Yvonnzier Staley

Please click here to view the live stream of the funeral service. The live stream of the funeral service for Ms. Yvonnzier Staley will begin at 12:00pm on Saturday, June 4th.

Yvonnzier Mozella Staley (Bonnie) entered into eternal rest on May 20, 2022.

She was the youngest of 12 children born to the late Robert Quincy Staley and Mae Bell Morgan on February 9, 1947 in Salley, South Carolina. Her early years were spent at A.L. Corbett High School in Wagener, South Carolina. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in 1965. She continued her education at Spelman College in Atlanta Georgia where she graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Secondary education.

She strongly believed in education and furthered her studies at Catholic university and Southeastern University in Washington DC, later obtaining two masters degrees. She later obtained an associate degree in Christian discipleship from Jericho City of Praise church where she attended close to fifteen years. During that time she was an active member of the Jericho City of Praise church choir. She was married to Billy Edward Zellars and was blessed with three children: Melinda, Kimberly and William.

She lived in Washington DC and worked early in her career as a speech pathologist, and public school teacher. She worked as a Human Resources Specialist in local DC government for many years. She later worked for over 39 years for the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA in Washington, DC where she retired in 2018. She also had a limousine business that she ran for many years.

Although she struggled with multiple health challenges she was blessed with two life saving kidney transplants. She was an advocate for organ donation and kidney disease. Despite her many ailments she went to work every single day with a smile that would brighten any room. She had the deepest love for God, her children and her family.

She was a free, cheerful spirit that despite any adversity remained strong, smart, resilient, loving, loyal, kind, giving and energetic. She delighted in helping anyone in need.

Although she had many physical challenges, she never let anything stop her from what she wanted to accomplish in life. She always pressed through in spite of her limitations.

Though she faced many trials throughout her life she prayed and conquered each and every one of them with grace; she was always that rose that grew beyond the thorns.

Today we take with us her lasting memories of love and friendship.

She was God’s faithful servant; a mighty warrior; an amazing mother; a beloved sister; a cherished best friend.

She will remain in our hearts and minds forever. She will be greatly missed.