Columbus Area Chapter of Blacks in Government (CACBIG)
Columbus Area Chapter of Blacks In Government
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​This page is to honor our CACBIG
​brothers and sisters that have gone on before us but are not forgotten.
​We love you and miss you and ask for your guidance from the heavens above.



To see the National BIG memorial wall, please visit 

http://bignet.org/index.php/national-memorial-wall

Monica M. Oliver
1958-2025

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Monica Maria (Martin) Oliver, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 4:28 p.m., surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren, and dear friends. She was 66 years old.

Monica was born on December 22, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio, to Jesse and Sandra Martin. Her mother always fondly told the story of bringing Monica home on Christmas Day—her own “real live babydoll.” An only child, Monica longed for siblings and later promised herself that when she became a mother, her children would always have each other. She fulfilled that promise, raising her three greatest blessings: Cassandra Annise, Kelly Antoinette, and Shaun Lee.

Monica’s life was defined by devotion to her family, perseverance through challenges, and a passion for service. At just 22 years old, she was a single mother of three. She never complained and never wavered—her children were always her number one focus. Monica began her federal career at the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), where she worked faithfully for decades in a variety of roles. She left briefly to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse but ultimately returned to DSCC, where she made a lasting impact as an administrative professional, leader, and mentor.

Love found her again in 1993, when she met Terry Oliver. The two married on December 10, 1994, and built a beautiful life together filled with laughter, travel, concerts, and the joy of family. Terry welcomed Monica’s children as his own, and together they created a home overflowing with love.

In 1997, Monica faced one of her greatest battles when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through surgeries and years of intense treatment, she fought courageously and entered remission in 2002. Her experience inspired her to dedicate over two decades to advocacy and service with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and “One Woman One Cause.” She spoke openly about her journey to encourage other women, particularly in the African American community, to seek early detection and support.

Monica also made a profound impact in her workplace community. As President of the Columbus Area Chapter of Blacks in Government (CACBIG), she spearheaded scholarships, community service projects, and countless initiatives that uplifted others. She also served as President of the DSCC Culture Council, working to improve relationships between employees and leadership.

Despite her busy career, Monica never let go of her dream of education. Inspired by her children’s pursuit of higher learning, she earned her Bachelor of Business Management from Park University in 2006, completed the DLA Corporate Intern Program in 2009, and went on to receive her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. She rose to the position of General Supply Supervisor at DSCC, where she led with compassion and integrity until retiring on disability in 2015 after her cancer returned as Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Monica’s proudest role was that of grandmother. Her grandchildren—Jaylen Jesse, Jaila Monique, and Gabriella Irma—were the light of her life. She was present at their births, their milestones, and their everyday moments, showering them with unconditional love. To her, being “Nanny” was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

After retirement, Monica cherished simple joys—her faith, family, friendships, and the gift of each day. She greeted mornings with gratitude, delighted in birdsong, and ended each night thankful for God’s blessings.
Monica’s life was a testament to strength, love, and faith. She touched countless lives with her kindness, her generosity, and her unwavering spirit. She leaves behind her devoted husband Terry Oliver; her mother Sandra; her children Cassandra, Kelly, and Shaun; her beloved grandchildren Jaylen, Jaila and Gabriella; her stepson Terrance and a host of extended family, friends, and colleagues who will carry her memory forward.
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Her family takes comfort in knowing that Monica’s legacy of love will live on through the lives she nurtured, the communities she served, and the example she set of resilience and grace.

Expression of Gratitude
We are especially grateful to Pastor Brandon Mitchell (Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church) for leading such a meaningful service, and to Brother Samuel David Rucker Sr. and Lisa Griffin for their heartfelt participation. Our sincere thanks also go to the staff of Schoedinger East Funeral & Cremation and Forest Lawn Memorial Garden for their compassion and care.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Rucker Family, Stephanie Smith, Tanishia Lewis-McGraw, Dr. Dionisia Quiroga, Dr. Miriam Lustberg, Ann, Amy, Shannon, Sharla, the entire Stephanie Spielman Center staff, and the staff at Rooster’s Pickerington.
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Last but certainly not least, we thank our wonderful family and friends who have surrounded us with love, comfort, meals, stories, and prayers. Your support has carried us more than you know, and we will be forever grateful.

​https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-oh/monica-oliver-12496940

Yolanda Brown-Harris
1949-2024

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Yolanda Maria Brown-Harris was born on April 14, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio to Willie Littleton Brown and Melberta Starks (Brown) Cole at Grant Hospital.

