~The One who knew her name from the beginning covered her in grace, heard her every prayer, and filled her heart with love for each of you.~

From the moment Yolanda Michelle Brown entered this world on April 14, 1972, God knew her name. He knew her purpose, her laughter, her gentle strength, and the countless lives she would touch. Born to Arthur Smith and Frannie Brown Thompson, Yolanda grew into a woman whose life reflected the truth of the song she loved: He walked with her, comforted her, and called her His own.

Yolanda accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. David Henderson at Jacob Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. As she matured in faith, she later joined Greater Love Church of God in Christ under Rev. Charles Brantley, where she served faithfully in the children’s ministry for more than 20 years. Her heart for children, her patience, and her quiet joy made her service a ministry of love. She also worshiped at Restoration and Praise Christian Fellowship Center under M.T. Brown and continued her spiritual walk at Family Worship and Praise Center until the Lord called her home.

A proud 1990 graduate of Godby High School, Yolanda continued her education at Tallahassee State College, earning an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Professionally, she excelled as an Accounting Supervisor with the Department of Highway Safety, where she worked diligently and honorably until her passing.

Yolanda lived with a vibrant spirit—full of color, laughter, and warmth. She enjoyed crocheting, traveling with her mother, and cheering passionately for her favorite football team. She was a proud member of the Jacksonville Jaguars Travel Club and the Retired Divas Club, embracing fellowship, fun, and adventure wherever she went.

Those who loved her will forever remember her kindness, her loyalty, and the way she made everyone feel seen. Just as the song says, “You know my name… and oh, how You walk with me.” Yolanda walked through life knowing she was held by God, and she shared that love with everyone around her.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Yolanda answered the gentle call of the One who had known her name from the beginning. After facing life’s storms with unwavering faith, she released her pain and found peace. With quiet strength, she closed her eyes and transitioned into her eternal rest—safe, whole, and wrapped in the loving arms of the Lord she trusted so deeply.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted mother, Fannie Thompson; her stepfather, Herbert L. Thompson, Sr.; two stepbrothers, Lorenzen (Elaine) Thompson and Kevin Thompson; her uncles, Ramon (Betty) Dickens, Thomas (Linda) Brown, and Robert (Angela) Brown; and her aunt, Lillie Brown. She also leaves behind her special nieces—Kayla Thompson, Hannah Thompson, Ellison Thompson, Trinity Robinson, and Stephanie Thompson—and her nephew, Kevin Thompson, Jr. (KJ); her goddaughter, Avery Bennett; her best friend, Chad Bennett; and a host of cousins, extended family, and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Smith, and her uncles Roy Brown, Amos Bell, B.A. Dudley, Joseph McCalister, and Louis Baker.

Yolanda’s presence will be deeply missed—especially by her devoted mother and all who loved her. Yet we rejoice knowing that the One who knew her name from the beginning now welcomes her home, calling her by that same name with everlasting love.