Yohondous Seleta Dickens

Yohondous Seleta Dickens, 65, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away November 10, 2024, at Memorial Hospital. Seleta, as she was known to all who loved her, was born June 13th, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois to Connie May Miller and William Justice Smith.

Seleta attended Austin High School in Chicago, Illinois. she loved to travel (which she did a lot of), she loved Christ, and she loved to dance. Worship was one of her favorite things to do. She would sing loud and proud, even making up the words if she didn't know the. Seleta was creative. From journaling to crocheting, she gave her all to everything she did. She had the biggest heart. Loving hard was an understatement. She would do anything for anyone she came across in need. She was a staple and a rock to her family.

Seleta had eight siblings. Her brothers, Ricky Swanson, Judson (JJ) Swanson, William (Lamont) Swanson whom all preceded her in death. She loved them dearly. Her brother Cortez Smith and Stacatto "Stuckey" Mosley (Tasha) along with her sister Nicole Robertson out of Chicago, Illinois. Constance Wolf (Howard) and Monique Hockaday (Mark) were not only sisters but her best friends. She cherished her relationship with Constance. Monique was Selata's confidant. Raising their children together as brothers and sisters and making a village that their children would eventually mimic.

Seleta got married at the tender age of 18. During her marriage she had four blessings. She became a mother at 19 years old to Don Deroy Jenkins II (Barbara). Her first-born child. Emmanuel Alex Jenkins (Rochelle) was born 19 months later in 1980. He would eventually be the one she relied on to help her led her small family. After praying for God to bless her with a girl, she made a covenant with God that if He gave her a girl, she would give Him a child. He gave her two girls. God blessed Seleta with Chynetta Marsha Ann Bowen (Vince). She grew up to be a carbon copy of her mother. 2 years later in 1984, God sent her the promise she had given Him, Mary Marie Jenkins. Mary set out to be the generational curse breaker in their family with Seleta praying and covering her every step of the way. Her children were her "WHY"! She sacrificed and dedicated EVERYTHING for her children. There is nowhere she wouldn't come and nothing she wouldn't do.

Her legacy continues through nine grandchildren. Kiara Dane Jenkins, Michael Eugene Chester (Quenisha), Emmanuel Tyler Chase, Jade Avaya Jenkins, Yohondous Audrey Barbour, Halen Loren Marie Barbour, Liah LeAndrea Ski Campbell, Levi Anthony Bowen, and Legacy Nyis Adams. She delighted in her role as great-grandmother to four amazing souls. Trinity Yavonne Yesine Owens, Aniya Michelle Jenkins, Michael Eugene Chester III, and Adonis Markelle Jenkins-Moore. She would (and often did) fly across the country for her grands and great grands.

Known affectionately as "Tee-Tee" to her beloved nieces and nephews, she embraced them all with the same unconditional love she showed her own children, making each one feel special and cherished. Her maternal love extended even further through her numerous godchildren, whom she guided with the same fierce devotion and unwavering support she gave to all her family. To be chosen as a godchild by Seleta meant receiving a lifetime of prayers, wisdom and unconditional love.

Among her cherished friendships, two stood out: Lynette Cross of Atlanta, GA, her faithful friend of 56 years, with whom she shared the joys of raising children and exploring the world, and Mary Gates of Dallas, TX, whose wedding she graced as maid of honor over four decades ago.

In recent years, Seleta found profound purpose in caring for her beloved mother, Connie Smith, approaching each day of caregiving with the same dedication and love that characterized her entire life. Though she has left this earthly realm, Seleta's legacy of unconditional love, unwavering faith, and generous spirit will continue to inspire and guide future generations.

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