Jul 31

Jul 31 Unsung Community Leaders: Meredith McDonald Worley's Life of Faith and Service

What does it truly mean to be a leader of Christ? For Meredith McDonald Worley, born on July 28, in Randleman, North Carolina, it's a life lived in devoted service, marked by unwavering faith, selflessness, and a profound love for others. From her vibrant youth to her impactful present, Meredith embodies the very essence of Christian leadership, quietly transforming lives through her actions and dedication..

Meredith’s journey began in Randleman, where she graduated from Randleman High School in 1990. Even then, her leadership qualities shone brightly; she was not only crowned homecoming queen and a spirited cheerleader but also a dedicated track athlete and her class president. Her academic pursuits led her to UNC Charlotte, where she discovered a passion for the college's dance team, ultimately earning a four-year degree in dance education.

Meredith’s Cross Movement dance team performing their dance routine in New York City.

It was in the late 1990s that Meredith seamlessly blended her love for dance with her faith, establishing a dance studio that began with children from her church. This unique ministry, known as Cross Movement Dance, has since mentored countless children of all ages, guiding them not just in movement but also in spirit.

Before graduating college, Meredith married Scott Worley, a partnership that has flourished for 32 years. Their shared commitment to Christ became the bedrock of their lives, influencing every decision and guiding their path, including a remarkable expansion of their family in 2019 when they adopted Djovany from Haiti.

Meredith and Scott pose alongside their son Djovany at Lexington Senior High School.

From 2005 to 2009, while Scott served as a pastor at a local church in Concord, North Carolina, Meredith taught at Covenant Classical School in Concord. Their son, Josh Worley, a former student and All-State offensive lineman at Lexington High School, shares a poignant memory of their family's move from Concord. He recalls that one of the first places his parents visited was Lexington Senior High School. "My mom and dad loved how diverse the school was," Josh recounts. "She wanted us to be around that type of environment because she always has loved different cultures, and they were eager to bring him and his siblings to Lexington." This deliberate choice underscores Meredith's inclusive spirit and her desire for her children to experience a rich, varied community.

Josh Worley smiles with expression and joy right before baptism.

Josh speaks with deep gratitude about his parents' unwavering devotion to Christ and their commitment to serving God. He describes his mother as the kind of person "that would do anything for anyone." This isn't just a figure of speech; Josh shares how football teammates would often come for a sleepover at their home, and those temporary stays would frequently evolve into permanent residencies. Meredith’s home became a sanctuary, a testament to her boundless generosity and compassion.

Josh and younger brother Seth stand alongside one of their favorite beloved teammates Jyisaiah Cuthrell during their high school days.

What truly defines Meredith's leadership in Christ is her profound humility. Josh explains that when others try to recommend her for recognition, she often humbly declines, stating that she is simply "doing what God wants her to do" and believing that "someone else deserves that recognition." This selfless attitude, Josh says, has always been his mom’s core mission: doing God’s will.

Closing with a heartfelt message, Josh wanted his mother, Meredith, to know: "As a son, words could never express the love I have for you, and I’m just so thankful that God blessed you as my mother." He continues, "As a mother, I couldn't be more blessed to have the most loving, selfless, caring person who I come across as my mother, and that's such a gift because my faith is so important to me because of you and Dad. Mom, and of course Dad, I just wanted to say thanks for making me a true follower of Jesus."

Meredith Worley's primary goal, as expressed by her son, is to be remembered as someone "who loved Jesus and other people." It is a testament to her impactful life that Josh himself aims to conquer the exact same mission. Meredith McDonald Worley truly embodies what it means to be a leader of Christ—a quiet force of love, service, and unwavering faith, touching countless lives with her humble and giving spirit, both in her community.