Seminary honors slain pastor with scholarship in her name
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A special honor has been announced in memory of a beloved Memphis pastor who was tragically murdered almost three years ago.
The Reverend Dr. Autura Eason-Williams was shot to death during a carjacking in her own driveway.
However, the tragic end of her life is not her legacy.
And now those who worked closely with her have come up with a lasting tribute.
Memphis Theological Seminary is where the late Rev. Dr. Eason-Williams got much of her ministry training.
ORIGINAL STORY: Pastor shot and killed during Whitehaven carjacking; 2 teens charged
'She had her degree and her doctorate from here at Memphis Theological Seminary,' Rev. Dr. Mark Matheny said.
Now, the seminary is honoring Rev. Dr. Eason-Williams by starting a scholarship in her name.
The goal is to raise $50,000 by July 31 to equip future United Methodist students and MTS leaders to preach, serve and transform the community.
'We envision future authors coming from this seminary and carrying on her work, especially overcoming racism and nonviolence and many other areas in a well-rounded ministry where she was also a tremendous preacher and pastor,' Rev. Dr. Matheny said.
Rev. Dr. Eason-Williams was known for her service in the community.
She was tragically killed in June 2022 outside her home by a group of young people who wanted her car.
'I hope misery keeps you company': Slain pastor's loved ones read impact statements in court
Rev. Dr. Matheny said that the hope is that the scholarship will allow the type of work that she was passionate about to continue.
'She was the founder of two wonderful things. One was Signposts, which is a very intensive anti-racism course that laity and clergy can take together,' Rev. Dr. Matheny said. 'She also was a founder and co-author of the Soul Force Initiative with my group, United Methodist Neighborhood Centers, which is anti-gun violence.'
The seminary will also plan an annual lecture series in Rev. Dr. Eason-Williams' memory.
'She gave sacrificial love and modeled ministry,' Rev. Dr. Matheny said. 'And so our job is to literally be the resurrection through these future students.'
To learn more about the Rev. Dr. Eason-Williams scholarship, click here.
If you'd like to support the Rev. Dr. Eason-Williams scholarship, click here.
If they reach their goal of $50,000 by July 31, the first scholarship will be given in the fall.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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