When Love Smiled At Me Again – Dr Julia Fortune

Only few women are as lucky as Dr Julia Fortune. For her, everything falls in place at its time. Even when it looked like gloomy times, Dr Julia Fortune always comes out stronger!

From a near denial of a university opportunity, she went on to achieve her educational desire, left for America, conquered the corporate world, and more, because as she said, God had a special place in His blossom for her! In place of loss, Dr Julia got gains and she shares her now robust lifestyle with us in this interview. Enjoy…

You are a Bishop now, but looking back, did you as a youth envision that you would be one?

Honestly, I don’t believe that most children growing up in a secular world even those who attend church regularly envision a life in ministry from an early age. Those who do are, in my opinion, a rare breed. For most of us, our journey of faith unfolds gradually. As we grow and mature in the Word, embracing Jesus as our Savior, getting baptized in water and by the Holy Spirit, we begin to recognize where we are being called to serve.

? Dr. Julia Fortune with husband

I didn’t start out with aspirations of becoming a Bishop. My heart’s desire was simply to serve God to the best of my ability. Everything else, every step forward has been Him leading the way. We see in Exodus 9:1 how God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh and declare, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” Our calling, at its core, is to be servants of God, and Christ Himself remains the greatest example of what true servanthood looks like.

That said, the office of Bishop is a weighty responsibility, and being a female Bishop comes with its own set of challenges. There are traditional views on a few scriptural verses and controversies that insist this role should be occupied solely by men. However, the same scripture reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:12-17 that all who desire to live a godly life will face opposition, but we are also equipped through the Word for every good work. My journey to this office wasn’t one of personal ambition but of divine appointment. The vision for this role came later in life, and so did the support, particularly from the Cardinal of the West African College of Missionary Bishops (WACOMBS), who recognized the calling upon my life.

So, no, I didn’t envision this path as a child, but looking back, I see how every step, every challenge, and every act of obedience led me here. And for that, I am grateful.

What were your early days like? Who inspired you the most, your mom or dad?

I was born at Clifford Street in Ebute Meta, Lagos, and my early days were filled with laughter, exploration, and a strong sense of community. I was raised by my maternal grandmother whom I called “Mami”, the late Mama Sabina Aduke Yetunde Omololu (née Weekse) of Sierra Leone descent and from my pre teen years to early adulthood by my biological mother now late Mrs Esther Taiwo Ilori (née Aiyeola) from Isonyin and late Papa Sunday Oyebode Fagbenro from Ibadan, Oyo State and other extended family members. I was a child raised by “everyone” and referred to by many relatives as “Gbogbo Irawo” meaning “all the stars”. A Destiny Child!

School was always an exciting time for me. My late aunt, Abioye Omololu-Ediale, and I would walk to Mount Carmel Convent School together—it wasn’t too far from home. I was quite playful and often got into trouble for staying out with friends after school instead of heading straight home!

Interestingly, neither my mother nor my father directly inspired me because I wasn’t raised by them. I was primarily brought up by my maternal grandmother (Mami) and her extended family. In fact, I met my mother for the first time when I was 12 and my father a year later. Everything I am today, my strength, resilience, ambition, sense of justice, and drive to succeed—I owe to my grandmother and my only surviving aunt, Mrs. Adetoun Adesola (née Omololu), whom I fondly call “Sisi Mi,” as well as my grandaunts and granduncles. I recollected Sisi Mi taking late Abioye and myself to family members house at Oduduwa Way in Ikeja, where I was exposed to elegance and finesse and the world of Entertainment, Arts and Culture. Now, you see where my love for Theatre Arts came from.

I always look forward to spending my holidays and Christmas breaks with aunty Abimbola Omololu (neé Da Rocha-Afodu) and her husband. One of my fondest memories is sitting on my granduncle Justice Omololu’s lap—he was a respected judicial official and diplomat while he asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. At that time, becoming a Bishop wasn’t even on my radar! I told him I wanted to go to university and be successful in business, and by God’s grace, I achieved both.

Life took a turn when my mother and stepfather returned from England. They moved me from Babalola Memorial Girls Grammar School in Ilesa to Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School in Surulere. After high school, I went on to Federal Government College, Odogbolu, and later, the University of Ibadan.

So, while my biological parents weren’t the ones who shaped me the most, I was deeply influenced by the incredible family that surrounded me, particularly my grandmother and aunt. Their love, wisdom, and unwavering support made me who I am today.

