Yolanda Gollehon

Yolanda Bright Johnson Gollehon?s prayers were answered Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Yolanda is now with her heavenly family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, E. W. and Mary Bright Johnson; loving and devoted husband, Everett Gollehan; and a sister, Jo Duncan, whom she loved dearly.

Yolanda graduated proudly from Dobyns Bennett High School. After graduation she was employed with Tennessee Eastman Company. She attended and was very active with her church, First Baptist, Church Circle. Yolanda considered it an honor to belong to such a large, sacred and holy place. Her love for music, birds and flowers never ended. She played the piano just a few days before she went home. She called names and threw them kisses, saying ?I?m going home?.

She leaves behind her brother-in-law, Weldon Duncan; loving and caring neighbors, Bill and Barbara Musser, Robin and Mike Dotson, and Marie and Rubin Overbey.

Terenda Kennedy was special in too many ways to write, she took care of Yolanda as though she was her own.

Betty J. Martin was a devoted friend and spent many hours talking, watching birds and other creatures with Yolanda. She enjoyed fixing Yolanda delicious meals and desserts.

Jewel Guy was more than a caretaker, she doted on Yolanda ? whatever she wanted, Jewel did.

Tina Kissick took care of Everett Gollehon in time of need and came back to help with Yolanda. She was very kind and soft spoken.

We will honor Yolanda Monday night July 18th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Her lifetime friend, Mildred Taylor will talk about her; Wayne Bledsoe will play the piano; Crawford?s Crossing will sing; and Danny Moneyhun will play the guitar and sing just as he did for Everett.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday July 19th at First Baptist Church with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. Of course, music will be played and songs will be sung, per Yolanda?s request. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Honorary pallbearers will be Weldon Duncan, Richard Marcus, Earl Kennedy, Jason Kennedy, George Bradley, Bill Wheeler, Bill Musser, Mike Dotson, Rubin Overbey, Mike Pearson, Rodney Burton, Danny Moneyhun, and First Baptist Church.

Yolanda was shy and always told me she wanted to be someone people would remember as someone that ?shined?. She was many things, but most of all, a very classy lady who devoted her life to her friends, family, and to Jesus.

We loved Yolanda and will miss her sweet smile and loving kisses. We will always be thankful for the years she was a part of our lives. There was only one thing she wanted we could not give her. I told her just to be patient and when God was ready, he would let her know and I whispered and told her it was time for her to ?shine?. He called her name on July 13th; she took the angel?s hand and followed the light.

?Yolanda had become our special someone and we will never forget her. Her love was deep, her heart full of gold.? Richard and Libby Marcus.