Yolanda O'Connor

Yolanda Marlene (Courson) O'Connor was born September 3, 1949 to Phyllis Anne (Gettys) and Marlyn Eugene Courson in Newark, Ohio. The oldest of five, she was later joined by younger brothers and sisters Brad (Sharon) Courson, Autum Yovet (Greg) Coffing, Rick (Laurel) Courson and Holly (Rick) Courson.

 

On December 27, 2023, at the age of 74, Yolanda went to be with our Lord and joined her mother who precedes her. She is remembered by her husband of 49 years, Jack (John); her three sons; Sean, Patrick and Kevin (Martha) and four grandchildren; Emily, Logan, Caitlin and Gavin. Yo is also remembered by her dad Marlyn, whom she loved to brag about for being so young at 95, four brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, close cousins and dear family friends.

 

Yolanda is a graduate from Mt. Vernon High School, though she always referred to Newark as her stomping grounds. Upon graduating nursing school, she worked in many aspects of medical care including hospitals to private care, Labor-Delivery to long-term and highly specialized care for severely disabled kids at the Heinzerling Memorial Foundation.

 

Yolanda didn't have a ton of hobbies, but she enjoyed volunteering and making use of her time for causes she thought were worthy of her energy and effort. However, she did love to watch The Ohio State Buckeyes play during her favorite season of all, Football. From dedication to her kid's schooling and scouting, to her dedication to her grandchildrens’ activities, Yo was always trying to stay busy and in the loop with everyone. Always up for an adrenaline‐inducing activity, she found herself parasailing, hang gliding, scuba diving, whitewater rafting, flying a glider aircraft, chasing thrills on coasters all over the country and skydiving at 65 years old. She kept the pace with her boys and their friends to some degree and was always up for a little mischief. She was no stranger to troubles or worries. Yo lived for seeing a smile on the face of others, but even those who couldn't physically smile back, could still light her up. 

 

Raised on faith in Jesus Christ, she always believed others could have what she experienced and shared His message in her way. Though she was strong, devotion and prayer was how she made it through her daily life, and she was stronger for it.

 

Please share your stories about Yo and take time in life to write your own story. May everyone who reads this take something amazing and valuable from her story.