As a girl child then, did education come easy to you? Your educational background and what inspired you to higher learning?

Education has always been a central part of my life, and I excelled in school from an early age. I was, and still am, highly self-motivated and driven to succeed. I took charge of my own learning, always surrounding myself with people who could support and share in my vision. I was fortunate to grow up in a culture that valued education, but I also recognize that many girls around the world are denied even the simplest opportunities to learn.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be successful in business, and I understood that achieving this goal would require more than just a single degree—I needed at least a master’s degree. However, my mother and stepfather had a different plan for me. They decided that I should attend a teacher’s college (NCE). While I have the utmost respect for the teaching profession, it was not at the Teacher’s training NCE career path I had envisioned for myself.

It was during the summer after completing high school at Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (LAGGS) that my educational journey took a dramatic turn. I had the opportunity to work a summer job at a prestigious construction firm in Ijora, Lagos. There, I spoke with an accountant about my aspirations and the challenge of being sent to teacher training school instead of university. He handed me an application for the Federal Government Colleges, and I applied. I was accepted into Federal Government College, Odogbolu, and this decision changed the course of my life. My biological mother, recognizing my determination, supported me in pursuing my educational dreams.

I later gained admission to the University of Ibadan, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Education, English, and Theater Arts. Knowing my journey would eventually lead me to the United States, I applied to San Jose State University in California. I was accepted, got married to the father of my 4 biological children prior to departing Nigeria, and then traveled to America to pursue my master’s degree in Education and Instructional Technology.

Years later, during my battle with advanced breast cancer from 2007-2011., I felt a strong desire to deepen my understanding of healthcare. I enrolled at the University of Maryland University College, where I earned a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. More recently, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning a Doctorate in Biblical Studies. I enjoyed learning, exploring information, experimenting with concepts and applying knowledge. There is this quote about learning “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you”- B.B.King.

Through it all, God has been in control, guiding my path and granting me wisdom. My journey in education has been one of faith, resilience, and unwavering determination.

At what point did marriage come to you?

Well, even bookworms need to get out sometimes! And that was certainly the case for me. While growing up in my neighborhood, I met a young man who was a couple of years older than me. He was my first real boyfriend, but as life would have it, he left for the United States to further his studies, and over time, we lost touch.

Years later, fate had its own plan. His immediate senior sister happened to see me on Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) Ibadan, where I was co-hosting the “Youth Forum” program alongside the late veteran broadcaster, Prince Gbade Sanda. She reconnected us, and from there, everything fell into place.

The rest, as they say, is history. We got married and were blessed with four wonderful children. Looking back, I believe that divine timing played a role in our journey. It was never something I actively planned or pursued—it just happened at the right time, in the right way, and with the right person.

You later went into the corporate world, did you enjoy it and how did you cope as a young working mother all those years?

It was certainly an interesting journey. After graduating from San Jose State University, I had my first taste of the corporate world as a Systems Analyst and Programmer. I underwent intensive training in coding, first learning binary (machine language) and later transitioning to assembly language, which is a more human-readable representation of machine code. It was a fascinating and challenging field, but just as I was gaining momentum in my career, life took an unexpected turn—I became pregnant and had to put my professional aspirations on hold to focus on my growing family.

Being married to an Electrical Engineer specializing in Regulatory Compliance, I soon found myself transitioning into entrepreneurship. Together, we started a business in the engineering compliance field, ensuring that companies adhered to government regulations and industry standards before selling electrical appliances. My role was to oversee the operational processes, coordinate administrative tasks, and ensure seamless functionality across departments. In many ways, I was the glue that held the business together, allowing my husband, the CEO, to focus on engineering, client communications, and traveling to our satellite offices.

While I valued the experience and the sense of accomplishment that came with it, balancing home and work was incredibly demanding. I was managing toddlers and pregnancies while working into the early hours of the morning, sometimes until 2 or 3 a.m. Looking back, I realize I failed to set clear boundaries between my personal and professional life, which left me overwhelmed and exhausted. I was deeply involved in my husband’s career, to the point that I felt consumed by it.

As a young working mother, I wish I had been more intentional about prioritizing my well-being and managing stress effectively. It was a learning experience that shaped me in many ways, teaching me the importance of balance, boundaries, and self-care—things I now emphasize in my personal and professional life.

