Dr. Marsha Lynne Davis Chism has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park for over 50 years, under the leadership of the late Dr. J. L. Foster, founder, and current pastor Dr. Gregory Foster. Under his leadership, she serves as a faithful member of Bronze Voices handbell choir, Nurses Guild, co-chair for spiritual growth and development committee for the Agape Youth Ministries, and Daughters of Sarah women ministry. She previously held positions as a charter member of G.I.F.T.S (God Is First To Singles), Thirtysomething Single’s ministry, adult usher board, Ecumenical Council, and served for several years as chairperson for Women’s Day activities.
Her life principles are to believe in God with all your heart, accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Dr, Chism is a 1973 graduate from Berkner High School (RISD) Richardson, TX. She continued her educational pursue by completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Management in 2005, received an MBA with an emphasis in Business Problem Solutions in 2006, and a Doctoral degree in Management with an emphasis in Leadership in 2020. Her professional career for the past 30 years has been in the non-profit industry serving in the field of fundraising development and leadership. These skills were honed while employed with KERA, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc., and The Greater Dallas Community of Churches. In 2006, Marsha founded AMK Grief Recovery Care, a program to provide counseling and guidance to African Americans experiencing the trauma of grief.
Dr. Chism is an avid reader, and her hobbies include collecting teapots. She has also contributed to the literary work of Ms. Angie Ransome Jones’ “Path to Peace,” a comprehensive guide to managing life and finding peace after losing a loved one. She also enjoys planning and organizing events and spending time with her friends and family. She is also a member of the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club Inc. Upon retirement, current plans are to establish AMK Leadership Development, a program to teach African American youth the concept of leadership.