Yolanda "Yo" Towns

Yolanda Towns Obituary

Yolanda Colette Towns, known to all as Yo, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, protector, and caregiver, especially to every cat she encountered. Known far and wide as the "cat lady", Yo would ensure the animals had food before even thinking of eating herself.

Born on March 7, 1968, in Columbus, Ohio to Curtis and Julia Towns, Yolanda was a member of Maize Manor United Methodist Church. Her love for the Lord was unwavering, and she often said, "The Lord is my strength, and with Him, I can do anything." She believed wholeheartedly, "I'm always able to do all I do because of God." Yo found the Lord at a young age, and her faith remained steadfast throughout her life. She trusted in God's goodness and believed everything happened for a reason, knowing that He had a plan for her. One of her favorite Scriptures was, "Walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7). She could often be found in her room, reading Scripture, praying, and talking with God. Yo trusted Him with all her heart and would always say, "I know I'm not perfect, but I love God and He loves me." To her, what mattered most was that she was a Christian, loved by God just as she was, because He made her.

Yo was known as the "cat lady" but loved all animals. She always kept food in her car, anticipating she might encounter an animal in need, because she knew they were "always hungry". She had the Animal Support number on speed dial to call if any animal was hurt or dead. Yo would spend her last dime if it meant helping an animal in need. One time, she saw a hurt bird in the road, and so she stopped traffic to rescue an injured bird from the road. When it passed away, she gently placed it in a box, said a prayer, and laid it to rest in the trashcan. Another time, she carefully tended to a butterfly with a broken wing. When it died, she kept its delicate body in her room as a remembrance.

Her heart held a special place for cats, and any cat she came across found a home with her. The garage at her house was known as the "cat haven" and many cats came through and were well-fed, cared for, and loved. She would cook chicken for them or buy rotisserie chicken from Sam's Club, and she even spent money to take them to the vet for spaying and neutering. Every cat had a name and each one was cherished. For the cats that she raised at her parents' house, Yo would host a small funeral, complete with Scripture reading, songs, and a respectful burial. Her love and compassion for animals were evident in everything she did, showing a generosity of spirit that was boundless and deeply sincere.

Yo graduated from Ohio State University in 1999 with a Bachelor's in Arts and Humanities. She had so many jobs, Tina joked that there was no place she didn't work. She retired from UPS after 27 years. She was with Columbus City Schools for 28 years and currently was at Yorktown. Mrs. Towns was a pillar in the Yorktown community, and her impact extended to the staff, students, and the very culture of the school. She was bold and firm with a heart full of love and care. She had high expectations and didn't play. No student would enter the office without learning that in her space, they were expected to respect themselves and others. There was a student she would get on a lot throughout his years at Yorktown but before he left, he went to give her a hug and said, "I'm going to miss you hollering at me." The students never forgot the love Mrs. Towns showed them, even if it came with a dose of tough love. So much so, that when they graduated high school, they would remember to send her an invitation and she would always attend with a gift in hand. Some even invited her to their college graduations. Mrs. Towns' influence extended beyond the students; she made an enormous impact on the entire staff. She was beloved by everyone. She never engaged in gossip or was caught up in drama because she was too busy supporting and helping others. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for you. Her legacy at Yorktown will not be forgotten.

 Yo enjoyed life and her motto was "YOLO-You Only Live Once". She truly lived life to the fullest. A strong woman with the biggest heart, she was determined and knew exactly what she wanted. Everyone who knew her could attest to her fierce will. She once told Tina, "I'm me and I'm always going to be me." Complimenting her boldness, Yo had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She was overflowing with love and could make a friend anywhere she went. Her love for her family was immeasurable, and she dedicated much of her time to caring for her parents and her late sister.

Yo met her wife, Tina, in 2001, and they were together for over 25 years. Together, they bought a house in 2001 and were officially married in Las Vegas on October 17, 2016. From the moment they met, they knew it was meant to be. It was an immediate connection and conversation flowed as if they had known each other for years. Their love was special, and they were inseparable. Even when they would fuss at each other they said, "The ones that say there ain't nothing wrong, are the ones who are divorced, but the ones who fuss like us are the ones that will be together forever." They loved vacationing in Vegas, playing games at the Casino, and imagining their future together. They would look at older couples and say, "That's going to be us-still fussing and hanging out at the casino together." Their favorite moments were simply being together-no matter what they were doing, as long as they were side by side. They always knew they had each other's back no matter what life threw their way.

Yo is preceded in death by her sister Loleetha Towns (Shell), grandmother Mary Towns, grandfather Rusell Towns, great-grandmother Marie Robinson, mother and father-in-law Anita and Curtis Hairston. Yoland is survived by her loving wife Tina Hairston, mother Julia Towns, father Curtis Towns Sr., brother Curtis Towns Jr (Karen Towns)-who referred to her as Drac, nephew Curtis Towns Ⅲ, niece Reece Allen, Marson Dyani, Aunt Maria Parks, Peaches, Dwayne, Angelique, and Andre. Her best friend Marla Martin, her neighbor Ramona Martin, her goddaughter Santierra Hutson, her Yorktown family, and Bonita Search. The Watkins, Towns, and Gamm families and her many many loving relatives and friends.