Yohontus Olivia Yohontus Olivia Payne Williams

On March 10th, 2015 Our Heavenly Father called a precious daughter home. Yohontus Olivia Samuel was born on February 9th, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Helen Eva Samuel of New Orleans, Louisiana. In June of 1943, Helen wed Ernest A. Payne of Brooklyn, New York. Ernest then adopted this special child as his own on October 4th, 1945.

Yohontus, was affectionately known as “Yogi”. “Yogi” lived her formative years in Chicago, but she spent many summers in New Orleans learning about her Creole culture and cuisine. This was where she developed her talent for planning parties and cooking ethnic dishes. At the age of fourteen “Yogi” moved with her family to Los Angeles, California where she attended L.A. High school. After graduation, she spent two years at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama.

After college she met and married the love of her life, David Williams of Phoenix, Arizona; where they lived and raised their family. Yohontus was blessed with five children of her own and seven step-children. Her family attended school in the same district as her husband and his siblings, Phoenix Elementary School District #1. This was also the same district in which she dedicated thirty years of her life bringing schools and families together for the purpose of educating children. Yogi retired from PESD#1 and focused her energies on her grandchildren and “second family” at Senior Opportunities West Senior Center.

Yogi loved her grandbabies and her S.O.W. friends. Her final years were spent planning and throwing parties. Every waking hour was spent shopping, crafting, planning, and helping others. She never minced words. You always knew how Yogi felt. She knew what she wanted and failure was a choice she used to say. This great lady met her illness head on. She would not allow her family to feel sorry for itself or her. She met every goal she set while astonishing doctors and family alike. “Cancer may take my life, but not my dignity” she said.

Yohontus will be honored by her children Charles Eugene, Dianna Denise, Jonathan Wade, Edward Kelly, Darrin Calvin. She will be remembered by her daughter-in-laws Jessica Ivonne and Mindy Lee. Her legacy will live on in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.