At age four and with her father's marriage to Martha Mae Cassimere, she moved with her older brothers, Glenn and Philip to Houston Texas. She attended school in the Houston Independent School District. Yolanda's mother married Clayton Cole and had two more brothers, Michael and Mark.

Yolanda was different and decided she would not attend college. She was convinced by her brother, Philip, that she would do good in the US Army. In December 1972, Yolanda entered the Women Army Corp (WAC) under the Civilian Acquired Skills (CAS) program as a Private First Class (E3). In other words, she had a skill the Army was looking for - Clerk Typist.

In 1998, women in the WAC became Soldiers and Yolanda was transferred to the 718th Transportation Battalion under 83rd ARCOM. She started as a Truck Driver, then became an Equal Opportunity Advisor for 5th Army. In August 1997, she retired at the US Army rank of Master Sergeant (E8). She paid for not going to college because the Army provided her with plenty of education and schooling. Her justification was "I learned, I ate, I had a cot to sleep on, and they paid me".

Yolanda eventually went to work for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at Defense Supply Center, Columbus (DSCC), and retired in December 2011 as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist.

Yolanda was a Life Member of Blacks In Government (BIG), Columbus Area Chapter. Yolanda was an active forward-thinking member of BIG. She served at the National level as the National AE/EEO Chair, served on the National Legislative Committee and as a National Delegates Sergeant-at-Arms. At the Region V level, she held positions as a Council Representative, Region Legislative Chair, Region Secretary and Region Assistant Treasurer. During her time in the Chapter, she served as President and twice as Secretary. She would be found working on many committees behind the scenes at all levels. She attended many National Conferences as a Delegate.


Yolanda is preceded in death by her beloved husband Stanley A. Harris, her mother, Melberta Cole, her brother Glenn and her dad, Willis L. Brown.

She leaves to mourn her son John (Johanna) C.D. Williams Sr., her daughter Marshana Maria (Paul Sr.) Price, her foster daughter Latisha (Bubbles) Jones, her India Ghee from Virginia. Her 6-grandchildren and 7-great-grandchildren.

Homer Williams
​1935-2021

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Born in Jackson, MS on June 2, 1935, Homer was raised from an early age by his sister Henrene Williams. Through hard work and diligence, he won admission to Jackson State University, where he studied Math Education. Following college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving on active duty as a commissioned officer at Fort Polk, LA.

After serving his country honorably, he transferred to the Army Reserves, and got a job with the U.S. Department of Defense. Homer would go on to serve for 35 years as a management analyst with the Defense Construction Supply Center. He also retired from the Army after 32 years at the rank of major. Pretty good for a southern boy whose career began as a busboy!

The story of Homer cannot be told in full without Ruth, his wife, his travelling companion, his partner, the mother of his children...essentially, the center of his life. So the full story of Homer is the tale of Homer and Ruth.

Homer and Ruth met at Jackson State University. Mama once confided to me that while he was much interested in her, she was more focused on her studies. But persistence pays, and when she graduated (he had graduated the year before), she agreed to be his wife.

Both taking jobs with the defense department, Homer and Ruth uprooted their young family, moving from the south to Columbus, During their tenure with DCSC, they each earned their Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University, all while raising three kids.

Homer and Ruth are two of the original founders of the Columbus chapter of Blacks in Government, a non-profit organization. Each has served as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. They were also delegates at many national conventions. Homer served on the Board for a few years.

Homer and Ruth became members of St. Philip Episcopal Church shortly after becoming residents in Columbus, Ohio. It was a compromise between Ruth's Baptist background and Homer's Catholic background. Homer and Ruth were involved in civic organizations and the church. Homer was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Toastmaster, St. Philip Episcopal Church Men, St. Philip Episcopal Church Business Manager, and was a Church Lay Reader.

Homer and Ruth loved all kinds of music; she and Homer had an extensive record collection covering almost all genres. She and Homer also loved to travel; in their time together, they visited Morocco and Canada, and several times drove across the US to California and back.

Homer and Ruth have an extensive family including sons, Harlan and Bretton (Stephannie); daughter LaNelle (Mounir); nephews, Donovan Williams and Rodger Williams; grandchildren, Lavell, D’Mitri, Bretton, Ramzy; four great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends, including Homer’s sister Henrene Williams, who preceded him in 2013.

