Yolanda Lesha Evans

Yolanda Lashe' Evans, affectionately known to many friends and family as Yonnie, was
born on January 8, 1969, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to her late parents, Geraldine Lyons
Barnes and Henry Earl Evans. She departed this life on February 26, 2026, surrounded
by her loving daughter Chloe' and caring friends and family.
Yolanda considered herself a native of Long Beach, Mississippi, although she also
resided in Gulfport and recently in Jacksonville, Florida. She found her spiritual roots at
Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Long Beach in the choir, and continued with
a spiritual journey that brought her to Ramsay Memorial Beauty of Holiness in Gulfport.
As a hobby, Yonnie loved to cook up the most soulful cuisines that would leave your
mouth watering. She sang like a songbird, and loved to belt out old-time gospels like
Shirley Cesar's "Jesus I Love Calling Your Name" as well as vocal jazz pieces such as
Ella Fitzgerald's "My Funny Valentine." She was definitely a soulful songstress who
became shy about using her God-given talent except around her closest confidants.
Additionally, laughter was her optimal medicine. She loved gathering with loved ones
over a meal and sharing bygone reflections of past events that would invoke laughter
from deep down into your innermost being. Laughter that strengthened bonds, forgave
misunderstandings, and healed the brokenhearted.
By profession, Yolanda was a nurse, by choice, she was a devoted mother, and out of
love, she was a faithful caregiver, daughter, and sister, and out of compassion, she was
a loyal friend. These were some of the characteristics that sum up who she was.
Yolanda worked at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport as a nurse and as a case manager in
nursing and retired after 29 years of service to the profession. She cherished the
memories that were made there and the friendships and bonds that were created with
her coworkers.
To Yolanda, Chloe', her only daughter, was her world. She has made every effort to
teach her and give her all that a mother should give a daughter, and then some. They
had an unbreakable bond that, even in Yolanda's absence, will not be broken, for the
Bible says that the Lord will send you a comforter, which is the Holy Spirit. Be
comforted, Chloe', that your mother gave you her all.
Yolanda is preceded in death by her parents, Geraldine Lyons Barnes of Long Beach,
MS, and Henry Earl Evans of Chicago, IL; her maternal grandparents, Oscar and Inez
Lyons of Long Beach, MS; her sister Camellia "Buffy" Evans of Champaign, IL, and
many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Yonnie will be sadly missed by her daughter, Chloe' Hall of Jacksonville, FL; brother
Roderick Lyons (Lisa), of Severn, MD, (Maya, and Quinton); brother Corey Lyons
(Yolanda Prevost) of Temple, TX, (Corin, Karsin, and Issac); and her two adored Aunts
Gracie Jones, and Carolyn Stallings who are matriarchs of the family and were very
dear to her heart. These beloved family members are from her mother's side of the
family.
And she will also be missed by the following beloved siblings on her father's side of the
family: Eddie Earl Thomas (Tamara) of Phoenix, AZ (Toi, Quasandra, and Latasha);
Gregory Earl Evans of Moreno Valley, CA (Greg, Jr, Sheena); Frederick Earl Perry of
Danville, IL (Shanteka, Kristiana, Dominique, Ronnell, Freddie, Jr, Frederick, Frederico,
Elijah, Kamille and Zaden); Christopher Earl Evans of Danville, IL (Chaquille, Chris Jr,
Christopher, Meliyah, Jasmine, King, Collin, Yasmine, Shatanya, Lasonye, and
Cameron); Shola Rasheed Evans of Champaign, IL (Miracle); and Brandon Earl Evans
of Chicago, IL (Brandon, Jr, and AA'Liyah); Cheryl Evans of Rialto, CA (Jeremiah);
Ronetta Love of Lancaster, CA; Latricia Evans-Clinton (Kevin) of Rialto, CA (Chardaya
and Chassidy); Candace Evans of Danville, IL (Jamar're, Caveon, Jamar'rea, and
Chase); and nephews and niece Roy, Andrew, Melina, and Wardell of deceased sibling
Camellia "Buffy" Evans of Champaign, IL.
Not to mention, there is a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers, neighbors, and
friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Yonnie learned not to dwell on past mistakes or disappointments. She learned not to
give attention to negativity or sorrow, but to cherish the here and now, to look forward to
new beginnings and challenges, and to overcome grief with gratitude and to love
deeply, forgive daily, be patient, be kind, and remain joyful. These attributes only came
after many life experiences. Thus, her life may be reflected in John 16:33, where Jesus
says, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."