Yvonne Clay Cook
Norfolk - Yvonne Clay Cook, a native of Norfolk, Virginia transitioned from this life after a fatal single car accident in Richmond Virginia, where she made her home. She was 69 years old. Born on June 20, 1943, she was the first child of Haywood Augustus "Jake" Clay, and Eunice Bailey Clay. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1961, she attended Hampton Institute, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1965. Yvonne approached life as an adventure, and a celebration. After leaving Norfolk, she lived in Woodstock, NY, Boston, MA, Los Angeles, CA, and Memphis, TN. She was an early pioneer in computer programming and data management working for companies such as IBM, Honeywell, Polaroid, Kodak, Hughes Aircraft, and Federal Express. She retired to Richmond in 2004. Yvonne was an accomplished landscape and still life painter. She was a talented pianist, voracious reader, and cherished advisor to family and friends. She taught art to children, volunteered with rescue horses, and was a serious dog lover. In February 2013, she published her first book, "The Metamorphosis of An Authentic Spirit", fulfilling a lifelong ambition. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Clay Shirley, and brother-in-law, Edwin S. Shirley, both of Farmington, CT, two nieces, Erica Lorraine Shirley of Washington, DC, and Yvonne Michelle Shirley, of Brooklyn, NY, and a host of cousins, loved ones, and close friends. A memorial service will be held on June 7, at 1 p.m. at Unity Church, 800 Blanton Ave. Richmond,Va. Riddick Funeral Service is handling the services. Words of Comfort can be expressed at www.riddickfuneralservices.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
When the class of '65 of Hampton Institute had a zoom reunion on Sunday, May 23, to enjoy a delayed 55th reunion,
I thought of Yvonne not being there with us and also not being with our high school class, BTW '61 when we celebrate being able to meet in person and enjoying our 60th high school reunion. She had so much more to contribute.
Becky Perry Livas
Classmate
May 27, 2021
She was wonderful. I loved going to her house in Memphis. Her sweet dog and her sweet self.............and the calmness of her life.
Barbara louise Spencer
Friend
June 20, 2020
I think of Yvonne quite often. She loved life and we loved her. Always full of joy, wisdom and kindness. I miss her so very much but am so very blessed to have called her friend. I pray that her family is well.
Tracie Trotter
Friend
May 27, 2019
I am so... sad about Yvonne. Just yesterday, a friend and I were in a conversation about reinventing ourselves and I told her about Yvonne's book published earlier this year. I am really proud to have known Yvonne. She was such a sweet,caring person with a lot of inspiration to give. I will always remember her. My condolences to the family. God Bless -
Maxine Jackson
June 27, 2013
So sad to hear of Yvonne's passing. I have very fond memories of her and can still hear her laugh! I look forward to reading her book.
Gina
June 27, 2013
Yvonne was a beautiful person and a lot of fun to be around. I enjoyed working with her here at Fedex. My sincere condolescences to her family.
Carl Jackson
June 27, 2013
My dear sweet friend will be sorely missed. She meant so very much to me. I moved to Memphis for work (Federal Express) over 14 years ago not knowing a soul. And then I met Yvonne. So full of life, so welcoming, so kind. She was a GREAT friend and confidant. And although we both moved away from Memphis, we continued to keep in touch via email and phone calls. I was so proud of her life. She was an awesome example of how one should live.
My deepest condolences to her family. I remember meeting her sister, Pat and her beautiful nieces, Yvonne and Erica. She spoke of each so proudly and lovingly. I know that this is an unbearable loss. Yvonne will be missed more than you know. But I believe with everything in me that the heavens rejoiced upon her arrival!!
Our family will be praying that the Lord continues to comfort your family during this time of grieving.
Tracie and Phillip Trotter
Tracie and Phillip Trotter
June 26, 2013
So sorry to hear of Yvonne's passing. I remember her and her family when they lived in Norfolk. My sincere sympathy to Patricia and the entire family. Rosemary Whitaker Fonville
June 8, 2013
Today's service held at Unity of Richmond was a celebration of Yvonne's life.
She was a gifted author, artist, and an inspiration to many.
Her family, her dog, and her friends will miss physical presence, but each will take much comfort in the legacy she leaves and the many memories shared.
Debra
June 7, 2013
I met Yvonne in New Paltz, New York many years ago. She was kind, cheerful, and had such a generous spirit. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, but have great memories of fun times we shared. I extend my sincere sympathy to the family at this time of loss. Please know that I am thinking of you, and asking God to grant you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
LaDonna Houston- Charlotte, North Carolina
June 7, 2013
We are sadden by the loss of our good friend Yvonne. Since she left Memphis we kept in contact by phone from time to time. A few summers ago when we visited our relatives in Norfork, she drove down to visit with us. She was unassuming and down to earth. We were shocked to hear of her passing. We recently ordered extra copies of her book, "The Metamorphosis of an Authentic Spirit," to share with friends. It is a very inspiring book. Our deepest sympathy to her family, her soul lives on in God's bosom on high.
