Minetta Denise Gammage

Beloved daughter, parent, sister, and friend ~ Minetta Denise Gammage was born on September 10, 1965 to the late Joseph Gammage and Barbara Gammage. 

She was affectionately known as "Punkin." Her grandmother, Minnie Hall, loved calling her "Baldy" because she was born with no hair. Later in life, beginning in high school, she was called "Bank Sweater." Her mother called her "Boss Hog" because she always commanded attention, while most of her friends called her "Big Baller Shot Caller" - all titles befitting a true leader.

Minetta grew up in Los Angeles, where she attended Figueroa Street Elementary, followed by Purche Avenue Elementary School. She then attended John Muir Junior High School and graduated from Manual Arts High School. During her adolescent years, she accepted Christ and became a faithful servant of the Living Gospel Church.

In between schools, she developed a love for music, encouraged by her mother. Around 1988, Minetta obtained a job at Washington Preparatory High School under the tutelage of Performing Arts Teacher Lois Hunter. She began taking two WPHS students to dance auditions and competitions. The name of the dance group was NV, a combination of the students' names, Nicole Chancy and Vita Moss. In 1989, Yenan Ragsdale was added to the group, changing the name to YNV. 

The trio began sharpening their dance skills under Minetta's management. A skillful, creative, and visionary leader, Minetta guided YNV to win local dance competitions and appear in multiple music videos. Wanting to take the group to another level, a fourth member, Tescia Harris, was added in 1990. The group's name evolved from the initials of their first names into a bold statement - Y?N-Vee. 

Minetta never wanted the group to be an average female group. Her vision of a sexy girl group with an edge was born - a look she called "G-string, sagging sexy." Pushing the boundaries of style and creativity, the group began to sing and rap. Another layer was added in 1992 when Natasha Walker joined for a more vocally rounded sound. Minetta secured a recording contract with PMP Records through Def Jam Records, and Y?N-Vee released their one and only album on October 18, 1994. 

During her tenure with Y?N-Vee, Minetta also worked with and developed other artists such as J'Son, LeMarvin, Jennifer, Tina, Derek, and many others. 

Along her musical journey, she met and consulted with Teddy Riley, whom she considered a brother. She was also business partners for several years with David Esterson and, most recently, Binky Womack. 

Minetta was the ultimate caregiver and guardian. She took on her greatest role as mother to her cousin LaShawn, whom she lovingly called her son. Netta sacrificed and unconditionally loved Shawn with every fiber of her being. She made sure his education was always a top priority, and his basketball journey stayed on track. 

Netta also helped care for Felice, Aaron, Tyrone, Ahntice, Amai, Roosevelt, and Ryan. She served not only as their guardian (while their mothers worked) but as their safe place. She loved driving the kids to and from school, using that time to talk with them and find out "the juice" they didn't always share with their parents. She was always three steps ahead - no one could run game or get anything past Minetta. 

Netta loved to speak about and brag on her kids - their graduations and their pursuit of higher education, earning bachelor's degrees. She took great pride in knowing the huge part she played in helping them accomplish their goals. 

Minetta's unwavering devotion to Christ and love for mankind led her to open her heart, wallet, and home to others. She never wanted to see anyone she cared about down and out. She often allowed people to "pull up," find a corner of the house to sleep, eat, and feel safe. She went above and beyond - even for those who may not have been deserving. It didn't matter. Netta always leaned on her faith and led as God intended. Acts of service was her love language. 

Minetta was called home to eternal rest on October 13, 2025. The family bows in humble submission to God's will, knowing He is an all-wise God who never makes a mistake. 

Minetta is survived by her loving mother, Barbara "Momma" McGee, her beloved son, LaShawn Oliver, special sister-friends Tescia Harris, Angie Bryant and Jennifer Williams, Betty Murrell, aunt, uncle Kyser Hall Jr., siblings James Moon, Joseph S. Gammage, Scorwin Gammage, Theodis Gammage, Gustal Gammage, Calvin Gammage, Crystal G. Gammage, Spencer Rose Gammage, Joseph C. Gammage, Nelson Gammage, Kayla Gammage, Kyle Pettibone, Tyrone Sanders, and Ryan Drew; Felice Pollard and Aaron Wilson, godchildren, her Wanches, long-time school friends, business partners; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.