Yolonda at my birthday party April 12, 2025

In a couple weeks, it will be exactly 30 years since I arrived in LA. I only knew two people — one a friend from college, the other a friend of a friend. For the first couple months, I didn't have any coworkers, just a boss. A nice boss, but still a boss. Then King of the Hill got picked up for season one… and there was Yolonda. And then Robert. And then Erica. And Evelyn down the hall. So even when she left to move onto another show, she left me with all of her friends!! She had a real way of bringing people together. Trying to get them jobs, helping them with their scripts. The last time we emailed, a few months back, it was because she was recommending a friend for a directing job. I hired the friend. Yolonda knew! She always knew who the real people were in the industry. The ones who had talent and integrity and kindness, just like she did. When I look back on all the years we've known each other, I wish I had photos, but at the same time 90s friendship was about the phone calls! That's what I remember most — how one of us would call with a question about some mundane Hollywood bullshit or room politics question —and then we'd wind up on the phone for hours, catching up about the real shit. And laughing.  So grateful to have known her … and for all the joy and inspiration she brought to my life!  💔

My sweet, dear friend 🧡 

In Loving Memory of My Dear Friend, 

From childhood days full of laughter and dreams, we journeyed through life, side by side. My heart feels so heavy without you here, saying goodbye feels impossible. You were more than a friend-you were my sister, my confidant, the one who always knew how to make me smile even on the darkest days. Your kindness, laughter, and the way you brightened every moment will forever in my heart.  Thank you for the beautiful memories and the love we shared. Your a shining Angel Forever in my heart. Rest in peace, I love you my dearest friend, until the day we reunite.

I met Yolonda over 20 years ago through my dear friend Jana Fain. We spent a lot of time laughing, talking about the business, politics and people who drove us crazy - ha. Whenever Jana had a gathering, Yolonda was who I gravitated to. She pulled people closer, made them feel seen and heard. Funny, warm, gracious, thoughtful, loving and tough as hell. I’m so very sad she’s gone, and hurting for her family and all who knew and loved her. She had so much more to say as a writer. So much more to do! But now we will honor her beauty and her singular talent through our own work. Her memory and who she was will live forever.

Me and Yolonda at Syracuse University's 2024 CBT Sneaker Ball. I'm so grateful we had this time together.🥹

I wish I had a chance to have met Yolonda. I have heard so many wonderful stories from Evelyn about her and her life. God bless her beautiful soul. 

Just finishing up a fun lunch with Yodi! We laughed and laughed and laughed! I am grateful for all of many laughs she and I had and will forever miss her beautiful smile! Thank you for your friendship. I love you! — with Suzanne Williams

We were devastated when hearing the news of your sister’s/daughter’s (Yodi’s)  passing. Praying for your strength. 

Yodi being Yodi!

Yodi, Dianne, and Stacy supporting us at The Motherf^*%r with the Hat play. I still can’t believe this is the last time I would see her, but I am grateful I got the chance to spend this time with her. I’m so sorry, Yolonda 😞🙏🏾❤️