Cora Jakes’ Husband: A Story of Faith, Love, and Redemption Amid Personal Trials
Cora Jakes is more than just the eldest daughter of globally renowned Bishop T.D. Jakes—she is a powerhouse in her own right. As an author, spiritual advisor, and prayer warrior, Cora has inspired thousands with her messages of healing, faith, and perseverance. But behind the public ministry is a personal story that’s drawn both admiration and concern—her marriage to Richard Brandon Coleman. Their journey began in faith, endured hardship, and ended in separation. This article takes a deep, thoughtful look into their union, exploring the highs and lows, while also reflecting on the strength Cora has demonstrated as she moves forward.
Who Is Cora Jakes?
Born into a household of influence and ministry, Cora Jakes grew up under the spiritual leadership of Bishop T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes. But she carved her own path within that framework. Cora developed a passion for helping others early in life, particularly women who have suffered trauma, infertility, or emotional pain. She leads the children’s ministry at The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, and is the author of books like Faithing It and Ferocious Warrior, both of which blend personal storytelling with practical guidance for spiritual growth.
Her authenticity—often candid about her struggles with infertility and emotional battles—has made her a relatable figure to many believers seeking healing through faith. Cora’s ability to blend vulnerability with empowerment set the tone for her public ministry and also attracted admiration for how she approached marriage and motherhood.
The Love Story: Meeting Richard Brandon Coleman
In the early 2010s, Cora met Christian rapper Richard Brandon Coleman, known by his stage name SkiiVentura. Their connection was rooted in shared spirituality, ambition, and a desire to use their platforms for kingdom-building. In June 2011, the two were married in a private ceremony held at the home of her parents. Bishop T.D. Jakes officiated, and what followed was a partnership that many admired from the outside.
Richard brought a creative energy to the relationship. As a gospel-inspired hip-hop artist, he released songs that mirrored his faith journey, hardships, and aspirations. Together, the couple projected an image of modern ministry—a blending of tradition and contemporary expression, united in purpose and grounded in God.
The Trials: Infertility, Faith, and Adoption
Cora has long been transparent about her battle with infertility. Despite several attempts at in vitro fertilization, she was unable to conceive biologically. Rather than being defined by that loss, she and Richard turned toward adoption—a decision Cora described as both faith-driven and healing.
They adopted two children: a daughter named Amauri and a son named Jason. Cora often shared her joy in motherhood, posting inspiring messages and anecdotes about raising her children. Her faith, she said, was what sustained her through the disappointment of infertility and led her to discover the beauty of adoption.
She became a vocal advocate for women dealing with reproductive struggles, reminding her audience that God’s plan for motherhood doesn’t always follow a conventional path. For years, she and Richard appeared as a united front—devoted parents, faith leaders, and creative partners.
Cracks in the Foundation: Rumors and Repercussions
In early 2022, Cora stunned her followers with an announcement on social media: she had filed for divorce from Richard Brandon Coleman. She did not initially offer specific details, asking only for prayers and privacy as she navigated a personal storm. What followed shocked many.
In May 2022, news emerged that Richard had been arrested and charged with sexually abusing one of their adopted children. The accusations were grave and deeply painful. While the legal process is ongoing, the allegations placed a spotlight on the very private trials the family was enduring behind the scenes. Cora, along with the entire Jakes family, publicly distanced herself from Richard and expressed a firm commitment to protecting the children and upholding justice.
Faith in the Fire: Cora’s Public Response
Cora’s response was firm but gracious. In her official statements, she didn’t express bitterness—only sorrow, resolve, and an unflinching devotion to her children’s well-being. She leaned into her ministry and continued offering spiritual guidance to others facing betrayal, heartbreak, and devastation.
In an Instagram post following the news, she wrote: “I have fought with everything I had to keep my marriage, and keep my family whole. It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I am ending my marriage.” Her message struck a chord: the warrior of faith was still standing, but now with a wounded heart and a sharpened sense of purpose.
The Community’s Response: Support and Scrutiny
The faith community responded with an outpouring of support. Many praised her for handling the situation with transparency and grace. Others raised questions about how abuse could occur within a household so grounded in spiritual leadership. Cora never avoided the discomfort. Instead, she acknowledged the pain and took steps to rebuild trust in both her family and her platform.
Since the announcement, she has remained focused on her children, her ministry, and her personal healing journey. Though she’s shared fewer personal details online, her public work continues to offer strength to others facing similar struggles.
Who Is Richard Brandon Coleman?
Richard was known as a creative and expressive figure within Christian circles. As SkiiVentura, his music fused modern beats with Christian messaging, making faith more accessible to a younger audience. He had a unique style and presence, often promoting hope, identity, and personal growth through his lyrics.
But his arrest cast a shadow on his public image and called into question the dynamic within their household. As of now, legal proceedings are ongoing. Cora has not spoken further about the case, choosing instead to focus on protecting her children and continuing her ministry.
Looking Forward: A Woman Reborn
Today, Cora Jakes is rebuilding—not just her public image, but her life. She’s more than just the daughter of a famous preacher or the former wife of a Christian rapper. She is a woman who has faced personal betrayal, public scandal, and motherhood under fire—and who has chosen to keep walking in faith.
She has resumed teaching, praying, and writing. Her messages now carry an even deeper resonance. She speaks as someone who has walked through the fire and lived to tell about it. Whether she’s preaching from a stage or sharing wisdom online, her words are sharper, wiser, and more relatable than ever.
Conclusion: Love, Loss, and the Grace to Continue
The story of Cora Jakes and her husband, Richard Brandon Coleman, is not a fairytale. It’s a testimony—of love found, trust broken, and grace rediscovered. It’s a real-life reminder that even those who lead must sometimes limp. Cora’s journey through marriage, heartbreak, and renewal reflects the reality many women face, but rarely speak about openly.
She remains an advocate, a mother, a minister, and a woman of God—flawed but fierce. In her words, in her silence, and in her survival, Cora Jakes continues to teach us that faith is not about perfection. It’s about getting back up when life tries to knock you down—and helping others do the same.
Featured image source: julieroys.com
