If you’ve spent any time watching the hit series Greenleaf, you probably spent a good chunk of it being annoyed by Charity Greenleaf’s messy love life. It’s hard not to. But in the real world, the woman behind the character, Deborah Joy Winans, has a personal life that looks absolutely nothing like the drama-filled halls of Calvary Fellowship. Honestly, the contrast is kinda wild.
While her onscreen husband was dealing with some seriously heavy identity crises and betrayal, her real-life partner, Terrence Williams, has been her rock for over a decade. Most people just see him as "the guy on her arm" at red carpets, but there’s a lot more to him than just being a supportive spouse.
Who exactly is Deborah Joy Winans husband?
Terrence Williams isn't just a "celebrity husband." He’s a heavyweight in the business and legal world. While Deborah Joy was busy becoming the breakout star of the Winans family’s latest generation, Terrence was carving out a massive career in West Michigan.
He’s an attorney by trade, but his resume reads like someone who doesn't know how to sit still. For years, he’s been deeply embedded in the Muskegon community. He isn't just "active"—he’s the guy running things. He is the co-founder of the WV Foundation, which focuses on providing scholarships and mentoring for at-risk youth.
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But here’s the kicker that most fans don't know: he’s also into sports. Like, owning a team into sports. Terrence is the owner of the West Michigan Ironmen, an arena football team. If you ever wondered why Deborah Joy is often seen cheering in the stands of a football stadium instead of a gospel concert, there’s your answer.
The "Black Love" reality check
The couple appeared on the OWN docuseries Black Love, and that’s where fans finally got a glimpse into how they actually function. It wasn't some polished, "we're perfect" PR stunt. They talked about the real stuff.
Compatibility isn't just about liking the same movies. For them, it was about navigating a marriage where one person is suddenly a household name. Deborah Joy has been very open about the fact that she didn't even want to sing originally—she was all about the acting. When Greenleaf blew up, her life changed overnight. Terrence didn't just tag along; he stayed grounded in his own career, which basically kept their home life from becoming a circus.
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They’ve been married since 2013. Think about that for a second. In Hollywood years, that’s basically a century.
The health battle and baby Terrence
The most intense chapter for the couple came recently. In 2021, they welcomed their first child, Terrence David Williams. But it wasn't a "post a cute photo and go home" situation.
Deborah Joy went through a brutal pregnancy. She dealt with massive fibroids—noncancerous tumors in the uterus—that made the experience incredibly painful. She’s gone on record saying it was the "worst pain of her life."
Terrence had to step up in a huge way. When she had to have an emergency C-section three weeks early, he was the one holding it all together. Seeing a high-powered attorney and sports team owner pivot into "nurse and primary caregiver" mode really humanized them for a lot of people. It wasn't glamorous. It was just real life.
Why their dynamic actually works
It’s easy to assume that because she’s a Winans, her husband would be some big-time music producer or a pastor. That’s the stereotype, right? But Terrence brings a totally different energy to the table.
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- He’s not in the industry: Having a partner who doesn't care about "the industry" is a cheat code for sanity.
- Community Roots: His work in Muskegon keeps them tied to something bigger than TV ratings.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Running a football team requires a level of grit that matches the hustle of a professional actor.
They seem to have this "power couple" vibe where neither is overshadowing the other. He does his thing in the courtroom and on the field; she does her thing on the screen and stage.
What’s next for the Williams family?
Now that baby Terrence is growing up and Deborah Joy is taking on new roles—like her recent work in The Final Say and Terror Lake Drive—the family dynamic is shifting again. They’ve moved past the "newlywed" phase and the "scary pregnancy" phase into a more established, quiet power.
Honestly, if you're looking for gossip or a scandal, you're looking at the wrong couple. They’re boring in the best way possible.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Deborah Joy Winans and want to keep up with her and Terrence, here’s what you should actually look at:
- Follow the Ironmen: If you want to see the "business" side of their life, keep an eye on the West Michigan Ironmen. It’s a huge part of Terrence’s world.
- Check out the WV Foundation: If you’re into the philanthropy side, their foundation does some legit work for kids in Michigan. It’s not just a tax write-off; they’re actually on the ground.
- Watch the "Black Love" episodes: Seriously. If you want to understand how they talk to each other and handle conflict, those clips on the OWN YouTube channel are gold.
The big takeaway here? Deborah Joy Winans husband isn't a side character in her story. He’s running a whole separate empire that just happens to have a very famous actress as its first lady.