Yolanda Smith Ferguson

Yolanda Smith Ferguson, a dedicated member of the Crabtree community, passed away on April 18, 2024.  Yolanda was the daughter of the late Hugh and Cora Mae James Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband Roger Ferguson (2013) and son Travis Ferguson (2023).  

Yolanda is survived by her son Dennis Ferguson (Laura), five grandchildren, Eli, Natalie, their mother Kimberly, Kaitlin, Avery, and Landon; brothers, Joel Smith (Bobbie), Gary Smith, sister, Renee Henderson (Rick), sister in laws, Gail McElroy (Ray) Rhonda Mathis (Ronnie) and many nieces and nephews.

Yolanda graduated from Tuscola High School in 1971 and Haywood Community College with an associate degree in cosmetology.  She worked at Dayco and Haywood County Hospital.  She taught cosmetology at Tuscola, Pisgah High School, AB Tech, Southwestern and Haywood Community College. 

Yolanda was known for her loyalty to her community, church, and family.  She was a member of Mt Zion UMC where she was the pianist for 34+ years and president of the United Methodist Women.  A member of Augustine Washington II Chapter of Daughter of the American Colonist and a former member of the Smoky Mountain Back Country Horseman.

Yolanda and her husband Roger were instrumental in keeping the High-Level Nuclear Dump out of Crabtree.  They also owned Short Branch Dairy for many years then raised beef cattle.  Yolanda was a cosmetologist and owned and operated Yolanda’s Beauty Salon for 35 years.  After her battle with Sinus Cancer (2014) she devoted herself to caregiving and helping people in the community.  She loved taking care of grandchildren and friends’ children in the community.  She enjoyed camping, horseback riding, canning, yard sales, thrift shopping, gardening, quilting, and cooking for others and spending time with her grandchildren.  Yolanda had a heart for people, a spirit to keep giving back and was always a champion for the underprivileged.  She will be deeply missed.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Upper Crabtree Community Cemetery with Reverend James Marsh and Reverend Kitty Crain officiating.  Gathering of Friends and Family will follow at Mt Zion United Methodist Church from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Upper Crabtree Community Cemetery, C/O Miss Jerry Smith, 64 Footsy Drive, Clyde, NC  28721.

The care of Ms. Ferguson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville