The name Yetunde Price is remembered with a mix of admiration, sorrow, and legacy. Known as the eldest half-sister of tennis superstars Serena and Venus Williams, Yetunde’s life was tragically cut short in 2003 in an act of senseless violence. She was more than just a family member to the Williams sisters—she was a devoted mother, a skilled nurse, a businesswoman, and someone who believed in family and resilience. Her story resonates beyond her untimely death because it represents the duality of success and struggle, hope and heartbreak, that many families in America’s inner cities face.
This article will explore the life of Yetunde Price, her professional journey, her connection with Serena and Venus Williams, the tragic events surrounding her death, the aftermath, and how her legacy continues to inspire positive change.
Early Life and Background
Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was born on August 9, 1972, in Saginaw, Michigan. She grew up as part of a blended family in Compton, California, an area well-known for its challenges, including gang violence and economic hardship. Yetunde was the eldest daughter of Oracene Price, who would later become the mother and guiding force behind Serena and Venus Williams’ tennis careers.
Unlike her sisters, Yetunde did not pursue tennis. Instead, she focused on academics and service-oriented professions. She developed a deep passion for helping people, which led her into healthcare and small business ventures. Her upbringing in a family that faced both struggles and triumphs shaped her into a woman with resilience, compassion, and dedication.
Career and Professional Pursuits
While her younger sisters became household names in the world of tennis, Yetunde carved out her own unique path. She worked as a registered nurse in the Los Angeles area, a profession that showcased her dedication to helping others and her deep sense of empathy. Nursing wasn’t just a job for her—it was a calling.
In addition to her medical career, she was also an entrepreneur. She co-owned a hair salon, demonstrating her desire to build a business and support her community. Her entrepreneurial spirit reflected the same determination and discipline that characterized the Williams family as a whole.
At times, Yetunde also served as a personal assistant to Venus and Serena, traveling with them to major tournaments, including Wimbledon. This role reflected her strong family bond and the supportive role she played in helping her sisters focus on their demanding athletic careers.
Personal Life: A Devoted Mother
One of the most important roles in Yetunde Price’s life was being a mother. She had three children, and she was known for her warmth, generosity, and dedication to their well-being. Family members often described her as someone who balanced her professional life with the responsibilities of raising her kids, making sure they were cared for, loved, and guided.
Her love for her children was evident in every aspect of her life. Even as she balanced her roles as a nurse, entrepreneur, and assistant, her children always remained her top priority. Friends and family recall her as a nurturing figure who was deeply respected by those who knew her.
The Tragic Incident: September 14, 2003
The defining and most heartbreaking chapter in Yetunde Price’s life came on September 14, 2003. That night, she was traveling in an SUV with her boyfriend, Rolland Wormley, in Compton, California. As the vehicle drove past a suspected gang house, shots were fired.
Tragically, a bullet struck Yetunde in the head. Though Wormley initially thought she had ducked to avoid the gunfire, it soon became clear that she had been critically wounded. She was rushed to a hospital, but she could not be saved. At just 31 years old, the life of a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and professional came to a devastating end.
The sudden nature of her death shocked not only the Williams family but also the wider community and international audiences familiar with Venus and Serena. The headlines carried the painful story of a successful, promising woman lost to gang violence.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
In the aftermath of her death, police investigations revealed that the shooting was connected to gang activity. Authorities later confirmed that it was likely a case of mistaken identity—Yetunde and her boyfriend’s SUV may have been misidentified as belonging to a rival gang.
Robert Edward Maxfield, a member of the Southside Crips, was charged in connection with the shooting. After two mistrials, he eventually pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in 2006. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, though he was released on parole in 2018 after serving about 12 years.
This outcome stirred public debate. Many felt the sentence did not match the gravity of the crime. The Williams family, while heartbroken, continued to focus on healing and honoring Yetunde’s memory rather than being consumed by anger.
The Impact on Serena and Venus Williams
For Serena and Venus Williams, the loss of Yetunde Price was deeply personal. Both sisters have spoken publicly about how devastating it was to lose their sister, who was not just family but also a close friend and confidante. Serena admitted in interviews that she struggled with grief for years, often breaking down during training sessions and matches when memories of Yetunde overwhelmed her.
Venus, known for her composure, also expressed her heartbreak. The tragedy gave both sisters a more profound perspective on life, resilience, and the importance of using their platform to bring attention to issues beyond tennis.
The Yetunde Price Resource Center
Despite the tragedy, Yetunde’s story did not end with her death. In 2016, Serena and Venus Williams, alongside their family, opened the Yetunde Price Resource Center in Compton, California. The center was established to provide assistance, counseling, and resources for families and individuals affected by violence.
The mission of the center is to support healing, resilience, and empowerment in the community. By naming it after Yetunde, her family ensured that her legacy would be one of hope and compassion rather than solely tragedy. The center has since become a vital part of the community, offering programs for mental health, conflict resolution, and community engagement.
Broader Context: Violence in Compton and Beyond
The death of Yetunde Price also brought attention to the broader issue of violence in neighborhoods like Compton. For decades, the area has been plagued by gang rivalries, poverty, and limited opportunities, which create an environment where violence often erupts.
Yetunde’s death was a stark reminder that violence spares no one—not even the family of world-famous athletes. It highlighted the urgent need for systemic change, investment in communities, and opportunities for young people to break the cycle of poverty and crime.
Remembering Yetunde Price
Though her life was tragically cut short, Yetunde Price is remembered for her kindness, strength, and commitment to her family. Those who knew her personally often describe her as a “rock” in the Williams household—someone who provided emotional stability and love.
Her legacy continues through her children, her family, and the work of the Yetunde Price Resource Center. She symbolizes resilience and love, and her story remains a poignant reminder of the cost of violence and the importance of family.
Conclusion
The story of Yetunde Price is one of both heartbreak and inspiration. Her life reflected dedication to her family, professional excellence, and personal resilience, while her tragic death highlighted the harsh realities of violence in many American neighborhoods. But perhaps the most powerful part of her legacy is how her family turned tragedy into purpose by creating the Yetunde Price Resource Center, ensuring that her memory lives on through efforts to bring healing to others.
As Serena and Venus Williams continue to inspire the world on and off the tennis court, their sister Yetunde’s memory remains an inseparable part of their journey. She may be gone, but her influence and love endure.
In sharing her story, we remember not only the tragedy of her death but also the beauty of her life. And it is through platforms like The Globe Gist, that her legacy continues to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.
Yetunde Price was more than Serena’s half-sister; she was a confidante and guiding presence. Her passing in 2003 deeply shook Serena, but it also inspired her to persevere with unmatched courage. Her story, however, connects back to Serena’s other half-sisters, like Isha and Lyndrea, who continue to uphold the family’s spirit.
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