Yelonda Denise Johnson

Yelonda Denise Johnson, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, was born on April 7, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois, and gently departed this life on June 18, 2026, while fulfilling her calling in Miami, Florida, as part of her missionary work. Yelonda, a devoted servant of the Lord, embraced each day with unwavering faith, kindness, and a smile that could light up any room. Born to Ernest J. Mays and Willie Mae Johnson, Yelonda's journey through life was marked by an unyielding love for her family and her community. She was preceded in death by her cherished partner Dwight P. Turner, her father Ernest J. Mays, her brother Londrell Johnson, and her beloved grandparents Louise and Charlie Johnson, and Earlene and Wallace T. Mays Sr., as well as her dear Aunt Justine Mays. Her surviving family includes her treasured children, son Jawan J. Johnson and daughter Amisia Q. Davis, along with her adored grandchildren Danika Y. Johnson, Harmony E. Davis, and Constant P. Thomas. She also leaves behind her devoted sisters CJ, LJ, DJ, and VJ, and her caring brothers Shurone and Romano. Yelonda's educational journey began at Paul Robeson High School in Chicago, IL, and continued at Empire Beauty College in Madison, WI, where she nurtured her passion for hairstyling—a gift she shared generously with others. Her career spanned various roles, from working at Dairy Queen to serving at nursing homes, where her compassion and warmth touched the lives of many. A woman of many talents and interests, Yelonda found joy in just about everything. My mom was an avid daily journaler, loved playing UNO with her grandchildren, loved to dance, cook, exercise, skate, and swim. Daily prayer and meditation was her daily bread. Her hunger for Christ and adventurous spirit led her on many cross-country missionary focused road trips, from Florida to Texas and everywhere in between. Yelonda was also a Christian TikTok influencer, who used her platform to spread the word of Jesus Christ and lead others unto him. Yelonda was a woman of deep spirituality, whose generosity knew no bounds. Known for her infectious laughter and her ability to make everyone feel special, she always gave out compliments. Yelonda never missed a birthday or special occasion, and she absolutely loved taking pictures of her family and friends. Her favorite meals to prepare were fried chicken, spaghetti and meatballs (made with ground turkey), salad, and cannot forget her famous homemade peanut butter cookies. She absolutely loved the holidays and making her dressing. Christmas and Thanksgiving were her top two. Yelonda's life was a testament to her unwavering love for her family, her friends, and her faith. Embodying unconditional forgiveness, peace, kindness, joy, gratitude and gratefulness. My mom loved to smile, laugh, was extremely funny, the life of the party, a prayer warrior, kind, and thoughtful. She saved so many lives without even trying when she left the projects for Wisconsin. A Very rare soul indeed. A chosen one. God's anointed. She was very creative, kind hearted, soft spoken, and peaceful. Super determined, and loved to learn new things. I loved when she would be in awe of something, my mom was in a way very pure to some things, which always amazed me. She was very girly. Kept her hair, nails and feet done. Dressed very classy, non -judgemental, beautiful inside/out and loved shopping. She loved wearing wigs even though she was blessed with long, thick, beautiful, black hair. Paired with pearly white, straight teeth and a gorgeous shape. Coming up people would say "you look just like your mom", or call me "Lil Yelonda". I'm proud to look just look my Mommy. All the kids loved her, they never wanted to go home. She made friend's anywhere, and everywhere she went. She wasn't to fond of dogs due to bad experiences, even the little ones she was skeptical of lol. She liked cats though. She provided a home for my cat Gracie. My mom knew how to drive a manual stick shift and she loved being on the open road. No matter what she went thru she never denied her love for Jesus, never stopped believing, never stopped fighting for what she wanted. Never gave up on her kids, her dreams, or her family NEVER. My mom loved her family with all her heart and wanted to break generational curses. Her legacy is one of inspiration and love—qualities that she shared freely with all who knew her. Qualities that helped change the world, change me, inspired me and countless other's from here, and around the world. Others who would fill this place, and many streets over to pay their respects if they knew of her passing. Yelonda is truly loved by so many. As she often said after prayer, "Sleep with the Angels", I now say, "Sleep well Mom, Sleep with the Angels". You are now with your heavenly Father. Although your life was cut short, and you didn't want to go, God called you home to forever rest in peace. I can see you smiling now more likely than not, holding up the peace sign, as that was your signature pose in most of your pictures. Mom you will forever be Missed, Loved, Cherished, Honored, Respected, Never Forgotten and Forever Celebrated. I PROMISE. This isn't goodbye, this is so long until we see each other again. In lieu of money the family kindly requests that donations be made in Yelonda's memory to a charity or church of your choice, honoring her lifelong commitment to service and love.