Ruth Williams
1936-2020

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Ruth Lanell Stennis Williams, born in Columbia, Mississippi on March 9, 1936, passed away March 28, 2020. Ruth earned a Masters of Public Administration from Central Michigan University while maintaining a job and a family. Her undergraduate degree was earned from Jackson State University, B.S. in Biology Education. S​he did this at a time when very few blacks were even completing high school, much less attaining advanced degrees.

Ruth retired from the Federal government after 42 years of service. She began as a computer systems trainee for the former Defense Construction Supply Center, working as a mainframe computer programmer. She finished her service as a computer specialist with Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), where she was the project manager for one of the first telecommunication networks in DLA.

Ruth was involved in a number of civic organizations, including La Leche League, Toastmasters, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, St. Philip Episcopal Church Women, and St. Philip Episcopal Church Altar Guild. She was co-founder of the first Columbus Area Chapter of Blacks In Government.

Ruth loved all kinds of music; she and Homer had an extensive record collection covering almost all genres. She and Homer also loved to travel; in their time together, they visited Morocco and Canada, and twice drove across the US to California and back.

Ruth was preceded in death by parents Rufus Benjamin Stennis and Julia Odessa Barnes, and sister Shirley Pearl Floretta Stennis (Robert Williams). Ruth leaves behind an extensive family including her husband, Homer; sons, Harlan and Bretton (Stephannie); daughter, LaNelle (Mounir); nephews, Donovan Williams and Rodger Williams; grandchildren, Lavell, D'Mitri, Bretton, Ramzy; four great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

​Due to the current public health restrictions, a private family ceremony took place in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. Loved ones and friends will be invited to join the Williams family for a memorial celebration to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to St. Philip Episcopal Church, 166 Woodland Ave., Columbus, OH 43203. To express condolences to Ruth's family, please visit her online tribute wall at

www.diehl-whittaker.com.

Patrice (Yarborough) Ware
​1951-2006

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Patrice (Yarborough) Ware born May 13, 1951 in Columbus OH, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2006 in the early morning. Preceding her in death was her father George L. Yarborough. Her loss is mourned by her devoted husband, Tyrone Ware; adoring son, Jason T. Ware; and loving mother, Mattie (Gerald) Yarborough-Pace. Other respected survivors include uncles, Eugene (Bettye) Yarborough, John (Jean) Head, and David (Marjorie) Head; aunts, Martha (Ernest) Penn, Esther, Oretha Yarborough and Lois Dearing; mother-in-law, Catherine Ware-Martin; Marlene (Robert) Ewey, Maxwell (Beverly) Ware, Dwight (Darla) Ware, Kim (Aaric) Watson, Brenda (Thomas) Bowman, Marchell (Glenn) Foster, Jacqueline (Rev. William) Birtha; many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Homegoing Service 11 a.m., Monday, February 20, 2006 at Trinity Baptist Church, 461 St. Clair Avenue, where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the start of service. Pastor Victor M. Davis, officiating. Arrangements entrusted to DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long Street.

Jereline (Jerri) McMahan
1948-2011

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Jereline McMahan, 62, of Columbus, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 6, 2011, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born June 9, 1948, in Spartanburg, S.C., daughter of the late James and Lizzie Mae Ballenger McMahan.

Jereline was of graduate of Central High School and received her degree from CTI (aka Columbus State). She was employed for 21 years at Defense Supply Center of Columbus where she worked as an Equal Employment Officer. In addition, she was a member of Blacks In Government.

In addition to her parents, Jereline was preceded in death by her sister Betty Mae, and brothers Robert, Walter and Freddie Marvin McMahan.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy (Don) Smith; son, William Lawrence (Latashia) Johnston III; sisters, Willie Ruth Harris and Dianna McMahan; brothers, James "Jimmy" Earl, Edward Eugene, Jerry Wayne and Ronnie (Kim) McMahan; grandchildren, Saniqua, Patrice and Tamara McMahan, Arrman, Jalen and Giovanni Scott, Azavier and Justyce Johnston; great grandchildren, Danielle Jackson, Jadon McMahan and Aramis Hakeem; aunts, Aileen Wilkes, Coreen Gould, Betty Williams and Louise Thompson; uncle, Daniel Ballenger. Also, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

​Visitation will be Thursday, March 10, 2011 from 10-11 a.m. at Rhema Christian Center, 2100 Agler Rd. Columbus, OH 43224, with the funeral beginning at 11 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME NE CHAPEL, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus. Interment will be in Green Lawn Cemetery. To leave a special message for the family visit 
www.NewcomerColumbus.com

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