The City of Dallas has proposed a street rename change for a beloved matriarch and staple in the South Dallas community, Ms. Vestana Wollos. In 1912, Ms. Vestana Wollos was born on the corner of Romine Ave and Latimer St., where the Park South YMCA currently sits. In 1968, Mayor J. Erik Jonsson reached out to the businesses and citizens of South Dallas to support the proposed YMCA in South Dallas, Park South YMCA. Ms. Wollos showed her support by donating her land for the erection of the Park South YMCA. In 1970, the doors of the Park South YMCA opened. Until the 2020 pandemic, Ms. Wollos could often be found in the lobby of the Park South YMCA. On September 21, 2021, at the age of 108 years old Ms. Wollos passed away.
To pay homage to her life and dedication to the South Dallas community, the Park South YMCA Former Executive Director, Melanie “Tricey” Love and Park South YMCA Board of Members worked The Wollos Family and Councilman Adam Balzadua and his representatives on the proposed name change of Romine Ave. to Ms. Vestana Wollos Ave.
Photo Credit: GoldenGateFuneralHome
“When I come to the Y it makes me feel like I’ve been of some help some way somehow for others,” said Ms. Vestana Wollos.
For more information about Ms. Vestana Wollos and media requests contact LaToya K. Porter at (214) 500-2030 or latoyakporter@gmail.com