Gospels of FirstLadyDom In The Black Church

Gospel's of FirstLadyDom is a nonfiction anthology of 11 women who were or are married to a faith leader, sharing their lived experiences of the extraordinary monarchy of struggle, resilience, and faith in the black church. Every woman has penned their narrative of just a snippet into the life of what it means to walk in the shoes of the pastor's wife. This is a powerful teaching tool for faith leaders, wives, lay persons, and seminary students.

Shevalle Turner Kimber, a native of New Haven, CT, is a product of the New Haven public school system; after she graduated from high school, she attended the Amore Institute of Hair Design and has been a successful licensed cosmetologist for the past 25 years, and was forced into early retirement in 2009, after an injury to her right wrist.
Shevalle is a Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention Christian Leadership School graduate with a Biblical Studies diploma. She is a proud graduate of American Baptist College of Nashville, TN, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and received a BA in Bible and Theology. She was also inducted into the Delta Epsilon Chi, The Association for Biblical Higher Education Honor Society.
Shevalle graduated from Yale Divinity School with a Masters of Divinity, M.Div. Shevalle is forever mindful of 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV), "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Rev. Kimber answered her call to the ministry of preaching and teaching on April 25, 2016, preached her initial Sermon on July 3, 2017, entitled, Don't Be Scared, Let the Lord Use You, and she was ordained on July 1, 2018.
She is married to Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, Senior Pastor of the First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, CT, where she has served side by side in leadership for the past 20 years. She is the very proud mother of Ronald, Shevalle, and Savion and is happy to be the grandmother of Sean, Tristan, and London.
Shevalle enjoys walking, reading, eating, dancing, and planting/gardening; her favorite scripture is; Galatians 8:31; what shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?


Fannie B. Stokes is the principal creative mind of the Get Fit with Fannie B. movement, an online platform focused on providing resources, encouragement, empowerment, and community. She hosts daily and weekly broadcasts through Facebook and YouTube.
Fannie began preaching in formal ministry in 2008 and received her ordination through the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. She is a 2011 graduate from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where she then served as a minister on staff at a local church and eventually pastored at Workman Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. Fannie currently lives and serves in ministry in Cleveland, Ohio.
Through Stokes Literary Service, Fannie works as a freelance editor focusing on helping aspiring authors conceptualize and materialize their work. She also works as an academic consultant, assisting non-traditional students in navigating the changes and requirements in academic programs of higher learning.
Fannie has been a chaplain, pastor, preacher, teacher, consultant, academic advisor, and various other roles. Through these different roles, her spirituality and relationship with God is the core of her passion and purpose.

Minister Kristen Smith is a native of Hartford, Connecticut, where she was formally educated in the Hartford/Bloomfield school systems. Kristen has an extensive customer service background, which includes services provided through The Hartford Insurance Company, IKON Office Solutions, and Aetna Life Insurance. She maintains her impeccable record of service as she works in the healthcare industry.
Kristen is the wife of Pastor Robert L. Smith and the mother of four vibrant and intellectual children: Reyanda, Michael, Robert Jr., and Morgan Smith. Kristen finds great joy and privilege in being both a parent and a wife. For the last seventeen years, she served as the First Lady of Mt. Calvary Deliverance Tabernacle, where she continues steadfastly, by grace.
Kristen is an anointed gospel preacher as well as a gospel singer. She's been singing since she was a child but consented to the call of preaching God's word at the age of seventeen, under the leadership of Apostle John E. Wilson. Although she spends much of her ministry in the choir stand, one can hear the evidence of the call, even in her music.

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Sapp Jones is a bi-vocational preacher employed with the company she founded, ETEP Consulting, where Exceptional Talent Empowers People. Her company provides business management solutions, staff training, and development, as well as coaching and counseling services for leaders, teams, couples, and individuals. An advocate by nature, she fused her keen business acumen with her love of people to create an organization that is dedicated to both. Dr. Jones is a powerful, dynamic, and sought-after preacher, businesswoman, teacher, counselor, and coach who is passionate about helping individuals and organizations reach their fullest potential. Her unique blend of business savvy and psychoanalytic theory makes her exceptionally gifted to make real transformation possible.
Dr. Jones' formal education includes a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling from Hebrew Union College, New York, a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity, District of Columbia, an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut, Connecticut and an undergraduate degree from American University, District of Columbia where she majored in international business and finance. In short, she has been educated, trained, and knows how to execute beyond the pulpit to ensure that God's work is not just a concept that is preached but rather one that is brought into fruition.
She is the Leading Lady of the First Baptist Church of Guilford in Columbia, Maryland, where her husband, Rev. Dr. Tyrone P. Jones IV is the pastor. Together, they have two phenomenal children, Tyrone and Emani. She's a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This servant-leader, purpose-driven woman is unapologetically fulfilling her divine assignment to use all her gifts and talents to bring God glory. No matter where she is or who she's engaging, she is ever mindful that only what you do for Christ will last.

Mrs. Ella M. Wade is a native of Daingerfield, Texas. She graduated with honors from J.J. Rhodes High School and attended Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, on a four-year flute scholarship and sang in the Colebridge Taylor Choral Society. After Mrs. Wade married Rev. James Commodore Wade, Jr in Van Alstyne, Texas, she worked as a substitute teacher and served at Samaria Baptist Church and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. After relocating to East Chicago, Indiana, Mrs. Wade served forty-five years in the Music Ministry at Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She instructed and directed the numerous choirs, from children to seniors. She now serves as Executive Consultant for the Music Ministry.
Mrs. Wade completed her Bachelor of Theology in Religious Education at GMOR Theological Institute. She also received an Honorary Degree in Sacred and Gospel Music from Global Evangelical Christian College and Seminary and has traveled to Oxford for extensive biblical studies. Mrs. Wade was the president of The General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Indiana, Matron Auxiliary, and Musician. Director of the "Youth Explosion" under the presidency of Rev. Dr. James Commodore Wade, Jr. She is the author of Simple Steps To Reach Each Child Now. She co-authors a GRIEF workbook that gives practical instructions on overcoming grief. Mrs. Wade was the Executive Director of the Zion Baptist Church Educational School for seventeen years. She served as the director of the Zion Community Development Drug Awareness and Prevention Program and the executive director of the J.E. Wade Ministries, Inc. G.R.I.E.F. outreach ministry and co-hosts weekly broadcasts on YouTube and Facebook Live.
Mrs. Wade continues to reside in East Chicago, Indiana, with her husband of fifty-nine years.
She has three children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She is a passionate mentor for young women and pastors' wives for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Lady Kyla Brantley has worked in administrative support for over fifteen years. She is the administrative specialist at Early College High School in the Charleston County School District. As an administrative specialist, Lady Brantley can fulfill her life's desire by helping others envision greater possibilities for themselves.
Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything Lady Brantley does professionally and personally. Her intense desire to help others lead to her co-founding The Agape Kids Afterschool Program in North Plainfield, New Jersey, and serving as its program coordinator. She has also done extensive volunteer work with children, youth, and women. Lady Brantley has been a planner/facilitator at regional youth conferences and a speaker at women's conferences.
For fifteen years, Kyla Brantley has been married to the love of her life, the Rev. Calbert Brantley. Together they are the parents of Candace Renee.
Lady Brantley believes that God uses her to encourage, equip, and empower people to reach their highest potential. As she leads and serves in ministry, she understands the complexity of skills needed to engage the mind, heart, and soul, so in the fall of 2023, she will begin her journey as a Master of Divinity student at Moravian Theological Seminary. One of her favorite scriptures is Isaiah 43:19a, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

Reverend Tracye Colette Chisholm-Penn was born and raised in Harlem, New York, and resides in Hamden, Connecticut. She serves as Minister of Christian Education at the Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut.
Reverend Penn has been involved in ministry for over thirty-five years. She was licensed to preach in 1988 by the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ under the pastoral leadership of the late Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker. She was the first woman to be ordained by the Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia, Connecticut, under the pastoral leadership of her husband, Reverend David Eugene Penn, Sr.
Reverend Penn earned her Bachelor of Arts from the City University of New York, where she majored in journalism and minored in African American studies. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, where she graduated with honors.
Reverend Penn is the director and COPP Dean of the Boise Kimber Christian Leadership School, an auxiliary of the Connecticut Missionary Baptist Convention Congress of Christian Education. She has been an instructor and a workshop facilitator for the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist, USA Inc. She has authored articles for the Board's Christian Education Magazine—The Informer.
Reverend Penn has been married for thirty-four years to Reverend David Eugene Penn Sr. They are the proud parents of five adult children and fourteen wonderful grandchildren.
Above all else, Reverend Penn is a servant of God who is determined to live for and glorify God all the days of her life.

Rosalind Campbell is a representation of grace and power. She is a Florida native and a graduate of Jacksonville University. Whether in ministry or professional life, Rosalind leads loves, motivates, and empowers others.
Mrs. Campbell has a B.G.S. in computer information management and is pursuing an MBA in business administration with a concentration in financial technology. She has parlayed her educational acumen into a career that includes work in various roles such as data management consultant, information management contractor, and system analyst.
Mrs. Campbell's work in the Kingdom of God will have an eternal impact. Her ministry work has consisted of High School Sunday School teacher, young adult Sunday School teacher, women ministry, Vacation Bible School teacher, praise team member, and conference speaker. Mrs. Campbell is currently serving as Recording Secretary of Interdenominational Ministers Wives & Widows Wives of Jacksonville.
Striving to be a "Titus 2 woman," she is thankful for the blessings of God in her husband of twenty-four years, Pastor Brian Campbell, and their beautiful daughter Briana.

Markesha Jartae was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She currently resides in Houston, Texas. She is the mother to one daughter. She is a middle school social studies teacher and licensed attorney. Markesha Jartae is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University and Western New England University School of Law. She is passionate about helping and motivating others to actively live their life on purpose through teaching and writing. She is an avid fan of learning and the Pittsburgh Steelers. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, bowling, wind therapy on her motorcycle, writing, the outdoors, watching football, and cooking shows.

Deborah Patton Lawson is a native and a resident of New Haven, Connecticut, raised in the Hill section of the city. She is the daughter of Lucille and the late Maceo Patton who taught her to keep God as the center of all that you do. Her religious roots stretch deep, as her grandparents, the Rev. Ogie and Pearl Bittle were vital influences in her Christian development as well.
She is the wife of Rev. Dr. Lonnell Lawson and serves as the Leading Lady of Powerhouse Temple Ministries, of New Haven, CT. Deborah is ecstatically the proud Mom of a beautifully blended family, consisting of three natural children and two Bonus children; along with a deluge of wonderful spiritual and heart birthed appendages who also are indeed …Debbie's Kids. Together, they all consistently give her life meaning.
Deborah is employed by the City of New Haven - New Haven Public Schools, as an Administrative Analyst for Head Start and has passionately worked with children and families for over 30 plus years. She possesses a strong commitment to assist in the empowerment of parents and the livelihood of families.
Most importantly, Deborah loves God and serving His people. Her desire is that her life is well lived and that it speaks as a testament of the goodness of God.
She can be reached at ptdchurch@yahoo.com and via Facebook and Instagram as well.

Keisha Washington is a dedicated educator with a passion for teaching English Language Arts to 12th-grade students in the NYC public school system. With 16 years of experience in the classroom, she has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. In addition to her work as a teacher, Mrs. Washington is actively involved in the Nyack branch of the NAACP planning committee, where she advocates for social justice and equality in education and is a member of the Rockland County Branch of the AAUW. She is a graduate of Delaware State University, where she was crowned Miss DSU, and holds a Master of Science degree in Urban Education from Mercy College (University).
Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Washington is deeply involved in her local and state community as a volunteer tutor at the Nyack Center, and as the Director of the Worship and Arts Ministry at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Nyack, NY where her husband is Pastor. Additionally, she is the Director of the Young People's Auxiliary of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention. Lastly, she serves as music ministry leader where she has over 20 years of experience.
Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Mrs. Washington is married to Pastor Carl L. Washington III. Together, they have four beautiful children who inspire her to make a difference in the world every day.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on September 27th, 1984, I, Crystal S. Boyce, am deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. I married my husband Dr. Reginald S. Boyce in February 2010. Together, we are blessed with four wonderful daughters: Trinity, Carrington, Reagan, and Raelynn. I've been a Pastor's Wife for fourteen years, and the First Lady of Riverside Missionary Baptist Church since August 2016.
A 2023 graduate of Lemoyne Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee, with a major in Social Work, I am passionate about making a positive impact in people's lives. As an entrepreneur, I channel my creativity and skills as a seamstress into my business.
Committed to serving the community, I proudly hold the role of CEO at Empower 901, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth in the city of Memphis. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to nurture potential and instill confidence in the next generation.
Within the church, I am honored to lead our Women's Ministry, known as WOW, where we foster fellowship, growth, and spiritual enrichment among our sisters in faith. My devotion to God, my unwavering support for my husband, and my love for my family serve as the guiding forces in all that I do.