
First Lady

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Yvette R. Williams is the First Lady of Smith Chapel AME Church in Dallas, Texas. Yvette and her husband, Dr. C. Dennis Williams have been serving at Smith Chapel since November 2012. Prior to that time, they served as Senior Pastor and First Lady of Brookins AME of Los Angeles, California for 2 years, Ward AME Church of Los Angeles, CA. for 5 years and Bethel AME Church of San Diego, CA. for 10 years. She attributes their success to an unwavering commitment to God. Lady Yvette is a gifted encourager by nature. She is a woman concerned about the well-being of people and has become an inspirational role model for many.
Having enjoyed a successful career in sales working for The Pepsi Cola Company and Sprint Corporation, Yvette is excited about the positive impact she is making in the community through her faith-based initiatives. In 2011, she held a Unity luncheon for over 200 people in Los Angeles as they celebrated the roles of women in service to the church and community. On May 8, 2010, she held a Mother-Daughter tea for over 200 women as they honored homeless women in the Los Angeles area. In April 2008, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor, Yvette chaired an ecological justice conference in partnership with Councilmember Bernard C. Parks and the 8th Council District featuring Nobel Peace Laureate, Dr. Wangari Maathai of the Greenbelt movement. This event focused on helping people in the Los Angeles urban and faith-based communities understand the importance and implications of protecting our environment through literacy, recycling, and the arts. In 2012, Yvette was a cast member of the reality show Preachers Wives on Lifetime television.
Recently, Yvette served from July 2013 – September 2014 as the Executive Assistant to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District of the AME Church which comprises the great state of Texas. Passionate about helping others lead healthier lives, Yvette is currently a brand ambassador for Teamotions Tea Company. Yvette is a small business entrepreneur with several projects in the works including her tea cake business. Yvette gives tirelessly of her time and has held positions as 3rd Episcopal Vice President of the Women’s Missionary Society as well as 2nd Episcopal Vice President of the Clergy Family Organization of the 5th Episcopal District of the AME Church.
Yvette served as chairperson over women ministries at Bethel AME – San Diego, Ward AME – Los Angeles and Brookins AME Church in Los Angeles. From June 2009 – June 2011, Yvette served as the Chaplain of the Los Angeles Chapter of Jack and Jill, Incorporated. She has raised funds to help the San Diego Chapter of the Sickle Cell Foundation and the Children of Promise AIDS orphans in Africa. Because of her efforts, the Combined Health Agencies and the Sickle Cell Foundation of San Diego awarded her “Health Hero” for 2005. She was also named “Woman of the Year 2005” by Assembly member Juan Vargas of the 79th District of the State of California Legislature for her outstanding service and dedication to the people of the great state of California.
She has received awards from the National Coalition of Negro Women of San Diego and “The We See You Awards” of Los Angeles. Yvette is passionate about helping to improve the lives of women and children and is thankful for becoming a vessel God can use. Lady Yvette and Pastor Williams have three children, Desiree’, Faith and Calvin along with a grandson, Jordan.