Yolanda Roshawn Smith, affectionately known as Yoyo, 51, of Galveston, Texas, passed away suddenly following a tragic accident on December 30, 2025. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, laughter, resilience, and cherished memories.

     Born on December 12, 1974, to her proud parents, Janice Tolden and Rudy Jackson, Yolanda was the first born of six siblings and shared a special bond with them—one built on love, laughter, shared memories, and unwavering support.

     Yolanda was a proud alumna of Ball High School, Class of 1993, and will always be remembered for her impeccable sense of style.  She continued her education at Texas Southern University but her academic journey was interrupted after she became a survivor of gun violence that left her paralyzed. For many, such a life-altering event might have marked an end—but for Yolanda, it became the beginning of a new and powerful chapter.

     Driven by passion, determination, and an unyielding spirit, Yolanda was deeply committed to learning to walk again. She was a fierce advocate for herself, never afraid to speak up, and she met life with a sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor that kept those around her laughing. Outspoken, honest, and unapologetically herself, Yolanda approached life with courage and authenticity. A natural nurturer, she was loving, compassionate, and devoted to guiding and uplifting others. Her strength, warmth, and determination inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her legacy will live on through the lives she touched.

     Yolanda was preceded in death by her stepfather, Marvin Tolden; uncles: Floyd Dials, Rita Dials, Herman Dials, Jimmy Tolden, Charles Tolden, Gerald Tolden; aunts: Florence Dials, grandparents: Margaret Taylor, Ruth Tolden, and Clarence Smith; and great-grandparents, Ivana and Allen Dials.  

    Yolanda’s memories will live forever in the hearts of her family; loving and devoted mother, Janice Tolden (Marvin Sr.); her beautiful daughters, Irielle Washington and Chryslin Redding; her grandchildren, Caidyn, Caisen and Jream; her siblings, Andrew Smith (Kisha), Monica Tolden (Ronald), Marvin Tolden Jr., Matrese Tolden, and Marlowe Tolden (Briana); her nieces and nephews, Andrew Smith-Chatman, Adrion Smith, Ariana Smith, Aundre Smith, Ronald Brinkley Jr., Julion Tolden, Marvin Tolden III, Makiya Tolden, Maurice Tolden, David Jones, and Brielle Carraway; aunts: Sandra Smith, Harriett Flint, Gloria Tolden, Patsy Tolden and Renee Tolden; uncles: Kenneth Smith, Albert Tolden (Diane), Earl Tolden (Shirley), and Norman Tolden.  Cousins: Helena Harris, Yoshica Flint, Pam Carter, Ernest Dickey, Donyall Dickey, Teffany Tolden, Ashuntae Smith, Miles Smith, Brandon Tolden, Devin Dickey, Quisha Barb, Michael Barb, and Myoshia; special friend: Krisean Johnson; devoted friends, Nellie and Derrick Jones, and many other loving friends and relatives.  Special thanks to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas City Fire Department for their support.