Missionary Vernesta T. Austin is the First Lady of 5th Illinois Jurisdiction-East.

"Lady V", as Bishop Austin often refers to her, earned her Bachelor's Degree from Northern Illinois University, majoring in Education.
She has been a member of St. Luke Church Of God In Christ since the age of 12. She was saved under the leadership of the late Overseer and Founder, Luke Austin.

Lady V. is the President and Founder of The Bondage to Freedom Substance Abuse Support Group at St. Luke Church. She is married to Bishop James C. Austin, Sr., and together they are the very proud parents of four children: James, Jr., Dorcas, Prisca and Marcus.