One year later, remembering a tragic shooting

STARRVILLE – Just one year after the tragic shooting, Starrville Methodist Church congregation members gathered to recall the day that their late pastor was killed. “It was like slow motion. You know, you couldn’t really believe what was happening,” said congregation member Mike Sellers, who was shot six times but recovered. According to our news partner KETK, a memorial was held Sunday in remembrance of Pastor Mark McWilliams. Starrville Methodist honored McWilliams by planting an October Glory Maple tree on the church property with the help of Breedlove Nursery. The January 2, 2021, incident began as authorities pursued fugitive Myrtez Woolen. Woolen reportedly tried to hide in the church and was discovered by McWilliams — who was shot dead with his own weapon after Woolen was reportedly able to take the gun from the pastor. Woolen currently awaits further legal proceedings in the case.

The one-year memorial service included songs of worship, prayer, and sharing memories of what McWilliams contributed to the church. “Mark was a very caring, dynamic, and thorough preacher. He was just wonderful. You know, he was our leader! He was very energetic! You know, you wouldn’t have thought that he was in his 60s; you would have thought he was in his 40s!” said Sellers. Pastor Paul Bolding stepped up after the tragic incident to help serve the congregation in a time of need and shared that he was proud to be walking in healing with the church members.