This week’s Religion Corner is a tribute to Sister Gita, a very special woman I met more than 10 years ago, during the kickoff and promotion of “The Belief Series” hosted by Oprah Winfrey, which aired in 2014 on the OWN Network. Groups all across the country and internationally were hosting watch parties to share together the series of shows on the OWN Network showing how the many different faiths all share in love for one another.
Sister Jenna was the DMV area chair, and she asked me to serve as chair of our events being held at the National Mall’s Amphitheater, maintained by the National Park Service. I accepted, we had many meetings, and the outcome changed my life forever. I also met Sister Gita during this time.
We lost Sister Gita a little over a week ago. Please allow me to share my column this week by telling you about this very special woman. Here is her story, gathered by conversation with her daughter, Sister Dr. Jenna:
Yvonne Stevenson, lovingly known as Sister Gita, passed away on May 4, 2024, at her home, embraced by the warmth of her family and friends. She left this world in peace and love, a reflection of the life she lived fully in service and devotion.
Her childhood was marked by unimaginable loss, as she was orphaned at the age of 7 when her mother tragically perished in the Kendal train crash of 1957. The disaster claimed over 350 lives and injured over 500 others, leaving indelible scars on Jamaica. Amid this chaos and devastation, young Yvonne was called upon to identify her mother’s body. The trauma of that day marked the beginning of a journey that would require extraordinary strength and resilience.
With her two younger sisters, she was placed in orphanages, where they struggled to protect themselves and one another from men with bad intentions. They found temporary refuge with a schoolmaster who later returned them to the orphanage after six years leaving them to fend for themselves again. Despite the adversity, she later worked three jobs to ensure her sisters had food, clothing and education. In this struggle, she began to find her inner strength.
At 17, she married and gave birth to Sister Jenna, a light of hope and compassion. While marriage brought some joy, it also highlighted the emotional scars she bore, making it challenging for her husband to support her through her struggles. In her 30s, she found the Brahma Kumaris spiritual organization and began practicing Raja Yoga Meditation, which transformed her life. Within six months, she was a changed person, channeling her trauma into service, love, and peace.
For nearly 40 years, she dedicated her life to God and service, whether through cooking, dancing, speaking or simply offering a quiet, comforting presence. She has saved countless lives from the brinks of suicide and despair, guiding them to their inner strength and connecting to the Divine. She has traveled the world, sharing wisdom on the nature of the soul, the essence of God, and the power of service. Her love for God was clear to all through her gentle smile, unwavering devotion, and love for all.
During the pandemic, dementia slowly stole her physical abilities, but her spirit remained luminous. Sensing the end was near, her daughter, Sister Jenna, took her to her beloved India, where she found solace before returning to her home at Om Shanti Village. On May 4, she flew into the arms of God at 10:35 p.m.
As Sister Jenna reflects on her mother’s legacy, she shares this lesson: “I learned how to live and how to die.” In Sister Gita’s remembrance, Sister Jenna will be planting peace trees on May 21 and will have a special segment featured on “The Next Normal” program she hosts on the Meditation Museum’s YouTube channel, sharing Sister Gita’s wisdom and quotes with the world.
Since May 5, evening meditations in honor of Sister Gita have united friends across the globe to celebrate her journey home. We send our love and good wishes to Sister Gita as she finds her place in the next life.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, visit her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on Twitter @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
Lyndia, this touched my heart. My mom was and is an angel.
I had the privilege of meet her in India and was touched by her curiosity and child like wonder with maturity of wisdom and heartfelt sharing of love and generosity.
Sister Gita’s light shined brightly in countless ways. She was a true blessing to all those that were fortunate enough to be touched by her presence.