Equilla V. Wainwright
1947 - 2025
Equilla V. Wainwright
1947 - 2025
Obituary
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Equilla Wainwright Obituary
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Muncie, Indiana, Equilla accepted Christ at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church. She was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church (Detroit) and member of the First Church (First Congregational) in Atlanta. A gifted vocalist, she toured as a teen with The Mikettes and the Gospel Supremes throughout Indiana.
Equilla earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ball State University in 1970 and later received a Master's degree in Managerial Sciences from Central Michigan University. She was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and played a key role in founding Alpha Elician, a mentorship sorority for inner-city youth.
Her professional career began at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, where she hosted a home living television segment. She went on to hold leadership roles at Ford Motor Company and MCI Communications, before dedicating herself to diversity and inclusion work at Johnson Controls and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Rising to Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Equilla made lasting contributions to corporate culture and community health equity.
Her achievements earned national recognition. She was named to the Atlanta Business League's "Power Women" list, honored among the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Georgia, and featured in Women Looking Ahead Magazine. Additional honors came from the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the Detroit Historical Society, and the Michigan Chronicle's Legacy in Motion Gala.
Equilla is survived by her daughter, Reaghan Wainwright; grandchildren, Remington and Reaux; mother, Mattie Coleman; sisters, Gwen Coleman-Mabry (Gene) and Brenda Coleman; niece, Asha Hobbs Brewer (Jeren); nephew, Mark Coleman-Mabry (Kristina); grandniece, Savannah Coleman-Mabry; grandnephew, James Brewer; aunts, Dorothy Brent and Queenie Randle; uncle, OC Williams (Sallie Mae), as well as, a host of family members and devoted friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Sam Coleman; brother, Sam Coleman Jr.; sister, Gaybrella Hobbs (Al Hobbs); and nephew, Alex Hobbs.
Her legacy endures through the lives she touched and the communities she uplifted.
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Temi Bush
December 12, 2025
I am so sad to hear about the passing of my Soror Equilla. Not only was she a Big Sister Soror, she was empowerment at its finest.
We were both active members at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Detroit. We got to know each other better during our time on the Trustee board. I was just learning to lead well and Equilla was an alright pro at leadership.
She lead by example with elegance and grace and was a deep supporter of many Leadership initiatives all across the city of Detroit. She supported women in leadership of all kinds.
Equilla supported me as a young woman divorcing and encouraged me to continue my career and support my children. I will always be forever grateful for having Equilla in my life. Her only ask of me was to pay it forward.
I will be at our AKA Boule in 2026, Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony, honoring Equilla and thanking God for his servant that was a Blessing to us all. Rest in Heaven Equilla.
Melani Addis
October 30, 2025
Thinking of you as your birthday approaches. Sending love to the family.
Matt Zelman
June 4, 2025
I am very saddened to hear of the recent passing of Equilla Wainwright. While at Blue Cross, she was a deep supporter of both our diversity initiatives and our Leadership Development Association (LDA). Attached are some photo memories of when she was a judge for our high school leadership speech contest in 2010, as well as the NMA Silver Knight Award in 2013 bestowed by the National Management Association. Equilla's warmth and leadership inspired many, leaving a lasting legacy that endures to this day.
Catherine Sinning
May 6, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I just recently heard Equilla had passed. I worked with her many years ago and admired her greatly. So very sorry for your loss.
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Shary Tran
May 6, 2025
Reaghan, I am so sorry for your loss. Equilla took a chance on me over 25 years ago at Johnson Controls and set me on my DEI journey. She was always full of grace, strength, and style. I learned so much from her and will remember her fondly.
Marty Shelburne
May 4, 2025
Such a good soul. She treated you as she wished to be treated and was a wonderful leader. My condolences to her family.
Cynthia Carter
May 1, 2025
Your smile on the golf course will be missed. Cynthia
Rosa Elmore-Fergu
April 29, 2025
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Coleman, Brenda and Gwen. Equilla was such a beautiful person. She will be missed.
A former Alpha Elician.
Patrice Matejka
April 29, 2025
Such a wonderful woman and friend to so many. She will be missed. My sincere condolences.
Simone Shufford
April 28, 2025
MY AUNTY QUILLA TO EVEN HEAR THE NEWS ABOUT U I LOVEDU DEARLY EVERY SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL NOW U CAN GET YOUR REST WE LOVE U FOREVER AND EVER SYMONE
Josephine Hood-Tucker
April 28, 2025
We all cherish the memory of your unconditional loving spirit Rest in heaven Quil!
