Yvonne Rena "NaNa" Williams-Wimes

Yvonne Rena Williams-Wimes, 56, affectionately known as NaNa, was born on September 4, 1969, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at St. Joe Hospital to Willie Mae and James Junior Williams. She peacefully gained her heavenly wings on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne, surrounded by her loving family.

NaNa accepted Christ early in her life and was a dedicated former member of the Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army in Fort Wayne. She was a proud graduate of R. Nelson Snider High School in 1987 and continued to enrich her mind through online college courses.

On January 4, 2016, Yvonne united in marriage to Jerry Darnell Wimes. Known for her vibrant and lively spirit, NaNa delighted in various pastimes   including visiting the casino, playing and listening to music, and entertaining family and friends. Her home was the heart of many gatherings filled with laughter, delicious food, and card games. She cherished the open road, always ready for an adventure, and was an avid bowler who loved to dance and sing,  embracing each moment with joy.

Family was the cornerstone of NaNa’s life. She adored spending quality time with her grandchildren, who were the highlight of her life, second only to her own children. Each family member held a special place in her heart.

Yvonne leaves behind a legacy of love through her husband and best friend, Jerry Darnell Wimes; her three (3)children, Robert Juroy Williams, Jazmine Lenae (AnDre) Williams, and Leland Daryl Williams (Kiauna Brookshaw); her mother, Willie Mae Williams; her sister, Erma (Larry) Gist; six (6) grandchildren, Juroy James Counts, Tamari Jamal Wimes, AnDre Jamal Wimes, Jr., Ameer Jamal Wimes, Drelen Jamal Wimes and Donovan D. Longstreet, will forever hold fond memories of their grandmother; along with, her nieces and nephews: Qunika Jackson,  Aldrayus Woodberry, Phillip Belt, Stefaney Belt, James Williams, Jr., Marquis Williams, Jamar Thomas, Tasha Thomas, Ieshia Woodberry, and James Dull;  life-long friends, Lottie Williams, Darnell LeShore, Jeff Wheeler, her aide Sharita Sims, and her god-mother, Sharon White, and long-time adopted sister, Ruby Bates and the family hair stylist, Bryant Williams were treasured throughout her journey.

NaNa was preceded in death by her father, James Junior Williams; her brothers, James Edward Williams and Juroy Reese; and her grandparents, Eliza Goodwin, Oliver Reese, Leola Williams, and Charlie Whitt.

Nana will be always remembered by the assortment of nicknames given by family members such as, “Nana, Chubby Woobie, Big Baby, Na, Baby Huey;” and for her love and infectious joy.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.