Yolanda L. Thomas

Yolanda Lynette Thomas, daughter of Edward and Ozelle Howell (Biological Father, Ryland Robinson) was born October 21, 1968 in Brooklyn, New York. Yolanda transitioned on March 21, 2020. Yolanda and her family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland in 1970. Having received her education through Baltimore City Public Schools, Yolanda graduated from Edmondson High School. She then furthered her education at Coppin State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Yolanda later furthered her studies and earned her Master’s Degree in Human Services through Coppin’s collaboration program with the University of Baltimore. For 15 years, Yolanda started and ended her weekday by greeting her co-workers, families and toddlers with her affectionate smile. It was her genuine love and passion for helping children that led her to a position at Catholic Charities Head Start as a Family Services Coordinator. It was at work that she built numerous relationships with both co-workers and the program’s families. She prided herself with helping families and those babies. Yolanda was such a dedicated mother to her own. In 1990, Yolanda gave birth to the “Apple of Her Eye” Sharnis Ashley Smith. She truly adored her daughter Ash, as she affectionately called her, who was more than a daughter to her, yet was one of her best friends. To enhance Yolanda’s and Ash’s family circle, on June 23, 2001, Yolanda met and married her other best friend, her “Alpha Man”, Charles Avery Thomas. Even though Yolanda had only given birth to one daughter, it was out of this union she gained a son, Avery Malik Thomas. The circle was complete when she had the honor of raising and taking care of her precious grand dog “Reign”. Her family was her “Everything” and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them! Since 2014, Yolanda was an active member of the Baltimore Alpha Wives Delta Lambda Chapter. Always willing to serve and give back, she participated in many different events and programs. At an early age she joined and was baptized at First Charity Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend P.A. Kearney. For many years, she faithfully sang on the choir, served on the usher board and was Sunday school member as highly encouraged by “Mom”! She later moved her church membership to Set the Captives Free under the leadership of Pastor Karen Bethea where she remained a member until her death. Yolanda was a true diehard Baltimore Ravens football fan, a lover of house music and definitely a “social butterfly” that enjoyed life! It was no question that wherever Yolanda went, she would meet new people that would in a lot of cases become extended family. Her contagious personality drew people to her that would always grow to love her. She was an amazing person that will never be forgotten. She leaves her memory to be cherished by her husband Charles Avery Thomas, daughter Sharnis Ashley Smith, son Avery M. Thomas, parents Minister Edward and Ozelle Howell, Grandmothers Susie Williams and Marie Chavis, Mother in law Jacqueline Thomas, brother in law Richard Thomas, sister in law Nailia Thomas, 9 aunts, 2 uncles, 3 godsons, 2 Goddaughters, devoted cousin Bridgit Maddox, God Parents Leon and Barbarah Mitchell and a numerous of relatives and friends that loved her to the end

Tributes

Yolanda L. Thomas

October 21, 1968 - March 21, 2020