Yvonne Cahoon

Yvonne Shell Cahoon, 82, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and teacher, Yvonne’s life was defined by her passion for learning, her love of dogs and dance, and her deep connection to the Florida coast.

Born on August 28, 1943, in Pensacola, Florida, Yvonne was the daughter of the late Jodie Earl Shell and Dorothy Cooper Shell. She grew up in Pensacola and graduated from Pensacola High School, 1961, where she was a majorette. In July 1962, Yvonne married her sailor, Lonnie E. Cahoon, Jr., in Bay Minette, Alabama. Together they raised two sons, who became the center of her world.

While managing the demands of motherhood, Yvonne pursued her passion for education. She earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education in 1982 and her M.A. in Reading in 1987, both from the University of West Florida. Yvonne went on to become a well-respected and beloved elementary school teacher. She spent most of her career at Ferry Pass Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless students with her patience and dedication before retiring in 2005.

In her later years, Yvonne lived by the waters of Escambia Bay, where she found peace in the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. She was an avid gardener and kayaker who never lost her love for dance. She eventually moved to Orlando to be closer to her family, who remained her greatest joy.

Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, Jodie Earl and Dorothy Cooper Shell. She is survived by her sister, Linda Shell Ripley; her sons, Lonnie E. Cahoon III (Denise) and Jodie E. Cahoon (Sherrie); her grandchildren, Desta Cahoon Gourley (Travis), Conrad Kyle Cahoon (Julia), J. Scott Cahoon (Leigh), and Erin Cahoon Herman (David); and her cherished great-grandson, Cole Robert Cahoon. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Yvonne’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 am at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 N. New Warrington Rd., Pensacola, FL. A reception with food will follow the service.