Mr & Mrs Jones (Gabriella´s friends)
April 28, 2025
Prayer and Condolences to Family and Friends
Pamela France Johnson
April 28, 2025
Equilla was a sweet lady. Her beautiful smile and eyes were reflective of her warmth and compassionate heart. Equilla was a great conversationalist and had a great sense of humor. Memorable moments were created every time we interacted. She will be missed.
May the innumerable memorable moments and photos of Equilla help make this journey more bearable for the family and those who loved her.
Carole Jones
April 28, 2025
To the family of Quill, may God bless you and provide comfort to you during this difficult time. Quill brought her beautiful smile and bubbly personality on our golf trips, she will be missed.
T. Jann Caison-Sorey
April 27, 2025
I feel very blessed to have known and worked with Equilla at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Equilla was very personable, purposeful and powerfully clear about what was possible to achieve in her role. We have lost another one of our brightest lights. I pray that she rest in peace.
T. Jann Caison-Sorey
Raeburn S. Josey, Esq.
April 27, 2025
I offer my deepest condolences to Equilla's family. Please know that my family's thoughts and prayers are with you. She was such a beautiful and kind soul, but not a great golfer, though she loved the sport! She would give encouragement to others as they played. One of my favorite memories was playing best ball with her and having her hit from spots on the course that she could never reach in one shot on her on. She took great joy in others accomplishments which was her nature. She was a great teammate and friend and I will miss her. Family, stay blessed and know God has her firmly in hand until we meet again. God bless you and keep you all.
Raeburn S. Josey, Esq.
Donna, Anne, Cheryl and Linda
April 27, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences to Reaghan, Equilla´s mother and entire family. We are thankful for the times we shared with you. We will never forget our Girls Trip adventure in Jamaica. The morning walks, laughs, being pampered all day long, games, drinks, the butler, and villa visits. Whenever we think of Jamaica, we will think of you and smile. We thank God for sharing you with us. We love you.
Donna, Anne, Cheryl and Linda
Stephanie Banda
April 27, 2025
My prayers & condolences to the family of Quill Wainwright. To know Quill was a beautiful blessing. Rest well aunt Quill.
Elaine Johnson
April 26, 2025
My deepest condolences to Equilla's family. I am praying for you. Quill was such a beautiful and kind soul...and my Soror, too! It is hard to believe she has taken on her heavenly wings. Family, stay steadfast in God's love. In time, He will bring your peace. God Bless.
Gary L. Smith
April 26, 2025
We wish to extend our condolences to Equilla's family, and her legacy. May God bless her daughter (Rheagan), grandchildren and other extended family members. Peace, love and Blessings from the Gary & Andrea Smith
JOSEPHINE HOOD and FAMILY
April 25, 2025
My heart will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as we celebrate a life well lived. Quilla lived her life fully and deliberately with purpose. She always went that extra, extra mile to take care of her family in sickness and in health. I will surely miss you, my friend. My heart is filled with sadness for Reaghan, her mom, her sisters, and all of her loved ones left behind. May God hold you close and give you comfort during this difficult time.
JOSEPHINE HOOD
April 25, 2025
Frances O Johnson
April 25, 2025
Gwen, the Lord is with you and your family
He said He would never leave nor forsake you.
Quill was a beautiful person inside and out.
God is with you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Frances Johnson, Indianapolis
Mary Frances Winters
April 25, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Wainwright family. Equilla was an amazing leader and a kind and loving person. I so enjoyed working with her at BCBS Michigan. May your fond memories comfort you at this difficult time. God bless you. Mary-Frances Winters
Dorothy Williams Brent
April 25, 2025
Equilla I Love You an l will never forget you your Auntie Dorothy.
CAROLYNN Walton Andrews
April 25, 2025
I will miss you Equilla, the times we spent working together, golfing and traveling. You were always so full of life and your beautiful smile I will see in my mind forever.
Bea Sousa
April 25, 2025
My husband and I became aquainted with Quil when she visited her mother, Mattie, our next door neighbor. She was a strong and beautiful woman, inside and out. We will miss her when the family gathers in Muncie.
Cassandra (Harris) Hill
April 24, 2025
I am so saddened to learn of cousin 'Quila's death. She was such an amazing, kind and giving person. Her smile was a genuine reflection of the beautiful person she was. My prayers and sincere condolences go to Reaghan, and her precious grandbabies, Mattie, Gwen, Brenda, and the rest of the family. She will truly be missed.
