Dr. Yeye OlaOsun (Victoria Howell) Lakesin

With heartfelt sympathy, we announce the earthly transition of Dr. Yeye OlaOsun Lakesin (Victoria "Vickie" Howel) of Atlanta,  formerly of Gadsden,  who traded time for eternity with the ancestors on Sunday,  March 8, 2026 at the age of 78. 

The Life and Legacy of Dr. OlaOsun Lakesin (Victoria Howell)

March 2, 1948 – March 8, 2026

Dr. OlaOsun Lakesin—lovingly known as Yeye and Vickie—completed her earthly journey on March 8, 2026, returning with grace to the realm of the ancestors. A visionary scholar, a fiercely intentional mother, and a High Priestess of the Isese tradition, she lived a life shaped by purpose, discipline, and spiritual depth. Her transformation into Dr. OlaOsun Lakesin marked the fulfillment of a lifelong devotion to knowledge, culture, and sacred truth.

A Matriarch of Intention

To her family and community, Yeye was more than a mother—she was a designer of legacy. She raised her children with extraordinary mindfulness, grounding them in cultural identity, intellectual excellence, and spiritual protection. She did not simply nurture a family; she cultivated a lineage, teaching her children to walk with dignity and clarity.

Legacy of Excellence

Dr. OlaOsun Lakesin’s life was marked by brilliance, discipline, and service. Her accomplishments spanned academia, social justice, and spiritual leadership—each reflecting her unwavering commitment to uplift, educate, and empower her community.

Academic & Professional Distinction

She reached the height of her scholarly journey by earning her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), a testament to her lifelong devotion to learning. Her determination was recognized early on with the “Most Determination to Succeed” award from the Dale Carnegie Institute. As Miss Carver High, she was celebrated by her peers for her leadership and grace.

Her professional path reflected the same dedication: she served as Assistant Director for Har‑You‑Act, Inc. and the National Urban League, championing community uplift and youth empowerment. Retiring as a teacher. Her commitment to sisterhood and service was honored when she was named Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s New Soror of the Year.  

Social Justice & Advocacy

Dr. Lakesin was a lifelong advocate for fairness and opportunity, fighting tirelessly for a “level playing field” in education. As a cultural historian, she preserved Black history through college lectures and storytelling for children. Her Master’s research confronted discriminatory medical policies, demonstrating her courage and clarity in the pursuit of healthcare equity.

Spiritual & Authorial Authority

As a High Priestess of the Isese Tradition, she served as a spiritual bridge between the African Diaspora and the ancestral homelands of West Africa. She authored two foundational works—Isese Tradition in America and The Traditional Principles of Orisha Oshun—texts that continue to guide practitioners seeking cultural and spiritual reclamation. Through her scholarship, her priesthood, and her writing, she offered a roadmap for reconnecting with ancestral wisdom—ensuring that these traditions remain vibrant, accessible, and rooted in authenticity.

A Life of Academic Brilliance

From her beginnings in Gadsden, Alabama, to the lecture halls of Columbia University and Fisk University, Dr. Lakesin embodied the spirit of a lifelong learner. Her professional life as an educator was fueled by her own academic rigor, culminating in her Doctorate in Education, retiring as a teacher.

Her dedication to service extended into her sisterhood with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she was celebrated as New Soror of the Year. She also held the distinguished title of Eastern Star, Daughter of Sphinx.

A Creative and Global Spirit

Yeye’s spirit was expansive and adventurous. She traveled the world—studying, teaching, and reaching priesthood in West Africa and South America. She eloped in a tropical paradise, crafted dolls with meticulous artistry, and sewed with the precision of a designer. Every endeavor she touched carried her signature blend of elegance, intellect, and soul.

She was an author, a lecturer, a cultural guardian, and a fierce advocate for the marginalized.

Ancestral Transition

Yeye now joins the luminous circle of her ancestors—her parents Lucille Croft‑Howell and Gregory Franklin Howell Sr., her grandparents Thomas Croft and Minnie Jackson Croft, and her brother Gregory Franklin Howell Jr.

Her legacy continues through her children, her son, Samaroo Megnauth Lokenauth, and daughter-in-law, Sonya;  daughter, Khadijah OlaOshun Lakesi; her grandchildren, Sarah Diane, Carlos Samaroo, Renay Victoria Lokenauth, Kymani Akinjide, Khareem Alijah, and Serenity League; her sister, Cindy Howell‑Steele, and brother-in-law, Larry E. Steele, Sr.; and the countless students, spiritual godchildren, cousins, friends and community members she guided with love, intention, and wisdom.

 
A Life That Continues to Teach

Dr. OlaOsun Lakesin lived with purpose, taught with conviction, and loved with intention. Her legacy is not confined to memory—it is alive in every life she touched, every tradition she preserved, and the print she put into the world.

Her journey continues through those who carry her teachings forward.

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