When can you recall was the best part of your marriage?

The best part of my marriage was during its humble beginnings when God was truly at the center of everything we did. We prayed together, attended church as a couple, and built our foundation on Christ-centered values. There was a deep sense of unity, purpose, and shared faith that strengthened our bond. Those early years were filled with hope, dreams, and a commitment to walking through life together with God as our guide.

One of the moments that stands out most was during my challenges with multiple miscarriages. It was a heartbreaking and emotionally draining period, yet his unwavering support, patience, and compassion carried me through. He was always there, offering words of encouragement, praying with me, and reminding me that we were in this journey together. His understanding and strength during those difficult times meant the world to me.

Looking back, I cherish those moments when faith, love, and partnership were deeply intertwined. Marriage, like life, has its seasons, and while challenges may come, I will always be grateful for the times when we leaned on God and each other to navigate them together.

When would you consider the lowest moment in your marriage?

The lowest moment in my marriage came during the last 2 years of the 16 years of marriage when betrayal unraveled everything we had built. The devastating divorce was not just a personal heartbreak but a deeply traumatic experience that affected everyone involved directly or indirectly in the marriage. It was a period of immense pain, self-reflection, and resilience. However, through faith, inner strength, and support, I found the courage to rebuild, emerging stronger and more determined to create a life rooted in peace and purpose.

When it was so obvious that the marriage was gone, how did you feel and what did you do?

The realization that my marriage was over came when emotional support faded, and indifference replaced connection. When one person disregards the partnership and claims sole ownership of what was built together, it creates deep resentment and detachment. I experienced the “walk-away wife syndrome,” where I became emotionally withdrawn, deeply unhappy, and ultimately made the difficult decision to leave. It was heartbreaking, but I knew staying would only prolong the pain. Walking away was an act of self-preservation, allowing me to reclaim my peace, rebuild my life, and find strength in God rather than my own resilience.

At what point did you find Christ?

Although I was raised in the church, my true encounter with Christ didn’t happen until I came to America. We started attending a Christ-centered church in San Jose, where the teaching was deeply rooted in the Word of God. It was there that I felt Jesus calling me—not just to believe in Him, but to fully surrender my life in both word and action. That moment was transformational. I made a conscious decision to walk with Him, and that journey has continued for over 40 years. Through life’s ups and downs, my faith has remained my anchor, guiding my decisions, shaping my purpose, and strengthening me in ways I never imagined. Accepting Christ fully was the best decision I ever made.

What urged you on in those early days you were sowing into church and ministry?

My commitment to giving was deeply rooted in my obedience to Scripture and my desire to be spiritually fed by the Word. I understood early on that for churches and ministries to continue impacting lives positively, they must be sustained through generous giving. I have always prayed for God’s blessings—just as He blessed Abraham, David, and Solomon—not for personal gain, but so I could be a blessing to others. My greatest joy has been seeing the Church thrive, witnessing lives transformed, and knowing that souls are being won for Christ. Giving has never been an obligation for me; it has always been a privilege and a testament of my faith, trusting that God will always provide and multiply Hisgoodness.

At a point you were shuttling between the U.S. and Nigeria, did you consider a return to corporate life or just decide to face the ministry?

Honestly, I have always had a deep desire to give back to Nigeria, the country of my birth. My initial travels back and forth were focused on setting up businesses that would not only create employment opportunities for Nigerians but also provide essential goods and services that would benefit communities. Of course, as a businessperson, profit was also part of the equation. However, no matter where I was whether in the U.S. or Nigeria—I carried Christ with me.

While I had a home church in the U.S., I also sought out churches to worship in while in Nigeria. It was during one of my trips that I was ordained as a pastor in 2015. Despite this ordination, I never felt called to lead a church or serve as a full-time minister within a church structure. My calling has always been in evangelism—whether that means traveling from church to church, much like the apostles did, or leveraging modern technology to reach millions of people across the world.

So while corporate endeavors were still part of my journey, ministry was always at the core of my mission. My passion has been to merge business, faith, and service, using every platform available to impact lives and spread the Gospel.

At what point did love and marriage smile at you again?

It’s funny how life works sometimes. In June of 2010, some of my dear friends here in the U.S. decided without my permission, mind you, to sign me up for an online dating site. Given my past experiences, I was understandably hesitant. Online dating, in many ways, is like a buffet—so many choices, with people seeking different things. Some are looking for casual connections, while others are searching for something more meaningful.

