Our Pastoral Team

Our church thrives on the selfless service and unwavering commitment of our pastoral leadership. We are honored to introduce you to our Pastor and Assistant Pastor, who pour their hearts into serving God, equipping our members, and building a strong, vibrant community here at Pleasant Hope.


  • Pastor

    Rev. Tony Young Sr. was born and raised in Tutwiler, Miss., the son of Robert Fleming, the late Carolyn Young Tyler Fleming and the late Tom Tyler. A product of the West Tallahatchie School District, Young aspired to a career in physical therapy when he enrolled at Northwest Community College in Senatobia, Miss. However, the tragic loss of his close cousin, Charlander Berryhill, a 19-year-old education major also attending Northwest, profoundly impacted him. In her memory, Tony changed his major to education and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mississippi Valley State University, a master’s degree in education from Delta State University, and a specialist’s degree in education from North Central University in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Young is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

    At the age of 22, Young received his calling to serve God through ministry. He delivered his first sermon, "The Best is Yet to Come," at Mount Calvary M.B. Church in Tutwiler, then pastored by the Rev. Emmanuel Lackey. As pastor, Young’s desires for Pleasant Hope to be a family, with members who fellowship, serve God and share His goodness with others.

    Young’s partner in life is his wife, Tammy Smith Young, with whom he has shared 23 wonderful years. Their family includes sons Justin Pittman, Tony Young, Jr., Jaydee Young, and daughter Carolelynn Young.


  • Assistant Pastor

    Gloria is a native of Lambert, Mississippi. She was born into the loving arms of Mr. Floyd and Mrs. Earnestine Richmond during the Sharecropping Era in the late 1950’s. She also acknowledges, Mr. Willie Lee Hunt, who became a Father figure in her later years. An abundance of love and wisdom was passed down to her from a loving God-Fearing family, community and church family. 

    During her early childhood, Reverend Harry H. Benimon was her Pastor at New Mt. Carmel M. B. Church located on the outskirts of Lambert, and it was he who baptized her. By age four she had already developed a strong interest in the written Word of God. Her passion for God’s Word was intensified in her later years, and today, her anchor is in the Word of God, and she proclaims that God’s Word applies to all who believe that He is God. She is a firm believer that prayer changes things and invites God's presence into every situation.