Patricia MasonBostic
April 24, 2025
"Girl",you will truly be missed. We grew up together, listening to you and my sister Brenda and Connie Lovejoy singing like birds in harmony. I know y´all will be doo-whopping in heaven now for the Lord.Condolences to The Coleman Family, I Love you Patricia(Mason) Bostic
Rita Hunter-Williams
April 24, 2025
Rest in Paradise Beautiful!! You will be missed!!
Frances Branch Henry
April 24, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family of
Equilla Wainwright. I knew her as Equilla
Coleman at Muncie Central High school in Muncie, Indiana . I remember the fun times we had in high school. She was beautiful then and always a joy to be around. I remember her families nickname for her was "Girl" that was back in the early 60´s . I only regret not reconnecting when she moved to Atlanta.
Rest in Heaven my friend,
Frances Henry
Yvette Jaks
April 24, 2025
Always smiling and her laugh was contagious. A beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
DAPHNE BYRD
April 24, 2025
Even though I only knew you for a short while, you impressed me with your genuine love for your family and close friends. I will forever cherish our time spent on girlie and golf outings. Rest well my dear friend. You will always be in my memory.
Frank and Crystal Herbert
April 24, 2025
Sending our prayers, condolences and love to the family. Equilla was one of a kind. She was always so warm and welcoming. RIHP Equilla. You will be missed
Teran Nash
April 24, 2025
My beautiful from inside out friend, my heart is full with the loss of you. So thankful to God that we got reacquainted in our golden yrs and were able to share in the care of our grandkids. All our activities in the past 5 yrs have been memorable. I appreciate you introducing me to your friends and Ellery´s Rest in heaven and know that I´m here for Reaghan and Yaya´s babies. Love you and I cherish our memories
Eric Richardson
April 24, 2025
I´ll miss my friend, roadie, golfing partner, confidant! Till we meet again in our father´s house.
Karen Yandle
April 24, 2025
I will miss my friend. Always such fun to be around. We had a good time whenever we were together. Golfing, socializing, laughing. She and I and Sharmen had a blast in Paris 2021 celebrating my 60th. You never know when will be your last time with someone.
Karen Yandle Rashid
Jan Randolph
April 24, 2025
Equilla, you introduced me to your Atlanta "crew" of awesome women a couple of years ago and we enjoyed many memorable outings, especially at Zama, a neighborhood restaurant. You are such an amazing woman, you attract good people. I will always remember & cherish our friendship!!!
Melani
April 24, 2025
We will miss you Yaya. Rest well.
Derrell Martin
April 24, 2025
Equilla, rest well my good sister, I´ll think about the good times, Blessings to your entire family
Charlene Mitchell- Rodgers
April 24, 2025
Sending prayers and condolences to Equilla´s family and friends. K knew her briefly our work with the Fetroit NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Dinner. She was well-liked and respected by everyone who knew her. Rest well Soror
Teran Nash
April 24, 2025
Music One Fest 2018
75th birthday at Château Elan
Janice Elligan
April 24, 2025
I´m going to miss you. We were in the same golf club at Chastain park. We were both AKA´s. I brought you into my chapter.
We would take Chicago steeping classes together. I remember when you daughter had twins. I even bought a couple of wigs from you. I will truly miss you . I will
Pray that you passed away with no pain.
Janice Elligan
Kenneth Vernon
April 24, 2025
So sorry to hear. I really liked her. Be strong.
Barbara Jewell McCann
April 24, 2025
Condolences to the entire family.
Maggi Curry-Williams
April 24, 2025
Remembering Equilla with fondness and respect! We met at Ball State University when I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where her reputation preceded her. Always professional, kind and eloquent, Equilla led with grace and was the epitome of an AKA woman! I´m not at all surprised to read her many accomplishments and the loving comments about her life. My sincere condolences to her family and all who love her. Rest well, my sister!
Jeanette Starks
April 24, 2025
Cuzzin Equilla I'm going to miss you more than words can express, your passing leaves a gapping hole in my heart I'll hold on to the memories of our times together family functions birthdays and especially our dancing sessions,when we get together I'm gonna miss that my dancing Quill I will Love You Forever in my Heart R.I.P Beautiful Angel Reagan,Twins,Auntie and the rest of the Family Love You All and Praying for my Family during this difficult time
Karmen Word
April 24, 2025
Jolita McCray Wainwright
April 24, 2025
Sweet Equilla .You accepted me like a sister.We called each other wife in laws So happy the grands got to know you and love on each other. You are free from pain and the worries of this world.Rest in peace beautiful lady
Ms.J and bb
April 24, 2025
Diana Sanders
April 24, 2025
Rest well my dear friend! You will always be my "Road Dog" on earth and in Heaven. D Nap! Diana Napoleon Sanders
Clarence Petty
April 24, 2025
I met Equilla at Antioch missionary Baptist Church as we grew up together always a beautiful person beautiful smile I believe the last time I saw her was at the NW YMCA in Muncie. Rest in peace. My sister you will be missed.
