Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Debra Denise Winans |
| Also Known As | Debra D. Winans; maiden name reported as Debra Johnson |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Author, motivational speaker |
| Notable Work | “Life Altered, Not Over!: My Silent Journey to Wholeness” (2022) |
| Known For | Public advocacy on healing and recovery; former spouse of gospel singer BeBe (Benjamin) Winans |
| Spouse | Benjamin “BeBe” Winans (married late 1980s; later divorced) |
| Children | Miya D. Winans; Benjamin (Benjamin Jr.) Winans |
| Public Activity | Late 1980s–present |
| Birth Date | Not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Themes | Personal growth, faith, resilience, life after divorce |
A Life Story of Resilience
Debra Denise Winans’s public journey is both intimate and expansive—woven from threads of love, faith, family, and the hard work of rebuilding. Emerging in the late 1980s as the spouse of a rising gospel star, her life unfolded alongside one of music’s most recognized faith families. Over time, she stepped boldly from the chorus line into her own spotlight, speaking to the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and the art of starting over.
Her book, “Life Altered, Not Over!: My Silent Journey to Wholeness,” published in 2022, stands as her signature work. In it, she explores the contours of change—how a life can be reborn after hardship, and how healing can be both personal and communal. Through her writing and speaking, she illustrates recovery as a practical discipline: daily choices, small steps, and a clear-eyed look at past seasons.
During her marriage to Benjamin “BeBe” Winans—commonly cited as beginning in 1987—Debra kept a relatively low public profile, centering on family and the private rhythms that often accompany those very public careers. The couple’s two children, Miya and Benjamin Jr., entered the story in the 1990s. Their names, mentioned in family features and press reports, reflect the heart of Debra’s life: she is a mother first, and an advocate who draws strength from her experience.
A widely reported legal episode in 2009 brought the family into public scrutiny, with a misdemeanor domestic-assault charge filed against BeBe that was later dismissed by a judge. Debra’s later interviews and speaking engagements address the emotional and practical aftermath of those years—without sensationalism, and with a focus on rebuilding, boundaries, and personal wholeness. The arc of her public message emphasizes recovery over recrimination, the future over the past.
Since 2022, Debra has given a series of interviews and appeared as a guest speaker, sharing lessons learned, faith practices, and encouragement for those navigating divorce and transition. She speaks plainly and with warmth. Her voice is measured yet vivid—like a lighthouse cutting through fog, pointing toward steadier waters.
Family and Personal Relationships
| Name | Relation | Notes | Key Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin “BeBe” Winans (b. 1962) | Ex-spouse | Gospel singer; one of ten siblings in the Winans family | Marriage commonly reported in 1987; later divorced |
| Miya D. Winans | Daughter | Reported as approximately 14 years old in 2009 | Approx. birth year: mid-1990s |
| Benjamin (Benjamin Jr.) Winans | Son | Reported as approximately 11 years old in 2009 | Approx. birth year: late 1990s |
| Winans Family (context) | Extended family by marriage | Prominent gospel family including siblings Marvin, Carvin, Michael, Daniel, Ronald, BeBe, CeCe, Angie, Debbie | Public prominence: 1980s–present |
Notes:
- Debra’s connection to the Winans family is primarily through marriage, not blood relation.
- Ages mentioned for the children in 2009 provide approximate birth years; exact dates are not publicly disclosed.
Career, Work, and Public Voice
- Author: Debra’s 2022 book centers on transformation after marital dissolution, emphasizing practical steps toward healing, self-respect, and renewed purpose.
- Motivational Speaker: Since the book’s release, she has addressed audiences in interviews, podcasts, and local TV segments, focusing on resilience, faith, and navigating life transitions.
- Themes: Personal boundaries, emotional recovery, parenting after divorce, rediscovering identity, and faith-informed growth.
- Approach: Clear, empathetic, and solutions-oriented—she favors grounded insights over grand proclamations, encouraging listeners to adopt steady routines that lead to change.
Public Appearances & Media Highlights
| Year | Platform | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Author interviews and podcasts | Book release, journey to wholeness, reflections on family life |
| 2023 | Local TV features | Life after divorce; living with purpose beyond public labels |
| 2024–2025 | Ongoing online interviews and clips | Continued advocacy; personal development themes |
Her public appearances often feature intimate storytelling—moments that breathe, pause, and invite reflection—paired with actionable guidance. She acknowledges pain yet chooses to emphasize growth. It’s less a spotlight than a campfire: a place to warm hands and hear truth.
Extended Timeline
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Late 1980s (commonly cited as 1987) | Marriage to Benjamin “BeBe” Winans |
| 1990s | Birth of two children: Miya and Benjamin Jr. |
| 2009 | Highly publicized legal charge filed against BeBe; later dismissed by a judge |
| 2010s | Lower public profile; private life and occasional appearances |
| 2022 | Publication of “Life Altered, Not Over!: My Silent Journey to Wholeness” |
| 2023 | Local TV coverage highlighting Debra’s message of life after divorce |
| 2024–2025 | Continued speaking and interview presence, focusing on recovery and purpose |
Name Variants and Public Record Notes
- Name usage varies by era and outlet: Debra Denise Winans is also presented as Debra D. Winans, with older reporting referencing her maiden name, Debra Johnson.
- Certain personal details—such as specific birth date or early career roles beyond writing and speaking—are not widely disclosed in public records.
- Discussions of 2009 coverage are typically contextual and balanced with the legal outcome that followed.
FAQ
Who is Debra Denise Winans?
She is an author and motivational speaker known for her personal recovery narrative and her former marriage to gospel singer BeBe Winans.
What book did she write?
Her book is “Life Altered, Not Over!: My Silent Journey to Wholeness,” published in 2022.
Is she still married to BeBe Winans?
No. Their marriage began in the late 1980s and later ended in divorce.
How many children does she have?
She has two children: Miya and Benjamin (Benjamin Jr.).
What does she focus on in her speaking?
She emphasizes healing after hardship, boundaries, faith-informed growth, and practical steps toward personal wholeness.
Did she address the 2009 incident publicly?
Yes, she has discussed its emotional impact while underscoring resilience and the importance of moving forward.
Why are there different names used for her?
Public sources reference Debra D. Winans and her maiden name, Debra Johnson; these reflect different periods of her life.
Where can people hear her interviews?
Her interviews and features appear across online platforms and local TV segments.