Judge and Mrs. Arthur T. Bennett, Memphis, TN
Judge and Jo Bennett
June 6, 2013
THE Avery family wish to extend our condolences to Yvonne's sister and nieces.The last we met as a group was at the "CUZ Reunion". May Yvonne rest in peace and may God Bless YOU !
Millicent Sawyer
June 6, 2013
I have known Yvonne all of my life,we grew up together in Norfolk,Virginia.I remember when her father(Mr.Jake) drove all of us little kids in the neighborhood to Grace Episcopal Church Sunday School every week.it must have been ten of us in that black Chevy Coup.Even though our paths diverged, we met again when she lived in Cambridge MA where we were neighbors.Subsequently,we lost contact when she moved to the west coast but reconnected when she moved back to Virgniia.My deepest sympathy to her sister,Pat Clay Shirley and other family members.I will miss her.
Ronnie Chavious
June 6, 2013
Pat I am truly sorry about the lost of your sister but remember this God only takes the best. He needed another rose and when he saw Yvonne he picked the very best. You and Edwin and the girls are in my prayers.
Kathy Powell Chance , Norfolk, VA
June 6, 2013
Have not seen her since high school but we talked on the phone a couple times since. She was a beautiful person throughout her life. Always there for others. Condolenseces to the family . Yvonne you made an impact in this life and will also in the hereafter. We love you always.
Ernest "Butch" Howard
June 5, 2013
It was with great sadness that I learned of Yvonne's passing. I had the good fortune of being asked to help ready her book for publication. I was struck by her gentleness and her commitment to a spiritual path. When I last saw her she was so proud and gratified about the book's publication. A kinder spirit I have yet to meet. May God comfort her friends and loved ones in the days ahead.
Whit Sheppard
June 5, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of sorrow. God is for us a refuge and strength. (Psalms 91:2) May you find the needed strength from God, family and friends.
B. Gardner
June 5, 2013
A wonderful spirit, full of life and love who will be missed.
Dorothy Davis
June 5, 2013
A beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit. You impacted so many lives with your posative energy and love.
Julia Payne
June 5, 2013
I was blessed to have known Yvonne; even though it was a short time. She was a person that God put in my life to help me deal with Cancer. She and Bailey (her black lab) became like family instead of neighbors. She is truly missed. May God bring comfort and peace to her family. She was truly a very special person.
Jo Lewis
June 5, 2013
What a joy to have known her for so long. She made a contribution to all the lives she touched. Ruth Rose
June 5, 2013
Such at great person. Knew her through her work at Artspace. Very talented.
Kitty Johnson
June 5, 2013
Yvonne was a joy to have known over so many years. What a wonderful spirit! So sorry to learn of her sudden passing. Much love to Pat, Edwin and the family from your friends in Norfolk.
Eunice Joseph
June 5, 2013
I am going to miss Yvonne's bright smile, ready laugh, playful spirit, and loving presence. My love and prayers go to Milton and her friends and family.
Jenny Warne
June 5, 2013
I'm so glad to have met Yvonne through her help at artspace gallery. She was such a positive, warm and loving person and I am lucky to have known her. My deepest sympathies are with her family and friends.
Jessica Sims
June 5, 2013
I loved you since 1969 and was proud to call you my friend. We laughed often about the card I gave you when you got married. I stood with you at your wedding and cried with you when it didn't work out. Even though I dislike dogs, I took both you and "Freckles" in. A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity... Proverbs 17:17
I will miss you my friend, I will forever have cherished memories of our time together.
Shirley Johnson-Brown
June 5, 2013
So glad you were able to journal about your journey and metamorphosis and leave the book to share that with those you have left behind... Sorry you left us so soon.
Becky
Becky Livas
June 4, 2013
Even though our Life's Journey followed different paths, our friendship remained.
I was ecstatic when her book was published, and expressed my admiration.
Yvonne's Life Journey and Transformation are vividly detailed in her book, "The Metamorphosis of an Authentic Spirit." The publication of this book was a proud moment for her, family and friends.
Cherished memories will not fade.
Ernestine Glenn- Yonkers, NY
June 3, 2013
Ernestine Glenn-Yonkers,NY
I just sent my message for guest book, about friendship and publication of Yvonne's book. I forgot to include my name. I hope it is not too late. Thank you.
June 3, 2013
Even though our Life's Journey followed different paths, our friendship remained.
I was ecstatic when her book was published, and expressed my admiration.
Yvonne's Life Journey and transformation are vividly described in her book, "The Metamorphosis of an Authentic Spirit." The publication of this book was a proud moment for her, family and friends.
Cherished memories will remain.
June 3, 2013
Yvonne, my friend, did not live an ordinary life...it should be noted her life was well lived and well loved...rest in peace my friend....
Joe Brothers
June 3, 2013
Great friend and a fun person. So many wonderful memories. Great Wit, Great Family, Great Writer, Great Spirit. Grace, Mercy, and Joy!! God bless your Family and Friends.
Louis Hughes, Jr.
June 3, 2013
I have known Yvonne for over 60 years and observed how her life evolved. She recently found her ‘Authentic Spirit' and her happiness. We should all feel comfort in knowing that she had love in her heart at the end.
Ernald Graves
June 3, 2013
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