Yolanda Ann Thomas

Yolanda Ann Thomas, daughter of Craig Lasenberry and Patricia Ann (Walker) Martin, was born May 1, 1973 in Orange, New Jersey where she grew up. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. As a teenager, Yolanda moved to the Waynesville area and graduated from Waynesville High School in 1991 where she was very active. Yolanda was a hard worker. She worked as a youth care worker at the Piney Ridge Youth Center in Waynesville, Holiday Inn at the Lake of the Ozarks in housekeeping, Dugout Sports Bar as a waitress and EDP as a cook helper and a Dining Facility Attendant. In her spare time, Yolanda enjoyed watching the Food Network and eating at Ms. Gloria’s house. She loved working with children and her biggest talent was making people laugh. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family and friends. Yolanda passed away at 7:35 p.m., Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri at the age of 36 years, 11 months and 22 days. She will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother: Patricia Martin of St. Robert; grandmothers: Corrine Austin of Newark, New Jersey and Helen Hayes of the state of Georgia; two sisters: TSG Taliah Wilkerson (CMS James) stationed at Fayetteville, North Carolina and Celena Klasing (Steven) of St. Robert; one brother: SFC Kishann Smith, stationed in Japan; two nieces; cousins: SSG Latinna Wilson and Craseem Walker; Godmother: Loretta Blevins; Godsisters: Virella Blevins and Tanya Kearney; Godchildren: Danisha Blevins, Kekona Asi and Dasean Blevins; aunts: Sheila Lasenberry, Laquanna Walker and Darlene Williams (SGM Randy); uncle: Johnny Lasenberry of the state of New Jersey; other relatives and friends. Yolanda was preceded in death by her father and both of her grandfathers. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, April 29, 2010 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Pastor Dr. William R. Boone officiating. Virella Blevins, Yolanda’s godsister, recalled her wonderful memories of Yolanda. Soloist Arlene Pitchford was accompanied by Ronald Campbell as she sang “I’m Free” and “It’s Over Now”. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Yolanda Thomas and may be left at the funeral home.

Yolanda Ann Thomas

May 1, 1973 - April 22, 2010