Yolanda Chiffon Ecton, affectionately known as ” Loader, Atmosphere, Yo-Yo and Londa”, transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, December 5, 2021.
Yolanda was born in Suitland, Maryland on December 9, 1978 to Diane Thomas-Ecton and the late James T. Ecton, Sr. The family moved to New Jersey where she began her early childhood education. The family later settled in New Haven, CT where she finished her secondary education and received her high school diploma at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School in 1996. Yolanda yearned to broaden her horizons and expand her career opportunities. She attended Norfolk State University in Virginia where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. During her time in college she developed a passion for social activism. Yolanda believed everyone had a voice and made it her mission to help anyone in need.
Yolanda moved back to Connecticut to be closer to her family. She would later marry William Jackson Jr. and to this union, the apples of her eye, Yaleija and William were born. Yolanda began her career in human services at STRIVE New Haven, Inc. She was most recently employed by the Norwalk Housing Authority and helped develop many residential programs. She believed in making everyone around her feel special and took joy in assisting the residents of Soundview Landing.
Yolanda was baptized at an early age and professed her love for God. She was a devoted member of Community Baptist Church in New Haven, CT. and volunteered in numerous ministries. Yolanda served on the church’s core team for CONECT where she tirelessly advocated for the disadvantaged and sought to find ways to help in any capacity she could. She was always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Yolanda absolutely loved children and all the children adored her. Yolanda ran the church nursery for several years and worked with the AWANA youth program. She was known as the “child whisperer” and was seen throughout the church with different children in her care. She welcomed everyone into the church with a warm smile and her bubbly personality. She loved people and was a great friend to all that knew her. She loved to give everyone she met the warmest hugs and could always find a way to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Yolanda enjoyed volunteering, trying different types of foods and spending time with her family. She was wise beyond her years and instilled strong values in her children. Yaleija and William were the greatest joys in her life and she devoted all her time to them. They were often seen by her side when she volunteered throughout the community.
Yolanda was predeceased by her father, James T Ecton, Sr.; her maternal grandparents, Reverend Mack and Louvenia Thomas; and paternal grandparents, Clarence and Marian Frances Ecton.
She leaves to carry on her legacy, her loving mother, Diane Ecton of New Haven, CT; beloved children, Yaleija and William Jackson, III of New Haven, CT; sister, Uneisha Ecton of New Haven, CT; brothers, James T. Ecton, Jr. of New Haven, CT and Tyrah Thomas of Asbury Park, NJ; nephews, Giovany Ecton and Napaul Bacote of New Haven, CT; nieces, Ty’kneshia Thomas, Amiyah and Nailah Ecton of New Haven, CT; fiancé, Brian Gamble and his children; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Yolanda had a zest for life and loved making people laugh. When Yolanda hugged you, it would touch your soul. She was very compassionate, self-determined and truly authentic. The love she gave to all of us will never be forgotten and her memory will forever be in our hearts.
A celebration of life will take place Friday, December 17, 2021 at 12:00 Noon at Ebenezer Chapel, 50 Dwight St, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Friday at the church from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Interment will be private. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Ecton family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com