Who Was Cora Jakes’ Ex-Husband? The Story of Her Marriage
If you’ve followed faith-based leadership or the influential Jakes family, you’ve likely heard of Cora Jakes, the eldest daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes. She’s a minister, author, and motivational speaker known for her inspiring words about faith, perseverance, and overcoming life’s challenges. But over the past few years, one question has frequently surfaced among followers and fans: who was Cora Jakes’ ex-husband? The answer is that her former husband was Richard Brandon Coleman, a rapper who performed under the name SkiiVentura. The two were married for nearly a decade before separating in 2022 amid a difficult and highly publicized controversy. Their story, from marriage to eventual divorce, is one filled with lessons about faith, resilience, and healing.
Who Is Cora Jakes?
Before delving into her relationship and divorce, it’s important to understand who Cora Jakes is. Born on July 19, 1987, Cora Jakes Coleman is the eldest daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes. As part of one of the most prominent Christian families in the United States, Cora grew up surrounded by ministry and leadership. However, she has carved her own path, becoming an accomplished writer and faith leader known for her authenticity and transparency.
Cora serves as the Executive Director of Destiny House Children’s Ministry at The Potter’s House Church in Dallas, Texas. She’s also the author of two inspirational books, Faithing It: Bringing Purpose Back to Your Life and Ferocious Warrior: Dismantle Your Enemy and Rise, both of which blend personal experience with biblical teaching. Her work focuses heavily on faith in the face of adversity—something that became even more meaningful after the challenges she faced in her personal life.
Who Was Cora Jakes’ Ex-Husband?
Cora Jakes’ ex-husband, Richard Brandon Coleman, is a rapper and music producer who went by the stage name SkiiVentura. Before their marriage, Coleman was an aspiring musician with a modest following. Not much was publicly known about him outside of his relationship with Cora, as he preferred to stay away from the spotlight that naturally surrounded the Jakes family.
According to interviews and posts shared by Cora in the early years of their marriage, Richard appeared to share her Christian faith and dedication to family. Their union seemed built on mutual respect and shared values. However, as years went by, their marriage faced difficulties that would later lead to its dissolution.
Their Marriage and Family Life
Cora Jakes and Richard Coleman were married on June 4, 2011, in a beautiful ceremony attended by family and close friends. For years, they appeared to have a happy and loving relationship. They often shared pictures together, celebrating milestones and encouraging others to stay strong in faith and marriage.
One of the most well-known aspects of their marriage was their journey to parenthood. Cora was open about her struggles with infertility, a deeply personal challenge she faced with grace and courage. Instead of giving up on her dream of motherhood, she and Richard chose adoption, welcoming two children into their family—Amauri and Jason. Cora often spoke about how adoption had transformed her life and allowed her to live out her purpose as a mother.
For nearly a decade, Cora and Richard presented the image of a faithful, loving couple raising their children under Christian values. Yet behind the scenes, the relationship was reportedly deteriorating due to issues that eventually became public in 2022.
The Divorce Announcement
In January 2022, Cora Jakes shocked her followers when she announced on social media that she and her husband were separating. Her statement was heartfelt but guarded, reflecting both her faith and her desire for privacy during a painful time.
She wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my husband and I have decided to divorce. This is a very private and personal matter, and I kindly ask for your prayers as I navigate this season.”
Her message didn’t include details or reasons for the split, but she emphasized that her faith in God remained strong. Fans and church members rallied around her with messages of support and compassion, admiring the grace with which she handled the situation.
At the time of her announcement, few could have anticipated the darker developments that would soon follow.
The Legal Allegations Against Richard Coleman
In the months after their separation, news broke that Richard Brandon Coleman, Cora’s ex-husband, had been arrested and charged with serious crimes involving the alleged sexual abuse of a minor. According to reports from multiple faith-based news outlets, Coleman was detained in Texas in early 2022 and remained in custody awaiting trial.
The situation quickly became a scandal that put the entire Jakes family under scrutiny, though neither Cora nor her parents were implicated in any wrongdoing. In fact, Cora made it clear through statements and her legal team that she had no involvement in the alleged crimes and that her focus was on protecting her children and moving forward with her life.
The case drew even more attention when a woman named Michelle Loud, reportedly the biological mother of one of Cora’s adopted children, came forward with accusations that she had been manipulated into giving up her child. Loud alleged that Cora used “spiritual influence” to pressure her into signing over custody. Cora denied those claims, calling them untrue and deeply hurtful.
The controversy placed immense public pressure on Cora, who was already dealing with the emotional toll of her divorce and the shocking allegations against her ex-husband. Despite this, she maintained her faith and continued to focus on her ministry, often sharing messages about healing, forgiveness, and the strength that comes from God during times of trial.
Life After Divorce
Since the end of her marriage, Cora Jakes has rededicated herself to her faith and her family. She has continued to raise her two children as a single mother and remains an active leader in her church community. While she has kept a relatively low public profile since the scandal, she occasionally shares updates about her life and ministry, always pointing back to her message of perseverance and faith.
Cora has spoken about how pain can become a pathway to purpose. She encourages others who have gone through betrayal, heartbreak, or loss to find strength in God’s plan. Her transparency about her struggles—both emotional and spiritual—has made her an even more relatable figure to followers around the world.
Though her marriage to Richard Coleman ended painfully, it’s clear that Cora’s focus now lies in creating a positive, faith-filled environment for her children and continuing to inspire others through her ministry.
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