Yolanda Lesha Evans

Yolanda Evans ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Lockett-Williams Mortuary, Inc. - Gulfport on Mar. 9, 2026.Yolanda Lashe' Evans, affectionately known to many friends and family as Yonnie, wasborn on January 8, 1969, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to her late parents, Geraldine LyonsBarnes and Henry Earl Evans. She departed this life on February 26, 2026, surroundedby her loving daughter Chloe' and caring friends and family.Yolanda considered herself a native of Long Beach, Mississippi, although she alsoresided in Gulfport and recently in Jacksonville, Florida. She found her spiritual roots atMount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Long Beach in the choir, and continued witha 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 yourmouth watering. She sang like a songbird, and loved to belt out old-time gospels likeShirley Cesar's "Jesus I Love Calling Your Name" as well as vocal jazz pieces such asElla Fitzgerald's "My Funny Valentine." She was definitely a soulful songstress whobecame shy about using her God-given talent except around her closest confidants.Additionally, laughter was her optimal medicine. She loved gathering with loved onesover a meal and sharing bygone reflections of past events that would invoke laughterfrom deep down into your innermost being. Laughter that strengthened bonds, forgavemisunderstandings, and healed the brokenhearted.By profession, Yolanda was a nurse, by choice, she was a devoted mother, and out oflove, she was a faithful caregiver, daughter, and sister, and out of compassion, she wasa 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 innursing and retired after 29 years of service to the profession. She cherished thememories that were made there and the friendships and bonds that were created withher coworkers.To Yolanda, Chloe', her only daughter, was her world. She has made every effort toteach her and give her all that a mother should give a daughter, and then some. Theyhad an unbreakable bond that, even in Yolanda's absence, will not be broken, for theBible says that the Lord will send you a comforter, which is the Holy Spirit. Becomforted, 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 InezLyons of Long Beach, MS; her sister Camellia "Buffy" Evans of Champaign, IL, andmany beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.Yonnie will be sadly missed by her daughter, Chloe' Hall of Jacksonville, FL; brotherRoderick Lyons (Lisa), of Severn, MD, (Maya, and Quinton); brother Corey Lyons(Yolanda Prevost) of Temple, TX, (Corin, Karsin, and Issac); and her two adored AuntsGracie Jones, and Carolyn Stallings who are matriarchs of the family and were verydear to her heart. These beloved family members are from her mother's side of thefamily.And she will also be missed by the following beloved siblings on her father's side of thefamily: Eddie Earl Thomas (Tamara) of Phoenix, AZ (Toi, Quasandra, and Latasha);Gregory Earl Evans of Moreno Valley, CA (Greg, Jr, Sheena); Frederick Earl Perry ofDanville, 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, andCameron); Shola Rasheed Evans of Champaign, IL (Miracle); and Brandon Earl Evansof 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 (Chardayaand Chassidy); Candace Evans of Danville, IL (Jamar're, Caveon, Jamar'rea, andChase); and nephews and niece Roy, Andrew, Melina, and Wardell of deceased siblingCamellia "Buffy" Evans of Champaign, IL.Not to mention, there is a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers, neighbors, andfriends who will forever cherish her memory.Yonnie learned not to dwell on past mistakes or disappointments. She learned not togive attention to negativity or sorrow, but to cherish the here and now, to look forward tonew beginnings and challenges, and to overcome grief with gratitude and to lovedeeply, forgive daily, be patient, be kind, and remain joyful. These attributes only cameafter many life experiences. Thus, her life may be reflected in John 16:33, where Jesussays, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In theworld ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.