Yolanda Maria Codrington, affectionately known as Yoyo, was born on April 22, 1973, in

Georgetown, Guyana, to Ernest and Cherrell Codrington. She was the fourth of five siblings and

the middle of three sisters. At the age of eight, Yolanda and her family relocated to Brooklyn,

NY, where she was raised. After graduating from Lafayette High School, she went on to earn

both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New

York University.

Yolanda accepted Christ at an early age and was raised as a Catholic, attending St. Francis of

Assisi in Brooklyn, NY. Her spiritual journey continued under the leadership of Bishop Clarence

E. McClendon at The Place of Grace in Los Angeles, CA.

At the age of 16, Yolanda met and fell in love with her best friend, soulmate, and king, Imani

“Manny” Halley. Their love story began as teenagers and flourished into a 35-year bond built on

love, trust, and deep devotion. Together, they raised and cherished two beautiful children, a

daughter and a son, the light of their lives. On July 4, 2005, in Las Vegas, NV, Yolanda and

Manny married, celebrating their enduring love.

Yolanda was the epitome of the saying, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” While she

often worked behind the scenes, she was the steady hand that kept their lives and endeavors

on course. Truly a power couple, Yolanda supported Manny’s entertainment career as he

managed the careers of multiple platinum artists. His career took the family from Brooklyn, NY,

to Atlanta, GA, where Yolanda’s mother and sister later joined to help care for the children while

Manny and Yolanda traveled for work.

In 2004, the family relocated to Los Angeles, CA, where Manny and Yolanda expanded their

influence in the entertainment and hospitality industries. Together, Manny and Yolanda invested

in and owned restaurants including celebrity hotspots Philippe Chow in Beverly Hills and House

of Macau in Hollywood, bringing people together through good food and vibrant experiences. In

2015, Manny and Yolanda co-founded Imani Media Group, producing films and television series

like True to the Game, Dutch, A Holiday Chance, Real Talk, Soul Mates, Angel, etc. and

distributed them through their company Faith Media Distribution. Yolanda was credited as a

producer with Manny on every project. Her talent extended beyond film as she managed the

careers of various stylists and gave many people their first opportunities in the industry.

In 2019, Yolanda became a vegan, embarking on a lifestyle that prioritized cleansing her mind,

body, and soul. This transformation brought her joy, energy, and health, and she was

passionate about sharing her journey. She loved papayas, soursop, and coconut, among other

wholesome foods, and was known for preparing amazing non-vegan dishes – curry chicken and

crab, rice, roti, and chickpeas for her loved ones, showcasing her culinary talent.

Yolanda’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with her passions and values. She believed in the

power of prayer, starting each day with her prayer book, gratitude, scripture, and devotions like

Joyce Meyer’s The Confident Woman Devotional. Her daily walks were a testament to her

commitment to balance and self-care. She cherished a favorite tree at Holmby Hills Park, which

she admired for its resilience - “It's been through several storms, pushed down, but never hit the

ground,” she would say, seeing herself in its strength.

Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world, creating cherished memories with her family.

She loved to celebrate life and danced and wined wherever she went. She loved game nights,

especially playing Heads Up, and enjoyed family TV nights watching shows like Naked and

Afraid and The Price is Right, sometimes dressing in theme for added fun for other shows.

Yolanda was deeply committed to promoting health and inspiring the next generation. She

participated in Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure with family and served as a board member

for Miracles for Kids, reflecting her passion for supporting youth and families in need. She was

thoughtful, kind, and straightforward - a trusted confidant and a source of unconditional love for

those around her.

Yolanda’s quick wit, infectious positivity, humor, and radiant presence left an indelible mark on

everyone she met. She touched countless lives and was a beacon of light to everyone she met.

She was a trusted confidant, a pillar of strength, and a source of unconditional love for all who

knew her. Her legacy of love, faith, and family will forever inspire those she leaves behind.

Yolanda’s life reminds us to embrace joy, live authentically, and treasure the moments that truly

matter. She will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

Yolanda is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Manny Halley; children, Iyana and

Manny Halley Jr.; parents, Ernest and Cherrell Codrington; sisters, Ilissa Codrington (Sherwin

“Sailor”) and Crystal Codrington (Chester “Ches”); brothers, Roland Codrington (Arlene) and

Vernon Codrington; niece, Madison; nephews, Malik, Mekhi, Darien, Cairo, and Coby; aunts,

Priscilla Morgan, Lovita Ramlall, Bridget Codrington, Carol Codrington, and Leslyn Bruno;

uncles, Denis Codrington, Aubrey Codrington, and Keith Robertson; godson Matthias

McDonald; sister by heart Mylinda Gates McDonald; a host of cousins and extended family;

close friends, and associates.

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