FIRST LADY

Shelby D. Person, born Shelby Diana Lewis, is a woman of faith, excellence, and purpose. A native of Philadelphia, PA, she was born on February 19th at Germantown Hospital and is the third of five children born to Allen Lewis, Sr. and Sharon Lewis. She completed her early education in Philadelphia and finished high school in New Jersey before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and her Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University.
 

Professionally, Shelby has built a strong career in administration, having worked at CIGNA from 1999 to 2005 and then establishing herself at the University of Pennsylvania beginning in 2007. Her academic and professional journey reflects her dedication to growth, excellence, and service. Spiritually, Shelby was raised in the apostolic faith at the Philadelphia Way of the Cross Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop John E. Williams, Sr. She was baptized in Jesus’ name at 16 and filled with the Holy Ghost at 19, this being a life-changing experience she vividly recalls as both physically painful and spiritually powerful. Throughout her years at Way of the Cross, she served actively in the Children’s Choir, Youth for Christ Choir, and Women’s Department, and participated in ministry at both the local and international levels.
 

Her love for music and ministry extended beyond her home church. For eight years, Shelby served with Philadelphia's T.A. Davis & Restoration Fellowship Chorale as an Alto Section Leader, Administrative Assistant, and 3rd Vice President. It was there that she met her future husband, Overseer L. André Person, Sr.. The two were married on November 4, 2000, and are proud parents to Lamar Jr., Shaylen De’Lise, and their eldest son, Floyd Littles.
 

After joining her husband in ministry, Shelby embraced her evolving role, stepping into greater levels of leadership. Now affectionately known as “Lady P,” she serves as First Lady of New Harvest Temple, where she oversees the Music & Arts Department and the Women’s Department and supports the church’s administrative needs when needed. Her leadership is marked by a deep love for people and a desire to help others reach their God-given potential.
 

In July 2008, Shelby was licensed as a minister which gave her the room to began walking more fully in her prophetic call. Her heart is burdened for the people of God: to see them live, serve, and grow in the power and presence of the Lord.
 

Lady Shelby credits her commitment to excellence and structure to her upbringing, especially the influence of her mother Sharon Lewis, her godfather Thomas A. Davis, and her late pastor Bishop John E. Williams, Sr. Through every chapter of life, she has remained grounded in faith and focused on her God-given calling - to be a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a servant leader, and a vessel through whom God continues to move.