Almaz Yilma Sebhatu

Almaz Yilma passed peacefully March 1st, 2025 at 69 years old, after a long and private battle with cancer. She will be remembered for her legacy as an educator, her warm, radiant smile and her passion for bringing the flavors and textures of the world to Rock Hill through volunteering at the St. Anne International Festival and The Museum of York County’s “Africa Alive!”

Almaz, whose name means “diamond” in Amharic, was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 24th, 1955. She received a B.S. in Plant Pathology from Addis Ababa University, continuing her studies in the U.S. in 1982 with an FAO Fellowship, obtaining a Masters in Agriculture from Clemson University in 1984. She taught microbiology, human anatomy and physiology at York Technical College before joining Winthrop University as a biology instructor, where she loved her students like her own children for twenty years.

Almaz made her final journey to Ethiopia in December 2024 accompanied by her children, where she spent the holidays in the warm embrace of her siblings and extended family. She traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, and Dire Dawa, where her parents are buried.

Almaz is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu, Professor Emeritus of Physics at Winthrop University, and their son and daughter, Emnet and Temnete Sebhatu. Emnet is a Production Supervisor for E. & J. Gallo Winery and Temnete is a Creative Director in the advertising industry.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anne Catholic Church in Almaz’s honor.

“A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty.”

― Philippe Ariès