Official Obituary of
Yvonnia Chambliss
November 7, 2024
Yvonnia Chambliss Obituary
For live stream please click here
Please use either Mozilla Firefox or Internet
Yvonnia Chambliss, 84, was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a woman whose life embodied love, grace, resilience. Yvonnia was a testament to steadfast faith, boundless generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. On November 2, 2024, she transitioned peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.
Yvonnia was born on August 31st, 1940 in Newton, Mississippi. The fifth of ten children born to Mr. A.G. Evans and Ludie C. Evans. Yvonnia attended Newton Vocational High School and graduated in 1958. She then went on to attend Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama majoring in education.
Upon her arrival in Staten Island, New York in 1962, Yvonnia, admiringly known as “Ms. Y”, became an early education teacher at Port Richmond Day Nursery. As an educator, she guided and inspired generations of children, fostering their growth and passion for knowledge. Her steadfast loyalty and love helped shape and guide the trajectory of not only her wonderful daughters and grandchildren but also the many others that found comfort and strength in learning from her wisdom. In 2002, after 40 wonderful years of service as a New York City teacher, Yvonnia decided to retire and embark on the next chapter of her life. Traveling!
During Yvonnia’s retirement, she embraced life as an active socializer. She was an enthusiastic traveler, who was always ready for her next adventure, especially cruises! She would travel at least 5-6 times a year. As a devoted sports fan, she shared a special bond with her grandsons Evan Odeseye and Brandon Nicolas, to whom she passed down her love of sports. Yvonnia and her grandsons were inseparable! Whether she was cheering Evan on at his high school and college games or enjoying NBA or NFL games with Brandon, their connection was one of a kind.
Someone who was always on the go, you could always find her on a cruise with family or friends. Her unwavering guidance and boundless love shaped not only her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews but also her students and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was a beacon of kindness and strength, leaving an indelible mark on all who crossed her path.
Yvonnia’s journey with faith began and blossomed into a lifelong devotion over 73 years ago beginning with her confirmation Pilgrim Grove Presbyterian church in Newton, Mississippi. She was a long time member at Fellowship Baptist Church in Mariner's Harbor, Staten Island, NY.
Yvonnia leaves behind four generations to cherish her memory. Her legacy is carried on by her siblings Doris Sims, Nancy Arrington, Albert Evans (Nancy) and James “Jim” Evans (Sarah); her loving daughters, Jacqueline, Jane, Janice and Joanna; grandchildren Evan Odeseye, Lauren Nicolas and Brandon Nicolas, her great grandchild Christian Odeseye, a host of nieces and nephews, Godson Ryan and her God-grandchildren Monette, Sydney and Hugo McIntosh Jr. Yvonnia is preceded in death by her brothers Murphy Evans, Johnny Evans, Titus Evans, Franklin Evans, and her sister Ludis Cox.
Her joy, adventurous spirit and devotion to family set the standard and created cherished memories that will last forever in our hearts.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Yvonnia Chambliss, please visit our floral store.
© 2026 Stradford Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility