Basic Information
| Full Name | Serita Ann Jamison “Serita Jakes” |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Beckley, West Virginia, USA |
| Current Role | Executive Director of Women’s & Children’s Affairs, The Potter’s House |
| Education | Beckley High School; ongoing leadership seminars |
| Family | Wife of Bishop T.D. Jakes; mother of Jamar Jakes |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1M–$5M |
Biography & Early Life
Born Serita Ann Jamison on August 19, 1955, in Beckley, West Virginia, Serita Jakes overcame profound adversity from an early age. She lost her mother to Guillain–Barré syndrome and witnessed her brother’s tragic passing, experiences that forged her unshakable faith and resilience. Before finding her life’s partner, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Serita endured an abusive relationship that tested her spirit. These trials became the crucible in which her vision for women’s empowerment and emotional healing was forged.
After meeting T.D. Jakes in the late 1970s, she married him and moved to Dallas, Texas, where she embraced both ministry life and community leadership. There, she balanced raising two children—Craig and Jamar Jakes—with helping build one of America’s most influential megachurches, The Potter’s House.
Ministry & Empowerment Initiatives
As Executive Director of Women’s & Children’s Affairs at The Potter’s House, Serita Jakes spearheads several signature programs:
- God’s Leading Ladies Life Enrichment Program: A mentorship initiative equipping women with leadership tools, financial literacy workshops, and spiritual guidance.
- Distinctively Debs Youth Program: Empowering teenage girls through etiquette training, career exploration, and confidence-building retreats.
- Starting Over Ministry: Providing counseling and life-skill workshops for women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or major life transitions.
Under her oversight, these programs have served tens of thousands nationwide, combining practical skill development with spiritual encouragement. In 2023 alone, God’s Leading Ladies enrolled over 3,200 participants, with a 95% satisfaction rate in post-program surveys.
Authorship & Media Production
Serita Jakes is a prolific author whose books blend personal testimony with motivational insight:
| Title | Year | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| The Princess Within | 1999 | Self-worth & inner confidence |
| Beside Every Good Man | 2003 | Marriage & partnership |
| The Crossing | 2011 | Spiritual transitions |
Beyond print, she co-produced acclaimed faith-based films and documentaries such as Woman, Thou Art Loosed and Behind Closed Doors, amplifying her message to global audiences. Her contributions to television—guest appearances on The Dr. Phil Show and Oprah’s Next Chapter—have reached millions, further cementing her status as a leading voice in Christian empowerment media.
Public Image & Influence
Often addressed as “First Lady Serita Jakes” within her congregation, she commands respect for her authentic blend of vulnerability and authority. Major publications like Ebony, Essence, and The Washington Post have featured her life story and ministry impact, showcasing her as a model of compassionate leadership. On social media—Facebook (850K followers), Instagram (600K followers), and Twitter (350K followers)—she shares daily devotionals, behind-the-scenes ministry updates, and candid reflections on faith and perseverance.
Her influence extends beyond church walls into philanthropy and public speaking. She regularly headlines women’s conferences, entrepreneurial summits, and community forums, advocating for mental health awareness, educational access, and family unity.
Personal Resilience & Legacy
In 1982, Serita survived a near-fatal car accident that required extensive rehabilitation and deepened her empathy for those facing physical and emotional trauma. This personal journey inspired her to establish scholarship funds for survivors of abuse and illness, ensuring others receive the support she once needed.
Today, Serita Jakes’s legacy is measured not only by books sold or programs launched, but by the thousands of women and children whose lives have been transformed. Her partnerships with national nonprofits, like Women’s Empowerment International, demonstrate her commitment to sustainable change and intergenerational impact.
FAQ
1. What is Serita Jakes’s primary ministry role?
Serita Jakes serves as the Executive Director of Women’s & Children’s Affairs at The Potter’s House, overseeing empowerment and support programs.
2. How many books has Serita Jakes authored?
She has authored at least three bestselling books: The Princess Within, Beside Every Good Man, and The Crossing.
3. What inspired Serita Jakes’s advocacy work?
Her early life challenges—including loss, abuse, and a severe car accident—fueled her passion for guiding others through adversity.
4. Does Serita Jakes maintain a social media presence?
Yes, she is active on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where she shares inspirational content and ministry updates.
5. Who is Jamar Jakes?
Jamar Jakes is Serita’s eldest son and serves as a business executive within T.D. Jakes Enterprises.
