Yvonne Lowrene Wright-Willis

1951 - 2016

Yvonne Lowrene Wright-Willis was born in Harlem, in New York City to Harry Wright and Margaret Williams in 1951. Both her parents preceded her in death.
Yvonne developed a love of music early in life and followed her dreams of working in show business with much success. Gospel shaped some of her earliest musical experiences. She discovered her singing voice in the church choir where she and her older sister Adele were given solos on pieces like James Cleveland's "Two Wings." Her musical lineage and passion for entertainment actually traced back to her mother, Margaret, who was briefly a member of the legendary dance troupe, Whitey's Lindy Hoppers.
Coming of age during the era of "girl groups", Yvonne and her friends formed vocal groups like the Diamonds and the Velveteens. While still a teenager, she performed "Moon River" at Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater and was enlisted to sing background for Wilson Pickett on that same stage. Always a prolific writer, she met Stevie Wonder in the early 1970s and collaborated with him as a songwriter on several albums, launching her career as a lyricist. Yvonne's lyrics have also been performed and interpreted by a number of artists including Minnie Ripperton, The Main Ingredient, George Michael, Josh Groban, Nnenna Frelon, and Quincy Jones. She received a platinum record for her work on the album Fulfillingness' First Finale (1974). There are constant examples of how the songs Yvonne helped write have become ingrained in the fabric of music history and pop culture, whether it's the use of "I Believe When I fall in Love" in the film High Fidelity (2000) or Stevie Wonder singing "They Won't Go When I Go" at Michael Jackson's public memorial in 2009. Amidst her songwriting efforts, Yvonne also did extensive stage work throughout the '70s and into the early-'80s. In 1975, she performed in a production of the musical "Hair" that toured Spain. She sang background vocals for icons like Lou Rawls and Millie Jackson. She was a featured vocalist in touring lineups for the Chantels and the Marvelettes as well as on numerous recordings.
Yvonne was an avid supporter of the arts and supporter of Dallas' theatre community. Education was an ongoing passion of Yvonne's. She taught in after school and headstart programs in New York City and was a mentor to many young people. In Dallas, she worked for the Richardson School District. She was employed for several years by the Internal Revenue Service. But it was her interest in special education that inspired her to return to school later in life to earn both her BS and MS in Education.
Yvonne gave her life to God. If you called and got her voicemail, you were prompted to "remember to live your life to glorify the giver", before leaving a message. A generous spirit with a quick smile, Yvonne was a tireless worker. If you had a project to get completed, you wanted her on your team. She personified leadership, rallying family and friends to push ahead and to do their best. Prior to becoming a member of Fellowship Christian Center Church, she was a member of Munger Avenue Baptist Church and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church among others. Yvonne's faith was strong; she loved Christ and she loved her Fellowship Church family. She served on four ministries at Fellowship: the choir, the Praise Team, Culinary and Hospitality