MaLea and her husband Dewayne have been members of Jasper First for a number of years. She began her climb up the musical ladder at Jasper First as organist. After Doris Gilbert left her long time position at the piano, MaLea took the lead instrument as her own. MaLea remaind pianist until Minister of Music Devin Reeves took a position in Birmingham, and MaLea became the head of the Music Department at Jasper First.

MaLea has written and directed some of our best performances including "The Signing," protraying the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and "There Is Hope," our annual Easter production. MaLea also coordinates the annual performance of "Carols on the Keys" where beautiful Christmas music bellows from our Steinway and Sons Grand piano, Chickering baby grand, and numerous other instruments played by the many talented people of Jasper First and Jasper abroad.

MaLea has two sons, Braxton and Nick, and two daughters, Sonia and Gina. MaLea and Dewayne have four grandchildren: Andrew, Leah, and Sean who live in Kansas and Olivia who lives in Jasper. They are expecting their fifth grandchild, Ethan O'Neal, in June 2008.