Celebrating the Life of Yvonne Wilson-Smith
Yvonne Delores Wilson Smith was born December 5,1944 to the late Weston Dorsey Wilson Sr. and Laretha Wilson in East Palatka Fl. Yvonne spent most of her childhood in East Palatka where she received her early education at Central Academy. At the age of 14 Yvonne moved to Jacksonville and finished her school days at Matthew W. Gilbert High Class of 1962. At an early age Yvonne gave her life to Christ and was a member of Mt. Olive AME East Palatka FL and once relocating to Jacksonville she became a member of Mt Olive AME Jacksonville FL until her health began to fail.
After graduation Yvonne then went on to have her first daughter Westine, and with the help of her amazing Family she then relocated to Kansas City to earn her Dental Assistant Degree. It would be in Kansas City where she would meet two of her lifelong friends Gwen and Boogie. As she would say "we had a good time" every time they were together. Then once returning to Jacksonville Yvonne would work various jobs in the DCPS, Healthcare field, and over 15 years at the voting polls.
In 1967 Yvonne met the Love of her life Robert (or as she would call him RUBERT). On January 19, 1968, Robert and Yvonne would marry in holy matrimony and bring to their union 6 kids. It was at this time life as Yvonne would know it began. Over the years Yvonne adapted many hobbies one she truly enjoyed with the help of her neighbor Bertha and that was crocheting. She loved to shop, play spades, get her nails DONE and keep a FRESHLY LAID HAIR STYLE and yes let's not forget TRAVEL. Yes, she has been all around, and the highways and bi ways don't oh her nothing as she has said here recently. Yvonne loved traveling so much she had a suitcase kept at her front door and when you ask her why she keeps it at the door, she would simply say "I like to stay ready, so I don't have to get ready". Yvonne loved sports, she was an avid Indianapolis Colts Fan and Pittsburgh Steelers fan, she even liked the Kansas City chiefs. She also loved her wrestling, westerns, and a good BET movie. Yvonne always started her Sunday mornings with a prayer and her Bobby Jones Gospel (that's when you know it's time for church). Yvonne also hosted her share of family gatherings (her house is the house for all events) and besides her family all she needed was a good crab pot, some cake and ham if you really wanted her to smile. She has always been THAT GIRL to her family, there is no question or problem Von/Mama/Nana can't solve.
While Yvonne lived her best life she also gave back to the community in many ways. She served on Usher board #2 for many years alongside two men she loved dearly her husband and father. She was a part of the Jennie Brooks Missionary Society, The Lay Organization, The Benevolent Group, and she served righteously alongside Audrey Pridgen/Lucille McCloud with the YPD. Yvonne would host clothes giveaways at the church on weekends to help those in need.
In 2022 Yvonne health began to fail. Although she knew things for her was changing, she never gave up her faith and she continued to hold Gods hand. On May 30,2024 in Baptist Community Hospice Yvonne left her earthly shell and entered eternal rest with her Heavenly Father.
Yvonne was proceeded in death by her parents Weston Sr. and Laretha Wilson, paternal grandparents and her maternal Grandparents Edward Sr Norris and Carrie Norris (affectionately known as Papa and Mama), 3 kids (triplets) one sister Betty Kelly, Several aunts and uncles, a best friend Josephine Brooks
Yvonne leaves to cherish her loving memory her Right hand/Best Friend her husband Robert Smith, 6
Kids: Westine Lodge (Jerome), Jacquelyn Smith, Renae Edwards (devoted care taker) Rosalyn Bell (George),Vanessa Smith-Gregg, Patrise Jenkins (Ivory) niece/daughter. 4 God kids: Charles Green, Tabitha Jones, Taneka Paige and Jasmine Davis. 11 grandkids: Trenecia Williams, (devoted caretaker), La' Tonya Williams, Jerica Lodge, Tierra Smith, Cierra Johnson(Lewis), Robert Smith, Brittany Goldson, Andrew Lodge, Christoper Bell Jr, Ta'Niyah Goldson and Kierra Kelly 11 great grand kids. 1 Brother: Weston Wilson Jr. (Faye)
1 Uncle, Eugene Morgan; 2 devoted cousins, Cornell Davis Sr, and Jackie Atkins; Yvonne leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends along with devoted childhood friends Marva, Evelyn Williams and Mary Johnson. Also, a devoted Caretaker, Ms. Evelyn Jackson.
Mrs. Smith may be viewed on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Carthage Chapel from 4:00 p.m. Until 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Greater Grant Memorial A. M. E. Church, 5533 Gilchrist Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32219 and the interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Yvonne Delores Wilson- Smith, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
