Wendell Maurice Stills

Wendell Maurice Stills was born to Willie James Stills and Doris Mae Stills (née White) on May 23, 1966, in Mobile, Alabama. He was the youngest of three children born to the union of his parents. He entered eternal rest on January 20, 2025, at 9:30 PM at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, District of Columbia.
His father Willie was an Air Force Master Sergeant, and his mother Doris was an English teacher. Wendell's family lived in Alabama, The Philippines, California, and Hawaii before they settled in Warner Robbins, Georgia. He enjoyed playing organized basketball and football in his younger years.
Wendell was a lifelong learner. After graduating from Warner Robbins High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Georgia, a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois, and a master's degree in Strategic Studies from the Marine Corps War College.
Wendell was a loving husband and father of three children: Jambaar Kemit Stills, Sohane Lingeer Stills, and Sunjata Malal Stills. Wendell and Rhonda married on July 22, 1989, but the two met as teens in 1982 and were together collectively for over 39 years. He raised his family while living in Georgia, New York, Illinois, Virginia, Egypt, and Belgium. Wendell traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. He and his loving wife Rhonda united with First Mount Zion Baptist Church in 1997.
At the time of his passing, he was employed by Verite as a Director of Advanced Programs. At Verite, he was more than a leader-he was a visionary whose intellect, deep reflection, and decisive action set him apart. His sharp operational knowledge and instincts gave Verite a distinct advantage, shaping the way challenges were approached and opportunities embraced. His ability to see the bigger picture while executing with precision made him an invaluable Verite family member, not just in strategy but in the lives of the many he mentored. His impact extended far beyond his work, inspiring countless individuals at Verite. He led with generosity, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to his beloved family and those around him, leaving a lasting legacy that will be missed and felt for years to come.
Prior to Verite, Wendell amassed over two decades of public service. He was a Senior Operations Officer in the Central Intelligence Agency, where he served his country for over 20 years. During his service with the Central Intelligence Agency, he served as Department Chief of the Counterterrorism Mission Center, Chief of Station of the Africa Mission Center, Deputy Chief of Station and Chief of Operations within the Iran Mission Center, and Deputy Chief within the Special Activities Center. Before serving in the Central Intelligence Agency, he was Project Development Specialist in the Federal Highway Administration and served as a Policy Analyst in the White House. Wendell was also a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the Army Reserve as a Military Intelligence and Civil Affairs Officer for 26 years. Many of his colleagues noted his work ethic and desire to succeed; however, the unmistakable hallmark that distinguished Wendell from others was his uncanny ability to bond with others regardless of their background or place of origin. He was not only regarded as a colleague to his counterparts, but also as a friend and a shoulder to lean on. Mentoring and advising aspiring professionals was a gift that he shared everywhere he worked. His legacy of leading with excellence and compassion is undeniable.
A kindhearted spirit, Wendell was especially happy when he was with his family. He constantly checked in with both immediate and distant relatives to keep tabs on where everyone was living, how they were doing, and when they would see each other again. Through his genealogy research he was able to grow the Stills & White Family Trees and connected with even the most distant of cousins. He learned a great deal about ancestors and took pride in sharing their stories and life experiences with others. Wendell was also the greatest support system for his children. Whether it was standing in the rain watching a soccer match, sitting down to watch a dance recital, traveling out of state to watch a basketball game, or traversing an entire city just to keep track of his runner, Wendell could and would do anything to support his children.
Wendell enjoyed attending family gatherings, telling stories about family members past and present, watching sports, and Law & Order, and spending time with his wife and kids. He was a pet parent to many pets through the years, but the ones who stole his heart were Felix, Sassy, Russell, Tom Murphy, Teddy, Niko Callie, and Grady, and they knew him as "Pet Dad." Wendell had a special talent for learning languages and about other cultures, and oftentimes would find ways to explore what he learned. Wherever in the world he lived, he always had the knack of forging friendships with strangers and connecting with others.
Wendell was preceded in death by his Wife, Rhonda Mischelle Stills (née Cole); Father, Willie James Stills; Mother, Doris Mae Stills (née White); Sister, Cassandra Alesia Stills; and Grandparents, Burdett Still, Sr., Willie Mae Still (née Wilson), Clarence White, Sr., and Rosa Belle White (née Mcrae). He is survived by his Three Children, Jambaar Stills of Reston, VA, Sohane Stills of Washington, DC, and Sunjata Stills of Reston, VA; Brother and Sister-in-Law, Terry and Christal Stills of Fayetteville, GA; Father-in-Law and Stepmother-in-law Gilbert Cole, Jr. and Mary Catherine Cole of Kinder, LA; One Aunt, Bessie Herron of Sierra Vista, AZ; One Niece; Lauren Knox of Fayetteville, GA; Two Nephews, Brian and Makenzie Stills of Fayetteville, GA; and Twenty-Six Cousins.