Yolanda Elkins

With heavy hearts yet joyful spirits, we announce the passing of Yolanda Elkins, who passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the age of 94. Yolanda was a beloved mother, grandmother, passionate educator, and Pastor's wife. She was born on November 1, 1930, in Del Rio, Texas.

After graduating from high school in Del Rio, she attended Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. After university, she married James C. Elkins and dedicated her life to the ministry of the Gospel, serving alongside her husband. They served for many years at Hawkins First Assembly of God and then at Gospel Lighthouse Church in Big Sandy. The most important thing in her life was following Christ and living a life that would bring glory to God and point others to Him. She taught many people over the years, both in the church and in the public school system. She loved empowering and educating others. Her legacy as a teacher at Dogan Middle School will continue to inspire the countless lives she touched. Yolanda's vibrant spirit and deep commitment to her community have left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her parents, Felix Balboa Hernandez and Apolonia Andrade Hernandez; her husband, James C. Elkins; her son, Mark S. Elkins; and her daughter, Lizabeth J. Elkins. She is survived by her son, Bucky Elkins; daughter-in-law, Diane; her daughter, Sharon Elkins Alexandre; son-in-law, Carlos Vedes Alexandre; and her daughter-in-law, Marleen Elkins; as well as a proud lineage of grandchildren: Bucky Jr., Eric, James and spouse-Wendy, and Sarah Elkins. She also cherished her great-grandsons, Brenden Elkins and Ferris Flanders.

Join us in celebrating Yolanda's extraordinary life and cherished memories during the forthcoming services. A visitation will be held at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola, Texas, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., where loved ones are invited to gather, share stories, and reminisce about her life. We invite all who knew and loved her to attend her Celebration of Life service on Thursday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Assembly of God in Hawkins, Texas. The graveside service will follow at Hawkins City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Cruz and Corona Ministries, c/o Ruth Cruz, PO Box 17192, El Paso, Texas 79917. For many years, Yolanda has supported this ministry, which works tirelessly to bring the love of Jesus to the people of Mexico.

Let us gather to celebrate the life of Yolanda Elkins, a steadfast and unwavering follower of Christ and a treasured matriarch whose strong will and enduring legacy will forever shine brightly in our hearts.