Yolanda Deon Brown was born on December 7, 1975, in Queens, New York, to Leon Reed and Mary (Doris) Bray-Hernandez. She was the second of four children and was lovingly raised by her stepfathers, Melvin McClendon, Sr. and Jerome Hernandez. After a life full of love, devotion, and service, Yolanda was called home to be with the Lord on January 31, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered.
Yolanda's heart was devoted to her children, and she spent her life nurturing and guiding them with a love that knew no bounds. A true New Yorker at heart, she was an integral part of the Queens and Brooklyn community before relocating to Columbus, Ohio, Eastman, Georgia, and finally Tampa, Florida. Throughout her life, Yolanda was known for her passion and creativity. She was a gifted poet and rapper, using her words to inspire and uplift others.
Yolanda also had a love for learning, particularly in the field of math. She had a deep curiosity, often going beyond the surface to think critically and seek knowledge in every corner of life.
Her faith in the Lord was central to her being, with Psalm 23 being her favorite verse. Yolanda had a heart of gold, always serving as a protector and support system for her family and friends. She was genuine, confident, and proud of who she was-whether as a mother, daughter, sister, or friend.
Yolanda had a distinct sense of humor and wasn't one for corny jokes or stories, but her laughter and joy were contagious to all who knew her.
Yolanda was preceded in death by her son, Kyle Elijah, her brother, Travis Brown, and her grandparents, Melvin Brown and Mary Lee Bray-Brown.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Carlos Powell, Jr., Ian Pow- ell, Zayna Powell, and Robert (Robbie) Stroman; her siblings: Leon Brown and Melvin McClendon, Jr.; her niece, Elianna Smith-Brown, and nephew, Elijah Isaiah McClendon.
Yolanda is also survived by her uncles, James (Noca) Bray and Hakim Brown; her aunts, Nellie Bray and Anisa (Niecey) Harrison; her cousins, Alesha Cobb, Dawn and Kavis Parkman, Crystal Brown, Jamel Brown, Samara Harrison, Kierra and Michael Leggett, Quran Brown, Omari Brown, and Messiah Brown; and a host of extended family and friends who were blessed to know her.
Yolanda's spirit, love, and unwavering strength will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of being a part of her life. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing her legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want..."
