Tribute to Aunt Yvonne / Sonia Barnes (Niece)
Aunt Yvonne was a vibrant energetic woman who was also an academic success She was a role model for any young woman but I was lucky for her to have been mine.
She came into my life when I was a young teenager and lived with our family awhile. . She was the only aunt that allowed me to call her by her first name……I was thrilled! She was so young it was hard for me to believe she was my aunt. I adored and idolized her. Aside from my own mother she was one of the first truly liberated women I’d ever met and I was fascinated by her. Her conscientious attitude towards school intrigued and inspired me. She was always studying in those early days and getting very good grades (which is more than I could say for myself )
I can remember going to her graduation when she received her masters degree and feeling so immensely proud to know that she was my Aunt Yvonne.
When I was about 18 Aunt Yvonne gave birth to her first child a boy Gassim . I was always hanging around her house because I loved spending time with her and I really liked kids especially her child so….Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Ben decided to bestow upon me the greatest of honors in my young life ….the title of Godmother to their first born child. Aunt Yvonne was absolutely confident that I would rise to the occasion. I was terrified but if she could have confidence in me then I would embrace this new role. You see Aunt Yvonne trusted young people she believed in there ultimate goodness. This is what made her such an extraordinary educator and aunt.
I remember in the last week of her life how strong her spirit was and the desire to continually communicate with others. She so loved to talk …..laugh and joke.…she would have loved to have been here to see all of you but I know she is watching while in the arms of the lord and enjoying it all! Her life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hues.
My life has been forever changed by knowing Aunt Yvonne. She is as the song says Unforgettable ……
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