Keyona Breyon Willis

July 21, 1982 – October 10, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Keyona Willis, who left us on October 10, 2024. Keyona was born on July 21, 1982. She was a beloved wife, mother, educator, friend, and advocate, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to kindness.

Keyona married her bearded soulmate, Chad Greenwald, on July 3, 2010. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Jacob and Isaiah, born on July 8, 2016, who were the light of her life. Keyona’s greatest achievement in life was being a mommy to these chaotic balls of energy who love with all of their hearts. She wanted to be an example to her children of how to live with empathy and be a shining beacon in this troublesome world. As she would always say to Chad, “Cold Toes, Warm Heart."

Earning her Doctorate of Musical Arts in 2015, Keyona's passion for music education was evident in her work at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Otterbein University, where she nurtured and inspired countless students. She helped guide these young adults in having successful careers on and off Broadway, TV/Film, and other performing vocations. She believed in teaching the whole student, the beauty of the art form, and finding one's own community versus the dogma of chasing a paycheck. She was a fierce advocate for the underrepresented and believed deeply in the inherent goodness of people while working tirelessly to make the world a better place for all. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, her students, and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever resonate in the lives that she touched. Her light still shines among all who have experienced this brilliance, and its ripple is felt throughout the world

Several parting words from Keyona:

1) Be Kind

2) She loves you all, and is so proud of you.

Keyona is survived by her husband Chad Greenwald, children Isaiah Greenwald and Jacob Greenwald, parents Blanda and RJ Lynam, mother-in-law and father-in-law Susan and Richard Greenwald, grandparents June and Larry Greenwald, sisters Tonya Graham (Antonio), Krista Lynam Compton (Mark), Stacy Leary (Frank), sister-in-law Marissa Binder (Alex), brother-in-law Ari Greenwald (Liz) and nieces Cierra Swingle (Mitchell), Poppy Greenwald, Daisy Greenwald, and nephews Jordan Graham and Corbin Greenwald, and fur babies Izzy Piranha Greenwald and Booker T. Greenwald. She also had an amazing ability to make her friends a part of her chosen family. She is survived by chosen family, Lauren Donnell Gilmore (Jacob), Lisa Juday (Tobin), Mary McMurtery (John), Renata Renee Micatrotto (Justin), Caroline Miceli (Kevin), Julia Moss (Jesse Wilson) and Sara Yund Potts (Brian).

A Celebration of Life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 455 Clark State Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230, on November 1, 2024. Visiting Hours will be from 9am-11am, followed by a funeral service at 11am. Afterward, a reception will be held at Seventh Son Brewery, 1101 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201.

In lieu of flowers, those attending are invited to write a letter addressed to Jacob and Isaiah, sharing their favorite memories of Keyona. Pen and paper will be provided. Photos or mementos may also be included with these memories. For those who feel moved to assist financially, contributions can be sent via Venmo to Chad (@chadgreenwald) to help with cost of living expenses.

Keyona's service can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c0vdchltu4