DR. VELMA BAGBY
A Faith-Filled Guide to Love, Marriage, and Purpose
Dr. Velma Bagby radiates a rare blend of wisdom, grace, and authority. From the very first moment of her exclusive Zoom interview with VBD Magazine, it was clear that she is a woman on a mission—rooted in faith and driven by purpose. A Dating-Relationship Coach, Award-winning Author, Ordained Minister, Podcast Host, and CEO of Adoni Publishing, Dr. Bagby’s influence extends far beyond her titles.
Our interview was a soul-stirring masterclass with a woman who has dedicated her life to helping others thrive. Dr. Bagby doesn’t just engage in conversation—she elevates it. Her voice, both calm and commanding, carried the wisdom of decades spent empowering individuals and couples, while her radiant smile reflected a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose. She captivated our team with profound insights, inspiring anecdotes, and an unshakable commitment to guiding others toward meaningful relationships and faith-centered living. Her words weren’t just advice—they were an invitation to a higher standard of love, faith, and intentionality.
THE ROOTS OF RESILIENCE
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Bagby’s upbringing instilled in her a remarkable strength. “I grew up in a section of the area that was not for the well-to-do,” she mentioned. “At the age of 12, my parents divorced, leaving my mom to raise seven children. In my mind, she was such a strong woman, because I watched her navigate incredible challenges.”
Her mother’s resilience became a powerful example. “She didn’t settle for what life handed her. She approached the owner of a local grocery store and asked to be trained as a checker, offering to work for free. They not only trained her but paid her during her training. From there, she went on to work for a major grocery chain and retired after 25 years.”
Dr. Bagby’s voice was filled with admiration as she continued, “My mother became a first-time homeowner in the 1960s—an incredible feat for an African American woman at that time. Her resilience and faith taught me to press forward no matter what.”
CARVING A PATH OF HER OWN
Inspired by her mother’s strength, Dr. Bagby was determined to succeed. “I had one goal: to get off my mom’s payroll. I wanted to ease her burden,” she explained. “I secured a job with the state government at 18, initially as a secretary. I learned shorthand in high school—something that’s stayed with me even now.”
Her career spanned 38 years, culminating in a leadership role overseeing 100 people and multiple offices. “I always believed in preparing others for leadership,” she said. “I read a book once that said the worst thing you can do at your retirement party is realize you forgot to prepare someone to take your place. I wanted to leave knowing I’d made a difference.”
Even in retirement, her skills as a coach, leader, and mentor remained essential. “I thought I was going to box up my leadership skills and retire quietly,” she admitted. “But God said no.”
A LOVE STORY FOR THE AGES
Dr. Bagby’s 50-year marriage to her husband, Pastor Dr. Bruce Bagby, began with a fateful encounter in 10th-grade English class. “I wasn’t looking for a husband,” she laughed. “My Bible study teacher asked us to create a ‘husband-to-be prayer list,’ and I made one. But I wasn’t focused on finding anyone at 16.”
Her future husband, however, had other plans. “A friend suggested I talk to him, but I told her, ‘If he’s interested, he’ll approach me.’ He eventually did, though he was a little shy. We started dating, but he had to move back to Los Angeles, so we broke up.”
Their story could have ended there, but fate intervened cancelling his move. “At the end of our senior year, he signed my yearbook, writing, ‘To the woman who will be my wife one day.’ I thought he was crazy,” she said, smiling. A year later, they reconnected, began dating again, and were married within a year. “He wanted to ensure he was ready for marriage—stable and responsible. I admired that about him.”
Dr. Velma Bagby shared that her book, My 70s Love Story, details how she and her husband first met. Reflecting on their journey, Dr. Bagby highlighted the recurring phrase when love finds you, emphasizing that their union was divinely orchestrated. She pointed to Proverbs 18:22a (TPT), which states, “...when a man finds a wife...,” as a scriptural affirmation of the connection that God designed for them.
A MINISTRY BUILT ON EXPERIENCE
Dr. Bagby’s marriage became the cornerstone of her ministry. “Around our 40th wedding anniversary, God impressed on my heart that people would want to know how we did it,” she said. “That realization led me to focus on relationships and dating.”
Her coaching is informed by years of personal experience and deep faith. “One of the most important lessons I teach is grace,” she said. “Sometimes, we’re too hard on each other. We all have moments when we’re not at our best. Grace allows room for love to grow.”
She also emphasized the power of prayer. “Before you speak to your spouse about an issue, take it to God first. Sometimes, God resolves it without you needing to say a word.”
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