Yvonne Spain

Yvonne Spain went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 28, 2018, at the age of 77.  Yvonne was reared by her paternal grandparents, William and Hester Spain, in the West End of Richmond.  She graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School class of 1959 with high academic achievement and matriculated to Virginia State College. During her studies at Virginia State College, she selflessly returned home to care for her ill grandmother. After her grandmother’s health improved, Yvonne began working as a dental assistant for Dr. Ford T. Johnson.  Her stay with Dr. Johnson’s practice was lengthy and successful where she served as President and Honorary Member of the Virginia Dental Assistants Association and the Old Dominion Dental Assistants Society respectively.  Having acquired a love of reading at a very young age which continued throughout her life, she also developed superb reading comprehension and writing skills which allowed her the opportunity to teach writing skills at Open High School. Many students cite Yvonne’s teaching as critical to their high school development. Yvonne was a stalwart citizen in her community. Yvonne wrote a grant request to HUD to secure street curbs in the 100 block of Larne Avenue which had no street curbs only gravel. She also helped in securing a large apartment building on Hull Street for veterans as well as leading efforts to build single family homes in the Blackwell area. Yvonne worked for HUD for many years; traveled to many states and talked to several federal offices to get funds for low-income housing in the Richmond area. Yvonne later worked for the City of Richmond as the Employee Trip Coordinator until her health declined. Yvonne served in many capacities within the community.  Here are just a few: Leadership Metro Richmond Class of 1990 YMCA Outstanding Woman of the Year 1991 Virginia Board of Elections Poll Worker Recipient — 1988 Governor’s Award Volunteer Excellence, Nominee — 1989 Presidential Volunteer Nominee (U. S.) Past President and Honorary Member — Virginia Dental Assistants Association; Past President and Honorary Member — Old Dominion Dental Assistants Society; Co-Chairperson — Swansboro Church/Neighborhood Run Team; Chairperson, Advisory Board — Richmond Recreation and Parks Department; Member — National Parks and Recreational Association; Virginia Recreational and Parks Society; Board Member — Richmond Better Housing Coalition; SRO, Housing of Richmond; Chairperson — Neighborhood Support Richmond Better Housing Coalition RideFinders - Employee Transportation Coordinator   Yvonne is survived by a host of cousins among them Barbara Harrell and Patricia Figueroa-Wright and a host of cousins and friends.  Remains rest a Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue, Richmond, Virginia.  Funeral services will be held on June 8, 2018, 12:00 noon at Fifth Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia, Family and friends please assemble at the church at 11:45 p.m.