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Who was Yetunde Price? Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price, affectionately known as "Tunde," was the oldest half-sister of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Born on August 9, 1972, in Saginaw, Michigan, she grew up in Compton, California. Yetunde was a valedictorian, a dedicated nurse, and a co-owner of a hair salon. She also served as a personal assistant to her famous sisters, managing their schedules and providing emotional support. Tragically, her life was cut short on September 14, 2003, in a drive-by shooting. Despite her untimely death, Yetunde's legacy lives on through the Yetunde Price Resource Center, which helps victims of violence in Compton.
Key Takeaways:
- Yetunde Price, the beloved sister of Venus and Serena Williams, was a dedicated nurse and supportive sibling who tragically lost her life in a drive-by shooting. Her legacy lives on through the Yetunde Price Resource Center.
- Despite facing personal challenges, Yetunde Price's impact on her family and community was profound. Her joyful spirit and supportive role in her sisters' careers continue to inspire and uplift others.
Early Life and Family Background
Yetunde Price, affectionately known as "Tunde," was the eldest half-sister of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Her life was filled with personal achievements and a close-knit family bond.
- Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was born on August 9, 1972, in Saginaw, Michigan.
- Parents: She was the daughter of Oracene Price and Yusef Rasheed.
- Siblings: Yetunde was the eldest of Oracene's five daughters.
- Move to Compton: Her family relocated to Compton, California, where she spent most of her life.
Relationship with Venus and Serena Williams
Yetunde shared a special bond with her famous sisters, often supporting them both personally and professionally.
- Close Relationship: She was incredibly close to Venus and Serena, often acting as their personal assistant.
- Tournament Companion: Yetunde accompanied them to major tennis tournaments like the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.
- Supportive Role: She managed their schedules and communications, providing invaluable support.
Educational and Professional Achievements
Yetunde was not just a supportive sister; she was also a dedicated professional with significant accomplishments.
- Valedictorian: Yetunde was the valedictorian of her high school class.
- Nursing Career: She pursued a career in nursing, dedicating herself to helping others.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Yetunde co-owned a hair salon with her best friend from high school.
Personal Life and Challenges
Yetunde's personal life was marked by both joy and hardship, including relationships and motherhood.
- Mother of Three: She had three children from two different relationships.
- First Relationship: Her first relationship was with Jeffrey Johnson, whom she left due to his abusive behavior.
- Marriage to Byron Bobbitt: She later married Byron Bobbitt, but their relationship was also marked by domestic violence.
- Domestic Violence Complaint: In 1997, Yetunde filed a domestic violence complaint against Byron Bobbitt.
New Beginnings and Tragic End
Yetunde sought to rebuild her life but tragically lost her life in a drive-by shooting.
- New Chapter: After leaving Byron Bobbitt, she opened her own beauty shop in Lakewood, California.
- Relationship with Rolland Wormley: She met Rolland Wormley in April 2003, and they quickly became inseparable.
- Wormley’s Background: Rolland Wormley had a complicated past, including time served for theft and domestic violence.
- Tragic Death: On September 14, 2003, Yetunde was killed in a drive-by shooting in Compton, California.
- Circumstances of the Shooting: The shooting was allegedly a case of mistaken identity by a gang member.
- Investigation and Trial: Robert Edward Maxfield was charged with murder but pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter.
Impact on the Williams Family
Yetunde's death had a profound impact on her family, especially Venus and Serena.
- Family Shock: Yetunde's death sent shockwaves through the Williams family.
- Serena’s Dedication: Serena dedicated her win at the Australian Open in 2007 to her late sister.
- Emotional Toll: Serena has spoken publicly about the emotional toll of Yetunde's death.
- Forgiveness Journey: Serena emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, despite her pain.
Legacy and Community Impact
Yetunde's legacy continues through various initiatives and the memories cherished by her family.
- Yetunde Price Resource Center: Serena and Venus founded the center in Compton, California, in her memory.
- Community Support: The center provides healing-centered and trauma-informed programs for victims of violence.
- Family Support: Her sisters, Lyndrea and Isha Price, have spoken publicly about their love and respect for Yetunde.
- Portrayal in King Richard: In the film "King Richard," Yetunde is portrayed by actress Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew.
- Oracene Price’s Reflections: Yetunde’s mother reflected on the portrayal of her daughter in the film.
- Yetunde’s Personality: Known for her fun-loving personality, she brought joy to those around her.
Professional and Personal Contributions
Yetunde balanced her professional life with her supportive role in her sisters' careers.
- Professional Achievements: She worked as a nurse and co-owned a hair salon.
- Personal Assistant: Yetunde worked part-time as a personal assistant to Venus and Serena.
- Supportive Role: She was always there to help manage their busy schedules and provide emotional support.
- Nursing Skills: Yetunde used her nursing skills to care for Serena when she was healing from a torn quad.
Family Dynamics and Community Involvement
Yetunde's role in her family and community was significant, leaving a lasting impact.
- Family Dynamics: The Williams family is known for their close-knit relationships.
- Serena’s Tribute: Serena has often spoken about the impact of Yetunde’s death on her life.
- Community Involvement: Yetunde owned a hair salon and was known for her entrepreneurial spirit.
- Legacy: The Yetunde Price Resource Center continues to provide support to victims of violence.
- Media Coverage: Yetunde’s story has been covered extensively in the media.
- Public Reaction: The public reaction to Yetunde’s death was one of shock and sadness.
Yetunde Price's Lasting Impact
Yetunde Price's life, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on her family and community. As the eldest sister of Venus and Serena Williams, she played a pivotal role in their lives, offering unwavering support and love. Her career as a nurse and co-owner of a hair salon showcased her dedication to helping others and her entrepreneurial spirit. The Yetunde Price Resource Center, founded in her memory, continues her legacy by providing support to victims of violence in Compton. Her story is a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of family. Through the center and the memories shared by her loved ones, Yetunde's spirit lives on, inspiring others to overcome adversity and make a positive impact in their communities. Her life reminds us of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and community support.
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