Leading Ladies
Lady Deborah Wiggins
First Lady of the International Bishops' Conference USA — leading the Leading Ladies initiative with grace, wisdom, and a heart for the wives of the episcopate.
A Word from the First Lady
"Called to walk alongside, to listen, and to lift."
Lady Deborah Wiggins serves as the heart of the Leading Ladies initiative — a sisterhood of episcopal wives committed to spiritual companionship, personal wellness, and the quiet, sacred work of supporting the bishopric.
With decades of ministry experience walking beside Archbishop Allen Wiggins, Lady Deborah brings a depth of understanding to the unique calling of an episcopal spouse. Her ministry centers on hospitality, intercession, and the cultivation of safe spaces for sisters in this distinct ministry assignment.
Bio
Lady Deborah Wiggins — "Lady D"
Deborah Wiggins is happily married to Archbishop Allen T.D. Wiggins, and together they've built a beautiful family. She is the proud mother of five and grandmother of four — her family remains her greatest joy and the heartbeat of her life.
For over 40 years, Lady Deborah has poured her heart into The Hope Church, serving faithfully in various leadership roles and ministry efforts. For the past 25 years, she's had the honor of standing alongside her husband as Senior Leaders of the ministry — a journey she considers one of the greatest privileges of her life. Beyond her role as First Lady of The Hope Church, she is an ordained minister and the loving Founder and Executive Director of Real1stlady International Ministry, Inc.She also serves as Leading Lady of The International Bishops Conference's ministry to the Bishop's Wives, pouring into and uplifting other women walking alongside their husbands in ministry.
In 2009, she opened her heart to share her story in her self-published book, My Testimony – Life, Lessons and Legacy. Many also know and love her as the owner and operator of The Lady's Place, and fondly remember her time as a member of the Current Ladies on Good Life TV 45.
Lady Deborah's impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was honored as Woman of the Year by Orlando Magazine, recognized by Orlando Family Magazine as one of Orlando's Super Women, and celebrated by Central Florida Magazine as its Woman Next Door — a beautiful reflection of the love and respect she's earned throughout the community.
Lady Deborah's life is anchored by Revelation 12:11 — "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." This scripture is more than words to her — it's the foundation of how she lives and shares her testimony, trusting in God's power to transform lives. More than anything, Lady Deborah simply desires to walk faithfully as a woman of God: a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a spiritual mother to everyone she's blessed to embrace along the way.
About the Leading Ladies
The Leading Ladies of +I+B+C+, Inc. USA is a fellowship dedicated to the wives of bishops within the conference — providing care, mentorship, retreats, and continuing education that honor the weight and joy of their calling. Building upon the foundation laid by Mother Reathie Bailey, the initiative carries forward a legacy of sisterhood, prayer, and practical support.
Pillars of Ministry
- + Mentorship — Pairing seasoned First Ladies with newer episcopal spouses for guidance and friendship.
- + Retreat & Renewal — Annual gatherings devoted to rest, worship, and intentional sisterhood.
- + Training & Etiquette — Equipping in protocol, public presence, and the practical demands of episcopal life.
- + Intercession — A standing prayer covering for the bishops, their families, and the fellowship.
"Ministry to one another is the holy work that holds the house together."
— Lady Deborah Wiggins