In loving memory of Donyelle Denise Jones, a radiant soul whose light touched the world through movement, artistry, and unshakable strength.A dancer, a creator, a warrior — she gave everything she had to her craft and to the people she loved. Donyelle danced with passion, lived with courage, and faced every challenge with grace.Her journey inspired thousands, not only on the stage of So You Think You Can Dance, but in the quiet moments she shared with fans and family — moments filled with honesty, humor, and heart. Though her earthly steps have ended, her spirit continues to move within everyone she uplifted.Her legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and love. RIP

Who She Was - Born: May 10, 1914, in Comanche, Oklahoma. - Nickname: “Mother Fletcher.” - Died: November 24, 2025, at the age of 111, at a Tulsa hospital, surrounded by family At the time of her death, she was the oldest known living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre — What She Survived - In May 1921, a white mob attacked the flourishing Black neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa — often called “Black Wall Street.” - Property damage was vast: approximately 35 city blocks burned or destroyed. - As many as 300 Black residents may have been killed, with hundreds more injured; many survivors were displaced. - Fletcher was only 7 years old that day. She later recounted horrific memories — the smoke, the destroyed homes, the bodies, the terror. - Her family, like many others, was forced to flee. They became sharecroppers, living in tents and working the land after losing everything. Her Life After the Massacre Fletcher’s life was one of perseverance: - She left school after the fourth grade, due to the family’s hardship. - At 16, she returned to Tulsa and began working at a department store. - In 1932, she married Robert Fletcher and moved with him to California. During World War II, she worked as a welder in a shipyard. - After the war, she returned to Oklahoma, settled north of Tulsa in Bartlesville, and raised three children. - Fletcher worked as a housekeeper — caring for homes and families — until she was 85 years old. - - Her Role as a Truth-Teller and Advocate - After decades of silence (in part due to fear of reprisals), Fletcher began speaking out about the massacre. She said much of her silence ended only after her grandson convinced her to share her story. - In 2023, she co-authored a memoir with her grandson, titled Don’t Let Them Bury My Story. Through it, she preserved her firsthand account. - In 2021, on the 100th anniversary of the massacre, Fletcher testified before the U.S. Congress alongside her younger brother (Hughes Van Ellis) and another survivor, Lessie Benningfield Randle — calling for reparations. - She, Van Ellis, and Randle filed a lawsuit seeking reparations from the city and county of Tulsa, but in June 2024 the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed the case, citing technical grounds (public nuisance statute).

--- To remember Debra is to remember the warmth of a constant and welcoming presence. Though she was formally a sister-in-law, the bond you shared transcended that title, blossoming into a cherished and genuine friendship—a relationship built on choice, not just circumstance. In a world that can often feel complicated, Debra was a beacon of beautiful simplicity. The words "She was nice to know" hold a profound and quiet truth. Hers was not a loud or demanding kindness, but a steady, reliable one. To know her was to feel valued, to feel heard, and to feel a little lighter for having been in her company. This lightness was rooted in her most remarkable quality: she was positive all the time. Her optimism wasn't just for the good days; it seemed to be the very fabric of her spirit. It was a gift she gave to those around her, a gentle reminder to find the light, even when shadows crept in. Her positive spirit was a shelter, a place of comfort and reassurance for her family and friends. Deborah’s legacy is not one of grand gestures, but of the countless small moments that, together, create a life of profound meaning. It is the legacy of a ready smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and a heart that consistently chose joy. She made the world a kinder, brighter place simply by being in it. She was a dear friend, a beloved sister-in-law, and a soul whose beautiful impact will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Officer Alec Sanders served with courage, integrity, and a heart devoted to protecting others.He lived his duty with quiet strength — showing up not just as an officer, but as a steady presence, a reassuring voice, and a shield for those who needed safety. He carried compassion into every call, dignity into every challenge, and unwavering commitment into every moment of service. His dedication was not just seen in the uniform he wore, but in the lives he touched, the people he helped, and the community he uplifted. Though he is no longer here, his legacy remains — in the gratitude of those he protected, in the love of those who knew him, and in the honor reflected through every memory of his service. Officer Alec Sanders will be remembered for his bravery, his kindness, and the light he brought to others.His impact lives on. His service lives on. His name lives on — with respect, with pride, and with deep appreciation.

**Always in Our Hearts Alice & Ellen Kessler**“The Kessler Twins” Grace, elegance, and perfect harmony —their presence lit up every stage they touched.Side by side, they danced with a joy that felt effortless,a rhythm that only twins could share,and a spirit that made the world feel brighter. They brought beauty, laughter, and art into people’s lives,reminding us that talent is a gift,but sharing that gift is love. Their energy lives on in the memories they inspired,in every performance that still brings a smile,and in the hearts of those who admired their brilliance. Forever remembered.Forever celebrated.Forever in our hearts.