Yvonne passed into the sweet hereafter on March 17, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. She kept her humor, grit, and grace until the very end. 

Struggling with cancer is not how she would want to be defined in our memories, though. She would want you to remember her stroking a cat, reciting a line of poetry or fiction, sharing the Latin name of a lovely flower, pointing out a beautiful piece of antique glass, critiquing a play, drawing a card, or laughing with friends. Anyone who knew her was changed in some small, lovely way. We walked away from each encounter with Yvonne more knowledgeable, curious, and observant. She shared beauty with everyone she met and encouraged each of us to wonder.

Yvonne was born in a small town in Kentucky, always wondering what lay beyond. She was Salutatorian of her high school and went on to Murray State University, where she majored in English. She also received a MA in Linguistics from Michigan State University. Yvonne taught high school English, Drama, and Speech for 42 years in Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, and Georgia. She was a life-long learner who enjoyed traveling, exploring museums and gardens, and collecting books and antiques.

Yvonne's gardens were works of art. She could grow anything, and her plants obeyed her every whim. She spent most of her free time watering, weeding, and petting the cats who nestled in amongst her plants. There is no doubt she is now tending the gardens in Heaven. May she be astounded and well-pleased by the beauty of that bounty.

Yvonne is dearly loved and deeply missed by her husband Frank, daughter Ashley, son-in-law Chad, and grandchildren Jack, Louisa, and Owen. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/yvonne-thomas-durham-nc/obituary/

Copy