Yvonne Claire Powers

Yvonne Claire Powers, a beacon of unwavering love, faith, and determination, graced this world on November 30th, 1947, in Providence, RI. On September 27th, 2023, she embarked on her final journey leaving an indelible legacy of inspiration, warmth, and wisdom.

Born to the late Eloise C. Powers (nee Thomas) and Alton Powers, Yvonne's formative years were spent in Providence, Rhode Island in the care of her loving grandparents, along with her four siblings. She was a proud graduate of Hope High School and a devout member of the Church of God and Saints of Christ (First Tabernacle). Not one to be confined by boundaries, at the tender age of 16 she set out on an adventure to Hollywood, California, with dreams as vast as the horizon.

In her professional life, Yvonne's brilliance shone brightly. Holding prestigious Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) professional certifications, her exceptional skills were sought after by luminaries in the corporate world. She provided assistance to Executives at renowned businesses such as Ford Aerospace, Campbell Soup, and Lipton Tea. Known for her incredible prowess in typing, Yvonne clocked over 150 words per minute and served as a court stenographer, reaching the astounding speed of over 225 words per minute. Yvonne retired as a Network Manager from Cam Care Health Corporation in Camden, New Jersey.

Beyond her professional accolades, Yvonne's heart resonated with the vibrancy of colors. Flowers and butterflies captured her imagination. Her artistic inclinations found expression in stunning oil, acrylic, and particularly watercolor paintings, and she also possessed an uncanny ability to sketch life-like portraits. Her soul's deepest calling, however, was her devotion to the word of God. From the age of 30, she committed her life to Christian ministry, spreading love, faith, and hope. In moments
of leisure, you would often find her engrossed in an episode of Jeopardy or being swept away by the timeless romance of the film, "Pride and Prejudice";.

A member of Mensa, Yvonne’s hunger for knowledge was insatiable. High-level math captivated her, and she delved deeply into Physics and Thermodynamics well into her 70s. This remarkable woman treated everyone as a dear friend, cherishing, and nurturing relationships with utmost sincerity. If asked, Yvonne would humbly say that her proudest accomplishment was her children. Their successes, joys, and dreams were hers as well. For those blessed to know her, Yvonne's love was a
comforting embrace, always warm and ever-present.

She was twice married and is survived by her cherished children: Brandy Arien Blackstone, Sean Wilbur Hillyard, Nicholas Day Evangelisti, Noel Elizabeth Pristas, and David Michael Brown. She was a doting grandmother to eight grandchildren: James Devin Blackstone, Alexander Moses Day Evangelisti, Jasmine Kristina Blackstone, Emmy Anna Kline, Jacob Douglas Blackstone, Alexi Day Evangelisti, Finnegan William Pristas, and Declan James Pristas. Her legacy also includes a great-
granddaughter, the delightful Journey Day Evangelisti.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her grandparents Adelbert and Elizabeth Thomas, her parents, Eloise and Alton Powers and her aunts and uncles. Left to mourn her are her aunt, Eleanor J. Thomas (Jane), her sister Maya Breuer and brother in law, Stephen Casserly, her nephew Craig Powers, niece Angela Fears, great nephew, Lucas Fears, first cousins Periane Thomas, Ronnetta Thomas, Ronald Thomas and their spouses, and a host of family, and friends.

Yvonne's life was a testament to the strength of spirit, the depth of love, and the power of faith. In her memory, may we all strive to live with purpose, passion, and boundless love.
A memorial service honoring Yvonne's life will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023, at First Tabernacle, 105 Dodge Street, Providence RI, at 10:00 am. The service will be livestreamed @ https://vimeo.com/event/3775090 . Burial will take place Monday, October 16, 2023, at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence RI at 11:00 am.

Kindly send condolences and flowers to First Tabernacle, 105 Dodge Street Providence, RI on Friday, 10/13, 6-8:00 pm and Saturday, 10/14, 9:00 am-12:00 pm.