Being the structured person that I am, I approached it with a plan. I had prepared a series of questions—several lists, actually designed to help me gauge sincerity and compatibility. Then, in late July, I received a nudge from a man who, at first glance, seemed to be my complete opposite. He was the yin to my yang. The only two things we had in common were our faith—though our church backgrounds were quite different and our shared conservative values.

Adding to the intrigue, he didn’t even live in the same state! Despite this, we began communicating, first through the website, then via email. As the conversations progressed, we built a foundation of honesty and trust. By October, he suggested we meet in person, but I wanted to be sure it was the right time. Instead of Veteran’s Day, I invited him to a special church event at the end of October. He agreed, and then, to my amazement, he drove nine hours, covering 600 miles, just to meet me!

From the beginning, we invited God to be at the center of our relationship. Our courtship and engagement were conducted according to biblical principles, and in March 2011, we became husband and wife. Given the distance between our families, we had two wedding receptions—one in his town right after the wedding and another at my church a few months later.

Now, nearly 15 years since we first met and 14 years into our marriage, I can confidently say that love smiled at me again. We share a Christ-centered marriage, and our love for each other continues to grow every single day.

What readily gave you the confidence to try love again?

Honestly, it wasn’t an easy decision. After experiencing heartbreak, I wasn’t eager to open my heart again. But over time, through prayer and deep reflection, I realized that God never designed us to live in fear—especially fear of love. I had to trust that He had a plan for my life, and if love was part of that plan, I needed to be open to receiving it.

What gave me confidence was knowing my worth in Christ. I had grown emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I wasn’t looking for someone to complete me—I was already whole in God. Instead, I was looking for a partner who shared my values, faith, and vision for the future. When I met my husband, his integrity, kindness, and unwavering faith reassured me that love, when centered on God, could be beautiful. That gave me the confidence to embrace it again.

Do you still see your children? How does he cope with them and how do you cope with his children?

Absolutely! We see and talk to our children regularly, despite being spread across different states. Three of our children live in Southern California, one in Oregon, one is serving in the military and currently stationed in Utah, and another resides in Alabama. Distance may separate us physically, but we remain connected as a family.

One thing we’ve been intentional about in our marriage is embracing each other’s children as our own. We don’t differentiate between “his” and “mine”—they are all our children. Of course, they recognize us as stepmother and stepfather, but within our hearts, there’s no distinction. Respect has always been the foundation of our blended family, and we make it clear that respect is something to be earned, not simply given.

Our children, ranging in age from 43 to 22, have grown into remarkable individuals, with all but one earning at least a bachelor’s degree. As parents, our role is to support them, to listen, to offer advice (even when unsolicited), and, most importantly, to cover them in prayer. We are also blessed with four grandsons, and before the end of 2025, we will welcome our first granddaughter. Through it all, we continue to build a home where love, unity, and faith remain at the center.

If you were to sum your life up and describe it at this moment, what would you say?

If I were to sum up my life at this moment, I would say it has been a journey of faith, resilience, and purpose. I have walked through seasons of joy and success, as well as trials that tested my strength and character. Every step has been guided by God’s grace, and through it all, I have learned to trust in His divine plan.

I see my life as a testament to perseverance—proof that no matter the setbacks, with faith and determination, one can rise again. I have built a career, navigated the corporate world, embraced the beauty of ministry, and raised a family. I have known love, experienced loss, and yet, I stand stronger, wiser, and more committed to living with purpose.

At this stage in my life, I am deeply fulfilled, pouring into others, sharing my story, and using my experiences to uplift and empower. My greatest joy now is in giving back—whether through mentorship, ministry, or simply being a source of encouragement. Life is a continuous unfolding of God’s will, and I embrace each new chapter with gratitude and expectation for all that is yet to come.

These days do you still go out, catch fun or hang out with your husband? Do you dance?

Absolutely! My husband and I make it a priority to spend quality time together, and we intentionally plan date nights at least twice a month. We enjoy going to the beach, catching a movie, or visiting the many museums here in Corpus Christi. Traveling is something we both love, so we often take road trips to the Texas Hill Country, San Antonio, Houston, or even South Padre Island. Of course, visiting our children and grandchildren is always a highlight.