William Toples
April 24, 2025
Equilla was a good soul, and possessed the amazing ability to affect people in a very personal way! I extend my deepest condolences to her family and many friends! She will always be remembered for uplifting and defending the dignity and rights of others! May Equilla rest in God´s eternal peace, until she is raised in the resurrection to be at home with the Lord forever!
Bill Toples
Cynthia Carter
April 24, 2025
I will miss my golf buddy. Rest in peace. Cynthia Carter
ROBIN DEE MEYERS
April 24, 2025
Equilla you are so very loved. A Ray of Sunsine whenever you entered the room. I feel so very blessed that our lives crossed paths. Rest in Paradise Beautiful Angel. Love you Forever and Always. Robin Dee Meyers
Jewel Virgo (caregiver)
April 24, 2025
For the short time we had together, you such a wonderful person to talk with. The love you had for your family and others. Quil RIP, and I pray God cover and be the strength the family during this time of bereavement.
Rose Bradley
April 24, 2025
My Sincere Condolences to Reagan! Your Mom was such a beautiful person! May she rest in peace!
Trachelle
April 24, 2025
Quil was such a beautiful soul, beautiful woman inside and out...sending my heartfelt condolences to this beautiful family. Rest well Equilla.
Nastassia Crump
April 24, 2025
I just wanted to say I´m so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how hard this must be, and I´m keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Your mom raised someone truly amazing, and her love and strength will always live through you. Sending you so much love and comfort during this time."
Nastassja Crump
Leveina Fountain-Washington
April 24, 2025
Sending thoughts and prayers to Equilla´s family! She was one of my favorite Big Sisters when I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha at Ball State! I enjoyed being in her presence! She was an amazing person and a very good friend! Rest peacefully! Love, Leveina Fountain-Washington
Michelle Hayes
April 24, 2025
Best YaYa Remi and Reaux could ever ask for rest in heavenly peace Equilla. You´ll be missed.
Annette Hunt
April 24, 2025
Cuz I will always Love You an l will never forget our memories together.
Annette Hunt aka Nellie
Ingrid Crawford
April 24, 2025
Beautiful Equilla rest peacefully in Jesus's arms. Our condolences goes out to each and everyone in your family and may God give everyone strength at this difficult time. Love Crawford family
Deborah Blackmon
April 24, 2025
Quill will truly be missed! I 'm remembering all the fun we had in Denver with our kids in the 90's.Those were great times!We shared a few memories here in Atlanta before covid. Love and prayers to the family.
Rhonda Hall
April 24, 2025
A beautiful person that was a positive light to many.
Rhonda Hall
Victoria Jones
April 24, 2025
To the family of Equilla Wainwright-May sweet memories be a source of peace and comfort. Rest in glory, Equilla. You were a great friend in so many ways. I shall always cherish memories of you. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
Carolyn Orr-Hale
April 23, 2025
Equilla was my dear Sister/Friend. We had so much fun traveling together, working Conventions. Sending love and sympathy to Reaghan and the entire Family.
Carolyn Orr-Hale(Carole)
Wanda Bronston-Grigsby
April 23, 2025
My condolences to the family of Equilla. I have fond memories of pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha inc. Sorority at Ball State University with Equilla as our line Dean of Pledges. She had an unforgettable smile and awesome personality that made footprints in the sands of time. God bless the family!
Rev Brenda Girton-Mitchell
April 23, 2025
Equilla was a ray of sunshine in whatever space she appeared. I pray that her legacy of love and light will encourage her family and friends to cherish the memories of the time shared with her as God heals us in due season. Prayers continue.
Brenda Girton-Mitchell
John Raymond Hall
April 23, 2025
My Ball State Political Science study partner! Who took advantage of her opportunities and soared and achieved. May your family and friends, along with the people you touched, think of you as I do. One of the very best!
Henry & Yvette Fuse
April 23, 2025
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family, may God give you peace & continue to bless you.
The Staff of Willie A. Watkins, Inc.
April 21, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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