Tajuana Wall

Tajuana’s Journey Tajuana Deneene Wall, affectionately known as ‘WONKIE’ to her family and close friends, was born on July 14, 1973 in Philadelphia, PA the daughter of the late Sidney Percell Wall and Marsha Lee Williams Wall. She departed this life on Wednesday April 8, 2020. Tajuana was educated in the Philadelphia school system, attending Bok Tech High School and then graduating from Bartram High School. She went on to earn a degree in business from Pierce College. She held various positions, ranging from retail to management. However, Tajuana ultimately found her passion working with young people as a youth specialist at Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program (YOCAP) as a dedicated employee for the last 13 years. Through this position Tajuana was able to impact the lives of hundreds of adolescents and their families, providing them with countless resources. For example, preparation for post-secondary education, scholarship opportunities, financial assistance, and, more often, a listening ear. On the rare occasion when Tajuana was not at work or on the phone giving someone motivational support or a word of encouragement she spent her down time with her family. Whether it be a Saturday trip to Dora’s to get her hair done or the nail salon with her girls, hosting game night with her cousins and friends, baking cookies with her grandchildren or a road trip with her mother on one of their many shopping crusades as she would always call them. Staying out all night, just spending time together. Oftentimes she would connect with the youth in her program, old schoolmates and friends on social media. Oh yes, do not forget forever taking selfies!! Nevertheless, her time was mostly spent ‘loving on’ family and friends. Tajuana had a beautiful, kind, compassionate, friendly, funny, and caring spirit. If she liked and loved you, she loved you deeply, and everyone knew it, but if she didn’t, she let it be known! She would not have anything to do with you! Tajuana could speak volumes and never say a word, her eyes and facial expressions would tell you just what she was thinking. Tajuana had a flair and style of her own. She could take a pair of jeans and match them with a simple shirt and jacket and accessorize them; making it look like she stepped on to a fashion runway. As she would often say ‘IM POPPING!’ Also, whenever Tajuana would go, she would carry an extra large Wawa cup of chewy ice. Regardless of the temperature outside, she would show up carrying ice even to an important business meeting or to a family function, not caring what anyone thought. Tajuana was civic minded, always giving her time and energy. By involving herself and her children in grassroots community projects such as neighborhood clean-ups, book bag giveaways, food and toy distributions during the holidays, helping with benefits and fundraisers for nonprofits and so much more. She was such a thoughtful person! She and her mother had a unique relationship! When Tajuana was young they fought like cats & dogs. Tajuana was always independent, opinionated, and strong willed, where her mother wanted her to just follow the rules in the house. Tajuana’s house was where everyone wanted to be; either jumping rope playing jacks listening to music putting on a play or dance routine girls having a sleepover and the boys peeking through the window. As Tajuana matured, she and her mother’s relationship changed. They became inseparable, they would talk on the phone all day, starting at 6 or 7 AM every day. They turned out to be best friends. Tajuana gave every inch of herself to her children. Everything she did was the consideration of her ‘HILLBILLIES’ as she called them. Tajuana provided the best possible education she could afford to her children, making sure they received a good start. When they were very young, she made sure they went to better schools. Sending them off on a school bus at 6:45am to the Greater Northeast, while she drove behind the bus in her car watching and waving at them until she was comfortable with their trips. Now all four children graduated from high school with honors and three have graduated college. She loved and supported her children unconditionally. THEY WERE HER LIFE! Tajuana leaves to cherish her memory to her mother , Marsha Lee, her four HILLBILLIES, A’zsa, Jahlil, Cache’ and Damien , her four RASCALS: Cameron, Brooke, Karter, Hunter: her two brothers: Jamil and Brandon, her special life long sisters Afi and Quinda, Helaisha and Deven (cousins who were like sibling) three generations of Cousins, Uncles =, aunts , Nieces’ and nephews: her entire UAC and YOACAP Family including all the young people she touched, also a limitless number of friends and associates.