FIRST LADY

Shelby D Person, born Shelby Diana Lewis on February 19th in Philadelphia, PA at Germantown Hospital. She is the third child of five born to Allen Lewis, Sr. and Sharon Lewis. She received her early education in the Philadelphia school system and her high school education in the New Jersey school system. She later received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Phoenix Online, and her Master’s degree in The Arts of Theological Studies from Liberty University Online. She has established her career at the University of Pennsylvania since 2007 and before that, at CIGNA from 1999-2005.
 

Shelby was born and raised in the apostolic faith for 24 years 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 the age of 16 and received the Holy Ghost at age 19. Shelby always reflects on the experience of her receiving the Holy Ghost, as she recalls being in constant physical pain while praying with her mother by her side. However, she did not allow this to hinder her from receiving what God had for her. During her tenure at the Way of the Cross, Shelby was on the Children’s Choir and served faithfully on the Youth for Christ Choir and the Youth for Christ Department including the international body. She was also active in the Women’s Department along with various activities in and out of the church.
 

Shelby has shared her love of music and singing with ministries outside of her own church walls, helping others with Praise and Worship, structure, and teaching songs to various choirs. For eight years, she served on the music ministry of T.A. Davis & Restoration Fellowship Chorale as an Alto Section Leader, Administrative Assistant, and 3rd Vice President. During this time, she met the man that would sweep her off her feet and eventually join her in that ministry, Lamar Andre Person. On November 4, 2000, they were united in holy matrimony, and from this union were born two children, Lamar Jr. and Shaylen. In addition, they are also parents to their oldest son, Floyd Littles.

After joining her husband at his ministry, Shelby later became a member of the choir, praise and worship team, education department, and the youth and young adults. As time moved forward and her husband became Pastor, she found herself in leadership positions, shifting from being known as just “Shelby” to accepting her new role as First Lady Shelby Person. She now oversees the Music & Arts Department and the Women’s Department, as well fills in with administrative duties when needed.

First Lady Person, also affectionately known as “Lady P,” would never have imagined the life God has blessed her with today. She’s constantly amazed at how God has elevated and continues to bless her family. She was licensed as a Minister and recognized her prophetic calling in the Lord’s Church in July of 2008. As she continues to walk and growth in her preaching and prophetic call, her love for the people of God has grown heavy, as she desires to see people work to their fullest capacity and encounter the greatness of God.
 

First Lady Person is appreciative of her upbringing, despite many hardships. She contributes her natural and spiritual foundations of excellence and order to her mother – Sharon Lewis, her godfather – Thomas A. Davis, and her late, former pastor – Bishop John E. Williams, Sr. First Lady Person has made a vow to the Lord to use all that is within her to be the best wife and mother she can, while supporting her husband in ministry to fulfill the kingdom mandate.