundation and biblical principles instilled in her from an early age. A faithful member of Mt. Canaan Full Gospel Church for over 40 years, she serves as Executive Director of the Christian Education Ministry with a heart for developing leaders and equipping God’s people to grow in Christ and walk confidently as ambassadors of His Kingdom. Minister Cynthia Ward is a is a born-again believer filled with the precious Holy Ghost since the early 1980s. She’s the second born of twelve children parented by Albert and Ethel Ward.
The Christian Education Ministry (CEM) is one of the core discipleship ministries of Mt. Canaan Full Gospel Church. Its primary purpose is to provide meaningful opportunities for believers to grow and mature in God’s love, grace, knowledge, and faithful stewardship (to advance the Kingdom of God). Through intentional teaching, mentorship, discipleship, and stewardship studies, CEM fosters connection and spiritual growth, empowering believers to serve God and man effectively within their families, businesses, local and global communities.
The scriptures found in 1 John 4:4 and Luke 4:18–19 continue to ground and encourage her as she faithfully serves both the ministry and the Kingdom of God.
The Christian Education Ministry (CEM) is one of the core discipleship ministries of Mt. Canaan Full Gospel Church. Its primary purpose is to provide meaningful opportunities for believers to grow and mature in God’s love, grace, knowledge, and faithful stewardship (to advance the Kingdom of God). Through intentional teaching, mentorship, discipleship, and stewardship studies, CEM fosters connection and spiritual growth, empowering believers to serve God and man effectively within their families, businesses, local and global communities.
The scriptures found in 1 John 4:4 and Luke 4:18–19 continue to ground and encourage her as she faithfully serves both the ministry and the Kingdom of God.
Kenneth Cunningham
Executive Directors / Operations Ministry
Kenneth Cunningham was appointed Executive Director of Operations in September 2015. A dedicated member of Mount Canaan for more than 40 years, Kenneth provides leadership and oversight for several ministries within the Operations Department, including Ushers, Greeters, Culinary, Parking, Pastor’s Aide, Security, Transportation, Wedding Ministry, Hospitality, and Healthcare.
Kenneth also serves on the Board of Directors for the Canaan Land Learning Enrichment Center. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sales and Marketing from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he served his undergraduate chapter as both President and Treasurer.
As a successful entrepreneur, Kenneth’s passion is rooted in serving others, both professionally and spiritually. He has been happily married to his wife, Abijah, since 2007, and together they are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Kaleb and Addison.
Kenneth considers it a great honor to serve as Executive Director of Operations and to collaborate with an exceptional team of leaders and volunteers.
Kenneth also serves on the Board of Directors for the Canaan Land Learning Enrichment Center. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sales and Marketing from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he served his undergraduate chapter as both President and Treasurer.
As a successful entrepreneur, Kenneth’s passion is rooted in serving others, both professionally and spiritually. He has been happily married to his wife, Abijah, since 2007, and together they are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Kaleb and Addison.
Kenneth considers it a great honor to serve as Executive Director of Operations and to collaborate with an exceptional team of leaders and volunteers.
Carolyn Robertson
Executive Director / Church Administration
Carolyn Robertson serves as the Executive Director of Church Administration.
Before being appointed to this position, Carolyn served in various roles,
including Christian Education Director, Training and Development Coordinator,
and Coordinator of Pastor’s Aid. Carolyn has been a devoted member of Mt.
Canaan for over 30 years. She provides leadership and oversight of the church
office's daily operations. Her responsibilities include managing office staff,
personnel, and payroll time management, database administration, facilities,
space planning management, and 501 (c) (3) research and grants. She also serves
as a resource person regarding some insurance, legal, and property acquisition
matters within the church.
Beyond her service at Mt. Canaan, Carolyn has contributed her expertise to
community organizations, professional and school boards, including Lawson
State Community College- Advisory Board, The Academy of Fine Arts, Inc.- Board
Member, the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Council- Member, the Private Industry Council (PIC)- Board Member, and the Association
for Counselor Education and Supervision- Member.
She holds a degree in Economics and Business Management with a minor in
Urban Planning from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Master's in
Counseling from Alabama State University. Carolyn also earned a Certificate in
Lay Counseling through Mt. Canaan Full Gospel Church in partnership with
Birmingham Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Christian Counseling.
Carolyn believes that all her previous business training, secular and Christian
experience was merely preparation for being part of God’s Plan at Mt. Canaan.
Before being appointed to this position, Carolyn served in various roles,
including Christian Education Director, Training and Development Coordinator,
and Coordinator of Pastor’s Aid. Carolyn has been a devoted member of Mt.
Canaan for over 30 years. She provides leadership and oversight of the church
office's daily operations. Her responsibilities include managing office staff,
personnel, and payroll time management, database administration, facilities,
space planning management, and 501 (c) (3) research and grants. She also serves
as a resource person regarding some insurance, legal, and property acquisition
matters within the church.
Beyond her service at Mt. Canaan, Carolyn has contributed her expertise to
community organizations, professional and school boards, including Lawson
State Community College- Advisory Board, The Academy of Fine Arts, Inc.- Board
Member, the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Council- Member, the Private Industry Council (PIC)- Board Member, and the Association
for Counselor Education and Supervision- Member.
She holds a degree in Economics and Business Management with a minor in
Urban Planning from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Master's in
Counseling from Alabama State University. Carolyn also earned a Certificate in
Lay Counseling through Mt. Canaan Full Gospel Church in partnership with
Birmingham Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Christian Counseling.
Carolyn believes that all her previous business training, secular and Christian
experience was merely preparation for being part of God’s Plan at Mt. Canaan.
Horace Moss
Youth Pastor
Youth Pastor Horace Moss, affectionately known as YP, has a genuine love for young people and is honored to serve the vision of the pastor while working alongside the leaders of Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church. Since joining MCFGC in 2021, he has helped create safe, welcoming, and faith-filled spaces where youth can grow.
YP is married to Jasmine Moss, and they are blessed with four children: Paisley, Hannah, Horace III, and Hudson. Known for his approachable spirit and servant’s heart, YP is committed to walking alongside the next generation as they grow in their faith and identity in Christ.
MC Kids is the youth ministry of Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church, created to help children and students grow in their faith in a safe, engaging, and Christ-centered environment. Through Bible-based teaching, creative programs, and seasonal productions, MC Kids nurtures spiritual growth and encourages children to discover who they are in Christ.
Our ministry includes Tiny Town for babies and toddlers (6 weeks–3 years), Primary Kids for ages 4–7, and MC Kids and Teens for elementary, middle, and high school students.
As part of a family church with a teaching ministry reaching the world for Christ, MC Kids is committed to building a strong biblical foundation in the next generation while partnering with families as children grow in faith and purpose.
YP is married to Jasmine Moss, and they are blessed with four children: Paisley, Hannah, Horace III, and Hudson. Known for his approachable spirit and servant’s heart, YP is committed to walking alongside the next generation as they grow in their faith and identity in Christ.
MC Kids is the youth ministry of Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church, created to help children and students grow in their faith in a safe, engaging, and Christ-centered environment. Through Bible-based teaching, creative programs, and seasonal productions, MC Kids nurtures spiritual growth and encourages children to discover who they are in Christ.
Our ministry includes Tiny Town for babies and toddlers (6 weeks–3 years), Primary Kids for ages 4–7, and MC Kids and Teens for elementary, middle, and high school students.
As part of a family church with a teaching ministry reaching the world for Christ, MC Kids is committed to building a strong biblical foundation in the next generation while partnering with families as children grow in faith and purpose.