Gemmia Vanzant Was Iyanla Vanzant's Daughter- Her Life, Death, And Other Sad Facts

Gemmia Vanzant will always remain in the memory of her loved ones. She was the daughter of Iyanla: Fix My Life show host and motivational speaker.

Iyhanla Vanzant’s books have sold over 8 million copies making her a popular life coach. Despite her training, Iyanla Vanzant’s loss of her daughter was one of the lowest points of her life.

Her death was a blow to her loved ones especially her mother. Gemmia’s death was a rude shock to her mother who has to deal with grieve.

There are so many facts about her life that you need to know and what led to her death.

Biography Of Gemmia Vanzant

Gemmia Vanzant was born in 1969. Her parents, Charles and Iyanla Vanzant got married in 1973. They got divorced in 1979 living Iyanla with the custody of her children. She is the oldest of three siblings, Nisa and Damon Vanzant. Her daughter’s name is Niamoja. They baked with her daughter on Tuedsdays.

In 1997, Iyanla met Adeyemi Bandele whom she married. They raised three of her children from a first marriage together. Her second marriage ended in divorce after ten years.

Gemmia shared a great love of therapy herbs and aromas with two generations of members of her family.

How Did She Die

Gemmia diagnosis of a rare form of colon cancer was shattering. No one knew how long she had to live. But, she was down for fifteen months and her mom had to take charge of her affairs

She took care of her family and business as well as Gemmia’s household. She died on 25 December 2003. Her death came at a time when her mother’s life was at its lowest. As a result of depression, Iyanla almost took her life.

She was 30 at the time of her death. No parents wish to bury their child, it was a rude shock to the Vanzant’s.

The colon cancer that took Gemmia’s life never prepared her family for grieve.

8 Other Unknown Facts About Her

1. Gemmia Vanzant Studied Aromatherapy

An interest in aromas ran in the family. Gemmia’s interest in herbs, aroma’s and therapy led her to study aromatherapy. It led her to create Masterpiece products. These products were to help others achieve physical and metaphysical energy.

Iyanla said her grandmother Rissie Harris was an experienced herbalist. She may have learned through her Native American lineage.

It is possible she learned through her father who was a sharecropper.

Whatever the case, Gemmia shared a great love for herbs with her forbears.

Iyanla’s grandmother passed the knowledge to her son and the son passed it to his daughter. Iyanla learned from her father and found it fascinating.

2. Gemmia Vanzant Was Ordained Into The Priesthood

At the age of ni9neteen, Gemmia joined the priesthood on the road to personal development. She completed her training became an ordained priest.

She and her mother formed Inner Visions: Institute for Spiritual Development. Ordained ministers got their training there.

3. Gemmia Vanzant Kept A Diary

Iyanla encouraged her daughter to keep a diary while she was still alive. Her diary entries gave her mother more time with her after her death.

Gemmia’s life was on a spiritual course. Her writings were spiritual. Iyanla felt the diary entries taught her a lot. She had plans to fulfill and appreciate what her dad taught.

Gemmia admitted she may not be able to fulfill some of the tasks her father had given her in her life.

4. Gemmia’s Masterpiece By Iyanla

Everyone has different ways of immortalizing loved ones. Iyanla Vanzant remembers her long-dead daughter even in her work. The Masterpeace body therapy products are Gemmia’s legacy and a continuation of her work.

She had started it but after her death, her mother continued the line of products as part of her healing process.

Each time she makes a new product, she feels the essence of her late child. The long line of products is a dedication to her daughter’s memory. These products include body lotion and bath washes.

5. Gemmia’s Mother had A Rough Childhood

Her mother lost her mother to breast cancer in 1957 when she was two years. Iyanla grew up with different members of her father’s family.

At the age of nine, she was raped. She overcame all the challenges of a difficult childhood. She was hardworking and determined to make it.

Iyanla Vanzant saw herself through school and became a fantastic life coach. She started practicing as a public defender in Philadelphia as a lawyer. Later, she switched to writing books. So far her books have sold over 8 million copies making her a successful author.

6. Her Mother Was Once In An Abusive Marriage

Iyanla’s first marriage ended in a divorce. Her first husband was abusive during the duration of their marriage. When they got divorced in 1980, she took her three children with her.

7. Gemmia Vanzant’s Mother Changed Her Name To Iyanla

Though she was born Rhonda Eva Harris, she later changed her name to Iyanla Vanzant. Rhonda received the title Iyanla in 1983. It is a Yoruba word that means ‘Great mother. She got the title after her initiation and ordination as a priestess in the Yoruba tradition.

8. Why Did Her Mother Have A Falling Out With Oprah Winfrey

For years Iyanla was a recurring guest on the Oprah Winfrey show. She had come unto the show from season 12.

But years later, she became mute. Speculation could be it was as a result of rescheduling. Iyanla wanted to start hosting her show but Oprah wanted her to grow first. Though she later started her show, it ran for only two seasons. Iyanla accused Oprah of her show’s failure leading to a rift between them.

This rift kept them at arm’s length for over 11 years. The two met face to face for the first time in 2011.