Lexington Mourns Beverly ‘Gumm’ Gumm and Christina Combs After Tragic Richmond Road Baptist Church Shooting
LEXINGTON, KY — A city is in mourning and a faith community is shattered following the deadly mass shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church, where a sacred Sunday morning was turned into a nightmare. Among the lives lost in the horrific attack were Beverly “Gumm” Gumm, 72, and her stepdaughter Christina Combs, 32 — two women whose faith, kindness, and service left a lasting imprint on the Lexington community.
The shooting occurred during Sunday service, just as prayers and hymns were rising through the sanctuary. The suspect, later identified as Guy E. House, 38, opened fire inside the church, killing Beverly and Christina and injuring several others — including Beverly’s husband and Christina’s stepfather, Pastor Jerry Gumm, who remains in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery.
The violence has left the congregation and city reeling, as tributes pour in for the two women whose lives were tragically cut short in a place that had long been a refuge of peace and fellowship.
Honoring Beverly ‘Gumm’ Gumm
Beverly Gumm, lovingly known by many as “Miss Gumm,” was the heart of Richmond Road Baptist Church. A faithful servant of Christ, Beverly had spent decades devoted to ministry, outreach, and compassion-driven work within the congregation. She taught Sunday school for years, coordinated food drives, and was always the first to volunteer whenever a hand was needed.
“She was the kind of woman who would pray with you and cry with you — no matter who you were,” said longtime friend Linda Patrick. “Beverly lived her faith, not just preached it. She had a heart for people.”
A Lexington native and retired elementary school teacher, Beverly was known for her gentle demeanor, radiant smile, and unwavering belief in the power of love and forgiveness. She had spent more than 20 years married to Pastor Jerry Gumm, standing by his side through ministry and life.
“Losing Beverly in such a violent way is unthinkable,” said a church deacon. “She was a light in this world. The kind of person who made everyone feel seen and loved.”
Remembering Christina Combs
Christina Combs, 32, was Beverly’s stepdaughter and a cherished member of the church’s younger adult fellowship. Known for her humor, creativity, and compassion, Christina worked with the youth ministry and was actively involved in organizing community outreach events. She had a heart for mentoring teenage girls and was a familiar face at church summer camps, Bible studies, and mission trips.
“She had a fire for life and for God,” said one of the teens she mentored. “Christina made you feel like you mattered, like you had a purpose. She never judged — she just loved.”
Christina had recently returned to Lexington after completing graduate studies in social work, hoping to serve vulnerable populations across Kentucky. Her dreams were big, and her spirit was bigger.
Her loss, especially under such traumatic circumstances, has left a generation of young women heartbroken and stunned.
A Church and City in Grief
In the days since the shooting, hundreds have gathered at vigils across Lexington, lighting candles and offering prayers for the victims and their families. Flowers, notes, and photos line the steps of Richmond Road Baptist Church, now surrounded by crime scene tape and silence where once there was joyful praise.
“Sunday was supposed to be about worship,” said one congregant. “Instead, it became a day we will never forget — for all the wrong reasons.”
Pastor Jerry Gumm, who remains hospitalized, has been described by doctors as being in stable but critical condition. Those close to the family say he is aware of the tragedy and is being surrounded by loved ones during this deeply painful time.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, but police believe it was targeted and not random. The suspect, Guy E. House, is currently in custody and faces multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
In Memory and Hope
As Lexington continues to mourn, there is a growing resolve to not let the violence define the lives of Beverly and Christina. Their stories are being told in living rooms, from pulpits, and across social media — not as victims, but as servants of love, faith, and compassion.
Plans are underway for a joint memorial service at the church later this week, where the community will gather to celebrate their lives and honor the enduring legacy they leave behind.
“In this darkness, we cling to what Beverly and Christina stood for — faith, love, and grace,” said one church leader. “And we will carry those values forward, no matter how heavy the burden of grief may be.”
For now, Lexington bows its head, remembering two women who changed the lives of all who knew them — and whose light will not be forgotten.