As for dancing—yes, I dance! My husband, on the other hand, does his best, and that’s what makes it fun. But beyond outings and travel, we also cherish the simple moments. Staying home, studying the WORD, praying, reading, or gardening together is all we need. At this stage in life, joy comes from appreciating the companionship, laughter, and love we share every day.

Any hobby you have kept up with over the years?

Two hobbies that have remained a big part of my life over the years are cooking and writing. Cooking has always been special to me. In fact, the very first meal my husband and I shared was one I cooked for him when he traveled to meet me for the first time in October 2010. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and if that’s true, I think I won his heart that very afternoon! My grandmother taught me how to cook, and over the years, I’ve perfected my own techniques, especially when it comes to traditional Yoruba cuisine. The best part is seeing my family enjoy my cooking—whether we’re visiting our children or they’re coming home, they always look forward to “Mama’s home-cooked meals.” Seeing them happy and satisfied brings me so much joy.

Writing is another passion that has stayed with me. I published my first book, Chronicles of a Cancer Survivor: If I Knew Then What I Know Now, in 2011, and I’ve continued writing ever since. This year, I’ll be releasing a republished edition of Chronicles of a Cancer Survivor:If I only knew Then what I know Now , and comes in Hardcover, Softcover, Ebook formats and available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble Bookstores, and at https://chroniclesofacancersurvivor.com. Another upcoming book is currently in print titled “Living Cancer-Free After 10 Years: A Holistic Approach to Life scheduled to be released in the first Quarter of 2026 by the Grace of God. Beyond books, I love writing short messages on relevant Scripture, painting scriptural images and verses, and I’m excited to be launching a video series in mid to late 2025. Writing, for me, is not just a hobby—it’s a way to inspire, encourage, and share experiences that can uplift others.

So, whether I’m in the kitchen creating something delicious or at my desk pouring thoughts onto paper, these two passions continue to shape my journey, and I couldn’t imagine life without them!

What does it entail to be a female Bishop where most Bishops are male?

Stepping into the role of a Bishop as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space comes with its challenges, but it is also a divine calling that I embrace with grace and conviction. Being a female Bishop means navigating a path where many still hold the belief that leadership in the Church is reserved for men. However, I am reminded that God calls whom He chooses, regardless of gender, and equips them for the work of His kingdom.

It requires resilience, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the ministry. There are moments when I face skepticism, but I stand firm in my faith and in the knowledge that God has ordained my steps. My focus is not on breaking barriers but on serving His people with humility, compassion, and spiritual authority.

Scripture reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:12-17 that all who desire to live a godly life will face opposition, yet we are equipped through His Word for every good work. My journey is a testament to God’s purpose, and I am honored to walk this path, inspiring other women to embrace their calling and serve boldly in whatever capacity God has placed them.

Are you fulfilled?

Absolutely. Fulfillment, to me, is not about reaching a final destination but about embracing the journey, and I can truly say I am walking in the fullness of God’s purpose for my life. I have lived through seasons of joy and challenges, triumphs and trials, yet through it all, I have seen God’s hand shaping and guiding me.

Professionally, I have achieved what I once only dreamed of—earning multiple degrees, leading businesses, and making an impact in the lives of others. Spiritually, I am deeply rooted in my faith, continuously growing, and using my experiences to inspire and uplift those around me.

Family-wise, I am blessed. My children and grandchildren bring me immense joy, and my husband is my greatest partner and friend. Of course, life is not without its ups and downs, but I have learned that true fulfillment comes from gratitude—appreciating what I have while still striving to make a difference.

I wake up each day with a heart full of purpose, knowing that my journey is not just about personal success but about serving others, spreading love, and living a life that honors God. And in that, I am truly fulfilled.

Any regrets?

Life is a journey filled with lessons, and while I have faced challenges and made difficult choices, I wouldn’t say I have regrets—only experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Of course, there were moments when I wished things had turned out differently, times when I gave too much to people who didn’t value it, or when I ignored my own well-being for the sake of others. But every experience, good or bad, has been a stepping stone to greater wisdom, strength, and faith.

I believe that God orchestrates everything for a purpose. Even my hardest trials have led to breakthroughs, deeper self-awareness, and a stronger connection with Him. Instead of dwelling on “what could have been,” I choose to focus on the blessings that have come from every challenge. Regrets hold you back, but lessons propel you forward, and I choose to move forward.