Smith Baptist Association
David L. Jones - Director of Missions
David L. Jones joined the Smith Baptist Association as Chairman of the Administrative Team in 2023 and later became the Interim Director of Missions in 2024, upon the retirement of his dear friend and long-time director, Dr. Danny Pickens. In January of 2026, he became the part-time Director of Missions with the intention of building the leadership role back to a full-time status. He has served churches in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas in every ministry capacity except Senior Pastor, since surrendering to the ministry as a senior in high school in 1969 at FBC Lindale, TX. He was licensed in the ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Tyler in 1971 and ordained by FBC Hallsville, TX, in 2006. David also served East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX beginning in 1991 through 2012 in many different roles from Vice President of University Advancement, Director of Development, Director of Church and Denomination Relations, and Director of Alumni. At The University of Texas at Tyler, he held several director positions starting in 2012 through 2019 including The Longview University Center, Palestine University Center, Student Success, College of Nursing, and The Soules College of Business. He also has been an active member of the Singing Men of Texas – East since 1980. He earned his M.R.E. degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary of Ft. Worth, TX, in 1979, a B.A. in Religion from East Texas Baptist University of Marshall, TX, in 1974, and an A.A. from Tyler Jr. College of Tyler, TX, in 1971. David and his wife, Lynne, are members of FBC Tyler, TX, and have two grown children and two grandsons. sba.directorofmissions@gmail.com
Paula Pickens - Administrative Assistant
Paula brought nine years of experience as a Senior Pastor Administrative Assistant and 32 years as a minister’s wife when she joined SBA in May 2011. She enjoys helping people. Her goal is always to feel as though she has helped a person when they call or walk in the office. Paula was married to Dr. Danny Pickens, the former Director of Missions, for 53 years. They have two daughters, four WONDERFUL grandchildren, and two of the cutest little great-granddaughters. She is the pianist at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She loves music and desires that her playing is a blessing to those around her. She is very eager to help you. Please call any time; she will be happy to answer any questions you might have. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will get the information and contact you. paula@smithbaptist.org
Jamie Hawbaker - Financial Clerk
Jamie Hawbaker is our contracted financial clerk. Jamie joined SBA in January, 2018 following Harold Richardson’s retirement. We have really come to love Jamie and appreciate all that she does for us. She is a member of The Woods Baptist where she also serves as Church Secretary/Financial Clerk. She is happy to help any time she is available. financialclerk@smithbaptist.org