McDowell County Family Support Center
Big Creek People In Action, Inc. was founded in 1990 by citizens of McDowell County, West Virginia. Since that time, this nonprofit organization has been serving the community of McDowell County in the realms of education and literacy, leadership development, volunteer service, service learning, arts and culture, housing, recreation, and collaborative partnerships. BCPIA's vision of McDowell County is one of empowered and self-sufficient people living in communities that are economically vibrant, democratic, and socially just.
After dedicating twenty-seven years of her life to Big Creek People in Action, Marsha Timpson retired on May 31, 2025. She has had many different jobs over the years including starting out as an AmeriCorps member, working with the volunteer groups, and Co-Executive Director, but through it all she was a great leader, mentor, and friend.
Marsha has been an invaluable asset to our organization as she was instrumental in growing and expanding our programs and services to the community. She worked for many years with the volunteer college and church groups that come to McDowell County to work on people’s homes, help with afterschool, distribute food, blankets, and other necessities, and other community service projects to improve the lives of our families. She has told wonderful stories to all who visit about growing up in the coalfields and leaving after high school to live in forty-two different houses from Myrtle Beach to many other areas in the eastern part of the country before finally deciding to come back home to McDowell County.
Marsha’s hard work and dedication over the years has made a lasting difference to the many people who have been uplifted with her funny wit, concern for their welfare, and words of encouragement to make a better life for their family. She is loved by the community and all who had the pleasure of working with her. We share many memories of good times, but now it’s now time for Marsha to take a well-deserved rest and watch the seeds she planted grow into a beautiful future for those whose lives she touched. We wish her happiness, good health, relaxation, and many happy memories in the years to come.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”
— Mahatma Gandhi