Yolanda Mersha Beasley Stakley

September 29, 1960 – June 29, 2026 Yolanda Stakley, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, of natural causes. Born on September 29, 1960, in Montgomery, Alabama, Yolanda’s journey was marked by love, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to her family and community. Yolanda was the beloved daughter of Curtis and Polly Stakley. She grew up in Mystic, Connecticut, where she graduated from Fitch Senior High School. Yolanda was predeceased by her loving mother, Polly V. Stakley, and her husband, Loydeeka Mitchell, with whom she shared a deep and abiding love. They married in 1998, after Loydeeka fathered her four children, before welcoming their daughter, Ladaisha, into the world. Yolanda leaves behind a legacy through her children: Roemon Lathern (Shannon), Rashad Kitson (Brittney), Antwon Lathern, Raven Lathern (Anthony Guilbert), and Ladaisha Mitchell (Mariyah Gonzalez). She was the proud grandmother to sixteen grandchildren and a great-grandmother to one beautiful great-granddaughter. Her family was the center of her world, and she spent countless joyful hours surrounded by her grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished forever. A dedicated professional, Yolanda found her calling in caring for others. She worked as a cook at various establishments in Montgomery before relocating to Mystic, CT, where she pursued her passion for nursing. In 2004, she achieved her dream by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she served with compassion and dedication until her retirement in June 2026. Yolanda was an active member of the New Life Beginnings Church in Groton, where she found solace and community after her mother’s passing. Her artistic talents were well-known and appreciated, especially in her ability to plan and decorate for events such as baby showers, weddings, and family gatherings. She had a unique gift for bringing people together, whether in Alabama or Connecticut, and she never missed an opportunity to unite her loved ones for joyous occasions. Yolanda’s presence radiated warmth and kindness, and her legacy of love and togetherness will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her family invites you to celebrate her life at a service to be held on July 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, located at 140 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT. In honor of Yolanda’s memory, the family suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Her family shares this special message: "WHEN you think of Yolanda, remember the love she shared and the joy she brought to every gathering. Her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her." May Yolanda rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.