The Central Florida theatre community gathers this weekend to celebrate the life of Yara Justinna Williams, a highly acclaimed actor who passed away on February 22nd at the age of 35 after battling pancreatic cancer.
“Yara was a bright light wherever I went,” posted by fellow actor Da’zaria Harris in a Facebook tribute. “She will be remembered and loved forever. Her influence and joy will never go away.”
At the two events, friends and family will pay tribute to Williams’ work at the musical theatre, with concert performances planned during viewing hours on March 7th, and will play an important role in the March 8th celebration of the Life Church Service. said Roberta Emerson, a friend of Williams’ family who helps them organize their services, Tonasta Press.
“She loved being on stage and she loved singing,” Emerson said. “She said the theatre was where she made her feel alive.”
Both events take place at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Boynton Beach and are limited to family and close friends due to limited space. However, they are live streamed, so a wider network of Williams’ friends and colleagues may honor her.
Williams has worked with several arts organizations over the past few years. In 2016, she made a strong impression on appearing in “Life” at Breakthrough Theatre Company in Winter Park. She later enjoyed being a memorable gossip church woman for Sanford’s The Color Purple, her debut film at The West End. She returned to the theater to produce “Ghost,” where her powerful voice was once again praised by critics.
More recently, Williams performed in Orlando Shakes’ “Ai n’t Misbehavin,” and played the role of a 1978 Nell Carter A. Tony Award winner.
“Yara Justina Williams earns an inch or two in “cash for your trash,” but also Orlando Sentinel’s review said, “in a meaningful sense to me,” which touched her heart.
“She was very light on that show,” said Emerson, who directed the production. “She was fighting, but she was positive.”
In the production of “Little Night Music” by Central Florida Vocal Arts, Williams played the Earl of Charlotte Malcolm.
“Her presence was the embodiment of grace, beauty, strength and talent in both theatre and on stage,” the organization wrote in a statement honoring Williams. “Yarra was the sun. The performing arts community in Central Florida reminds me of her warmth, her glow and the way many of us blossomed under her light.”
The young actor respected her and learned from her.
“Yah, your light will live and shine,” writes actor Adourin Jamelle Owens on Facebook. “Thank you for all the lessons you gave me!”
Williams is also a major performer of the “Lounge Scene,” working at popular theme park shows such as the “Lion King Festival” at the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and portrayed the “Harry Potter” character Celestina Warbeck at the Allie Alley musical show at Universal Studios. She also performed as a singer for “Joyful,” a holiday gospel celebration at Epcot.
Behind the scenes, she served as the event coordinator and community advocate for Central Florida Entertainment Advocacy. This is a group that provides support and resources to those working in show business.
“She was always excited to use gifts to lend a hand,” said Mecha King, founder of the CFEA, on behalf of the organization. “We can personally say that if she wasn’t letting us float, we’d sunk.”
Many mentioned how Williams felt he was welcoming to those he encountered. A quote on her Facebook profile reads, “She’ll always have a little gang under her crown.”
“She didn’t take prisoners, but at the same time there was a way to make people love her,” Emerson said.
“She was personified,” King agreed. “And when she was there, no one felt overlooked or alone.”
Concerts and celebrations of life feature friends and colleagues performing in her honor.
“With Yara style and Yara fashion, the family wants to celebrate,” Emerson said. “One of her proverbs was, ‘It’s a time of joy.’ ”
Despite this, it meant a trip to South Florida where Williams was originally from, there was no shortage of people who wanted to attend.
“We thought it was difficult because of the trip, but no, people wanted to do it,” Emerson said. One friend was excused to fly off for Williams from her role on the national tour of “Wiz.” Epcot’s “Joyful” colleagues serve as an evangelical choir to celebrate her life.
Live streams on March 7th at 5pm and 10am at 8th March 10am can be accessed at fellasmedia.com/celebrateyara.
When she fought cancer, Williams emphasized that she would make the most of her everyday life and continue her plans for the future.
“She was always talking about the next thing,” Emerson said. “She had faith in God, and God gave her life to live and live it now.
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