Otonya Juan Eskridge was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Her early developmental years revealed a love for the things of God and the ability to excel in academics and the arts. Jesus Christ being the Lord of her life, Otonya received salvation and the baptism of the Holy Ghost at the age of 12 and accepted her call to gospel ministry at age 13. As a child evangelist, her spiritual foundation was developed and fortified under the watchful tutelage of her pastor, the late Presiding Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr. at the Pentecostal Temple Institutional Church Of God In Christ (Memphis, TN) where she directed the youth choir, taught Sunday School and served as Fine Arts Director. After the demise of her pastor, she was led of the Lord to become a member of Temple Of Deliverance Church Of God In Christ under the leadership of Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson in Memphis, Tennessee. Embracing a spirit of excellence as a lifestyle, Otonya Eskridge’s secular and ministerial career has been both challenging and rewarding. As a corporate executive, she headed the Credit Card Security and Fraud Department for Union Planter’s Bank in Memphis, Tennessee. Miss Eskridge left the banking industry and began to serve in full-time ministry as personal secretary to Bishop G. E. Patterson. As Conference Coordinator for G. E. Patterson Crusade Ministries, she organized and coordinated many conferences and crusades. After Bishop Patterson’s election to the office of Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ in 2000, he appointed Ms. Otonya Eskridge as the first woman in the history of the Church Of God In Christ to serve as Executive Assistant to the Presiding Bishop. Otonya is the CEO of Otonya Allen Ministries, which host annual conferences, mentorship programs and supports community women and family initiatives. Having preached on 3 continents, she serves as an International Evangelist conducting conferences, seminars, revivals, crusades and leadership encounters. Her heart’s desire is to see the people of God, especially women, walking in freedom and the boldness of the Spirit. She has written 1 stage play and is currently finishing the work on her first book which will be entitled, “Unforgiveness, the Silent Killer.” Always aware of the call of destiny upon her life, Miss Otonya Eskridge united in holy matrimony to Dr. Sherman C. Gee Allen and became a wife, mother, First Lady and Co-Pastor of Christ Cathedral Church in Fort Worth, Texas.