Yvonne Fay Ferguson

November 6, 1947 – September 16, 2026

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Yvonne Ferguson, who departed this life on September 16, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 78.

Born on November 6, 1947, in Kingston, Jamaica, Yvonne was the beloved daughter of Emma Smart and Hubert McFarlane. In 1977, she made the journey from Jamaica to the United States, carrying with her the strength, warmth, traditions, and values that would remain at the heart of her life.

Yvonne was a woman who loved deeply, laughed often, and cared fiercely. She had a personality that could fill a room, and those who knew her understood that her love was never given halfway. She loved her family with everything she had, and there was always room for one more person under her roof and in her heart.

Her home was known for having an open-door policy. Whether it was a family member, one of her children's friends, or someone simply going through a difficult time, Yvonne had a way of making people feel that they belonged. If someone needed a place to stay, a meal, a listening ear, or simply someone to care, she was there. Helping others came naturally to her. Her compassion extended far beyond her immediate family, and throughout her life she found ways to care for and support those around her, both personally and through her work as a caregiver.

Yvonne was also a wonderful cook, and her kitchen was one of the places where her love truly came to life. She was especially famous for her rum cake—a cake so good that people would practically fight over it. Her rum cake became part of the family legend, and it will forever be associated with the love, laughter, gatherings, and memories she created around her.

Above all, Yvonne was a devoted and fiercely protective mother. She became a mother at a young age, and from the very beginning, her children were at the center of her world. When she made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States in 1977, she refused to leave her children behind. She brought them with her, determined that they would make the journey together and have the opportunity to build a better life. Her love for her children was unwavering, and she would do whatever was necessary to protect them, provide for them, and keep her family together.

That same fierce and unconditional love only grew with each generation. Yvonne absolutely adored her grandchildren and took immense pride and joy in them. They held a very special place in her heart, and she loved them more than words could express. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was not simply a grandmother—she was a source of love, protection, comfort, laughter, and unwavering support. They knew they were deeply loved, fiercely defended, and always had someone in their corner.

The love Yvonne had for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was one of the greatest expressions of who she was. She built her life around family, and the strength of that love will continue through every generation that follows.

Yvonne also loved getting dressed up and looking her best. She took pride in her appearance and had a wonderful sense of style. She always wanted to be the best dressed in the room, and more often than not, she made sure she was. Her style and confidence were simply another reflection of the vibrant woman she was.

Yvonne's faith was an important part of her life. She believed in the Lord and found strength and comfort in her faith. She sought to live with compassion, generosity, and love, and those qualities became an enduring part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her beloved husband and the father of her children, Winston Ferguson, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her four children, Patrick Ferguson, Paulette Ferguson Brown, Carol Ferguson Nicholson, and Winston Ferguson Jr. Ten grandchildren: Sean Stephenson, Taisha Ferguson, Katherina Ferguson Brown, Donovan Nicholson, Jr., Justin Ferguson, Ricardo “Justice” Brown, Amber Nicholson, Jazmin Ferguson, Winston “Bryce” Ferguson, Liya Ferguson. Five great-grandchildren: Aislynn “AJ” Stephenson, Zion Williams, Braxton Stephenson, Carter Ferguson, Kash Ferguson Brown. Her siblings, Leroy Blake, Sr., Norma Barrett, Joyce Dixon, Veronica McFarlane, Vivienne Johnson, Claudette Smith, and Pamela Ellis; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones.

Yvonne leaves behind more than a family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, laughter, faith, and family.

She leaves behind the memory of a woman whose door was always open.

She leaves behind the taste of meals made with love and a rum cake worth fighting over.

She leaves behind stories, traditions, laughter, and lessons that will be passed from one generation to the next.

And most importantly, she leaves behind generations of people who knew what it felt like to be loved by Yvonne.

Though she is no longer here to open her door, prepare her famous rum cake, get dressed up for the occasion, or gather her family around her, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in all who knew her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

May Yvonne rest peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord. May her memory forever be a blessing, and may the family she loved so fiercely continue to honor her by loving one another, caring for others, keeping the door open, and perhaps keeping her famous rum cake recipe alive.