Wondella Devers, age 71, of Ann Arbor, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by her side on Monday, January 15, 2024.

Wondella’s life journey began on January 30, 1952, in Chicago, where she grew up with her parents Wendell Devers and Hattie Mae (Simmons) Devers, her older brother, Darnell, and younger sister, Jill.

Shortly after she started high school, the family relocated to Michigan, where Wondella graduated from Belleville High School in 1969. Wondella earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University. While at EMU, she played for the women’s basketball team and ran track. In 2023 Wondella was honored for her role in women’s sports with an induction into the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame. She also roller skated and played tennis, golf, softball and more—Wondella was an all-around athlete and she loved to play.

After college Wondella embarked on a thirty-one-and-a-half-year teaching career at Belleville North Junior High, touching the lives of generations of students. Wondella was an enthusiastic, creative, and inspiring teacher who cared deeply that her students thrive. After her retirement and throughout the rest of her life, former students continued to thank her for her commitment and for never giving up on them.

Wondella had many passions. She was deeply rooted in her culture and wanted to share it; for years she headed up North Junior High’s Black History Month program. She was a champion of civil rights and women’s rights. Music stirred her soul. She loved the drum—particularly the djembe, an African drum. She earned a second-degree black belt in karate. Wondella’s sense of adventure led her to take many trips across the country on her motorcycle. She enjoyed kayaking and felt a sense of calm while on the water. When she spotted sandhill cranes, she felt wonder. Wondella loved to dance, and she always included dancing in the physical education curriculum.

Wondella attended the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival (Michfest) for every single one of its glorious forty years. At the 2007 Michfest she met Cheryl Borden who became her beloved Life Partner. They maintained a long-distance relationship until 2017 when Cheryl retired and moved to Michigan. Wondella and Cheryl enjoyed all that life had to offer together, including adopting their cherished little dog, Lily Maxine, who went everywhere they went.

In 2012 Wondella joined the Michigan Spirits, a Senior Women’s Basketball League. She created lasting friendships with her team members ranging in age from 50 to 85+ and she took great pleasure in competing with other women’s leagues all over the country. In 2012 the Michigan Spirits was the first Senior Women’s Basketball Team to represent Michigan at the National Senior Games, and they have participated ever since—bringing home many medals.

Wondella was a loyal friend and neighbor who always had her door open for a visit. She was candid and direct, a promoter of truth, and made a connection with just about everyone she met. Wondella’s journey on earth may have ended but her spirit, her strength, and her grace will shine on in the hearts of those she touched—and in the souls of those who loved her.

Wondella was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Hattie Mae Devers, and her brother, Darnell Devers. She is survived by her father, Wendell Devers, her sister, Jill Devers, and her Life Partner, Cheryl Borden. She also leaves behind her God-sister Audria (Mark) Mitchell as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many very dear friends and neighbors.

Private cremation services have taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rogel Cancer Center Pancreatic Cancer Program Fund at the University of Michigan at this link: victors.us/wondelladevers.

A heartfelt and loving thank you to friends and family who poured love into us daily, and to Arbor Hospice for the guidance and support they gave to us during Wondella’s end of life journey.