Yolonda B. Williams transitioned, peacefully while sleeping, on the evening of September 22, 2024.  She was a blessed surprise to her mother, December 22, 1953, after years of prayer for a child. Yolonda was born in Denver, CO, but spent the majority of her life in Wichita, KS.  She moved to Wichita with her mother as a small child.

She was a community activist, always a champion of truth, justice, and fairness especially for those unable or unsure how to fight for themselves.  Remembrances of Yolonda include her participation in social justice marches and her participation in bringing community events, like Juneteenth & Kwanzaa to the attention of Wichitans. Yolonda was a voracious reader of books, magazines, & newspapers.  She can also be remembered logging many miles walking, preferring fresh air and sunshine to driving.  Yolonda was equally fond of highway road trips.  She was also quite proud of her "Text Ministry", through which she shared articles, quotes, and hymns almost daily with family and friends.

Few people may know she was a talented artist who loved drawing and had impeccable penmanship. Yolonda graduated from Wichita High School North in l972 and went on to receive an AAS in Business for Paralegal Studies at Wichita State University.  She was employed with KG&E (now, Evergy) for over 10 years.  She also felt fortunate to share her talents with First Student Inc. and DUI Victims Center of Kansas.  Even as Yolonda's health declined, she was known to maintain a feisty spirit.  She had vocal opinions on politics and social justice, inspiring the same vigor in her family.

Yolonda is survived by her daughter Jeanette Williams Gordon (Tracie), granddaughter Jessica Bandy, and her cherished friend of over 40 years Donald Porter, as well as a tight circle of friends and family nationwide. She was preceded in death by her treasured mother Davetta Lee in 2004.

While our hearts grapple with this loss, we take comfort in knowing Yolonda is no longer suffering.  One of her final moments included holding a picture of her beloved mother close to her chest.

In honor of her final wishes Yolonda's remains will be spread near the Rocky Mountains of Colorado at a date to be determined when the weather permits.  In lieu of flowers, Yolonda would've simply wanted everyone to pay forward acts of kindness and always seek to be true, just, and fair to all especially in our current tense political and social justice climate.