Yolanda Marie Cottrell was born on Tuesday, October 15, 1963, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Shirley Brown and Melvin Cottrell.

Yolanda attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary Pre-K through sixth grade. She was a majorette for two years. She also attended Andrew J. Bell Junior High School where she was a member of the dance team. She later attended Alcee Fortier High School.

Yolanda spent a number of years working at College Inn Hotel and Marriott Hotel in New Orleans, LA. She also was employed at Methodist Hospital as a Dietary Aide. She relocated to Dallas, Texas on August 29, 2005, after Hurricane Katrina and became employed at Envision Dallas which she known as "The Candy Lady".

Yolanda was a fun, loving, compassionate, selfless and devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who always made time for her family. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and her home was always a place of laughter and love. She spent her free time playing cards, gambling, traveling and shopping. Her favorite snack was donuts; her family, friends and co-workers will remember her as "The Snack Lady". Yolanda's joyful spirit was evident to all who knew her.

Yolanda Marie Cottrell's legacy continues through the lives of her children, Tasha Cottrell Stewart (Michael), Kionne Cottrell and Tyron Cottrell; fourteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren; and Goddaughter, Jackie Brown and Godson, Chase Bolden who will never forget the love she brought into their lives.

She will be forever loved and missed by her sisters, Tanya Bradley and Angelique Cottrell; her close friend and sister, Elinda Peacock; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Brown; grandchildren, Kevinesha Cottrell and Kerry Cottrell; and a sister, Geraldine Cottrell Matthews.

We find comfort in knowing that Yolanda Marie Cottrell's legacy lives on through the lessons she taught us, the love she shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.