Yvonne Rose Layton

She was born on December 11, 1939, in Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica, W.I., to Geraldine Scale and Jack Spencer. After the union of Geraldine and Albert Bailey, she became a proud big sister to her brother, Lance.

Yvonne’s childhood was filled with love and nurturing from her parents and extended family. One of the brightest times of her youth was spent living with her uncle, school headmaster Lancelot Scale, in St. Thomas Parish, where she thrived in the warmth of family and community.

In 1956, the Bailey family migrated to Stamford, Connecticut, where Yvonne reunited with her extended family and began building her life in the United States. She welcomed her first son, Michael, in 1958, later married Angelo Layton, and together they welcomed daughter Angela and youngest son Mark.

Her compassion, love for people, and optimistic attitude led her to dedicate her life to caring for others. Yvonne worked tirelessly as a certified nursing assistant, serving patients at the Smith House in Stamford, CT, and later after relocating to Florida, at Winter Park Hospital. She went on to manage her own assisted living facility and ultimately spent the final 15 years of her working life caring for her mother and aunt Monica. Her service to others was boundless—neighbors, friends, family, and her church could always rely on Yvonne’s generosity and loving heart.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Anthony Layton, and her parents Geraldine and Albert Bailey. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Angela Layton and Mark Layton (Bahiyyah); grandchildren Michael Layton (Janessa), Jimisha Cooper (Lucious – deceased), Seneca Haggins, James “Jay” Foster II, Tara Layton, Colette Layton, Mark N. Layton, and Matthew Layton; brother, Lance Bailey; nephew Kwame Bailey (Shaina); and a host of great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Ms. Yvonne, as she was affectionately called, will be remembered for her elegance, exquisite taste, cultured presence and unwavering love and support of the Obamas. She had a gift for making anything beautiful and carried herself with refinement and grace. She found joy in traveling, family and social gatherings, delicious food, reading, entertaining, and faithfully watching her favorite stories. Her contributions to Jamaican dances in the community brought excitement and joy year after year. Her only regret was that President Obama could not run for a third term.

Yvonne’s faith guided her life. In her own handwritten notes, she reminded herself and others: “God wants to prosper me in all things (in all I do). God brings the harvest when I give. I give bountifully with a cheerful heart. I give to God in faith.”

Her life was a true testament to love, service, and faith, and her memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

A visitation for Yvonne will be held Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill, 2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, FL 32817. A Celebration of Life will occur Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A Graveside Service will occur Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Chapel Hill Cemetery.