Yolanda Mischelle Patrick, affectionately known as “Candy,” was born on February 19, 1969, in Temple, Texas, to Betty Johnson Green and Kenneth Hewdell White. Yolanda was born a twin; sadly, her twin sister was stillborn. Even from the beginning, her life reflected remarkable strength, resilience, and purpose.

During her early elementary school years, Yolanda lived in Florida with her parents. In 1980, she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, with her father and enrolled at Bond Hill Elementary School. She later attended Walnut Hills High School, graduating in 1987. Determined to dedicate her life to serving others, she continued her education at The Ohio State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992.

After graduation, Candy returned to Texas to lovingly care for her beloved grandmother, Pearl, demonstrating the compassion and selflessness that would define her life. A woman of exceptional talent and determination, Yolanda’s gifts extended far beyond nursing. She became a licensed Realtor and, in 2011, earned a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix, continually striving to grow both personally and professionally.

While living in Texas, Yolanda welcomed her two treasured sons, Jeremiah Brooks and Benjamin Brooks. They were the greatest joy of her life. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising them with unwavering love, wisdom, faith, and stability. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to ensure they never lacked opportunities and always knew how deeply they were loved. She sacrificed willingly, poured herself into their lives, and laid a strong foundation that would prepare them for the future.

Yolanda dedicated 22 distinguished years to the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she built lifelong friendships and positively impacted the lives of countless veterans, patients, families, and colleagues. Throughout her career, she faithfully served in numerous leadership and clinical roles, including Registered Nurse, Nurse Manager, Chief of Nursing Service for Acute Care, and Community Care Registered Nurse. She was respected not only for her clinical excellence but also for her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those she served.

She also found great joy in mentoring others. Yolanda generously shared her knowledge, encouraged professional growth, and helped countless individuals navigate career opportunities and life’s challenges. Her wisdom, encouragement, and genuine belief in others inspired many to pursue goals they never thought possible.

Beyond healthcare, Candy was passionate about helping others achieve financial freedom. As a financial coach, she taught friends, family, and members of her community how to build sound financial plans, create wealth, and prepare for the future. Through classes, workshops, and personal mentorship, she empowered many people to become financially independent and build lasting legacies for their own families.

Then, in September 2015, God began writing the next chapter of Yolanda’s story.

That September, Yolanda connected with Dennis James Patrick. During one of their conversations, Dennis shared something that was both bold and deeply rooted in his faith. He told Yolanda that God had revealed to him that she would become his wife. Yolanda agreed.

Dennis often said he knew she truly believed what God had spoken because she entrusted him with what mattered most to her—her sons. When Yolanda traveled to Jamaica to participate in the Black Girls RUN! Marathon trip, she left Jeremiah and Benjamin in Dennis’ care. That act of trust spoke louder than words. It revealed the confidence she had in the man God had placed in her life and became the foundation upon which they built their future.

On December 20, 2015, Yolanda became the bride of Rev. Dennis James Patrick, and the two were united as husband and wife.

Yolanda’s Life Story (Part 2)

From that day forward, she proudly became Yolanda Mischelle Patrick. Although she was immensely proud to be born a White—Kenneth White’s baby girl—and deeply cherished her family heritage, she never hyphenated her name because she had found her place—her home, her covering, and the partner with whom she would build the rest of her life. After years of carrying the responsibilities of raising her sons alone, she could finally rest in the strength of a husband who loved her completely and embraced Jeremiah and Benjamin as though they were his own.

Dennis didn’t simply marry Yolanda—he accepted the privilege of loving, supporting, mentoring, and helping raise her sons. Together they became one family.

Everything Yolanda accomplished after that, they accomplished together. Together they dreamed. Together they planned. Together they built.

United by faith and purpose, they pursued their shared vision of purchasing land, building businesses, creating communities, and establishing generational wealth that would bless Jeremiah, Benjamin, and generations to come. Their move from Dallas to Goodlow, Texas, reflected not only a change of address but the fulfillment of a dream. Together they embraced farming, agriculture, and country living while building what they affectionately called “The So Green Life”—a life centered on faith, family, stewardship, entrepreneurship, and legacy because Yolanda was full of life and committed to helping others reach their full potential in this life.

Those who knew Yolanda witnessed something beautiful. She had always been successful, determined, and accomplished, but after marrying Dennis, she truly began living her best life. Not because life became easier, but because she finally had someone who believed in her dreams as much as she did—a husband who walked beside her, prayed with her, challenged her, celebrated her victories, and promised to journey with her to the very end.

Yolanda also possessed an adventurous spirit and a deep love for travel. She treasured every opportunity to experience new cultures, visit beautiful places, and create lasting memories with family and friends. During the final years of her life, she explored numerous countries, finding particular peace and joy near the sea. Exploring the world became part of the retirement they dreamed about together, and every journey reflected her appreciation for God’s creation and the fullness of life.

Above all else, Yolanda loved God and loved people. She faithfully ministered to others, offering encouragement, wisdom, compassion, and hope wherever she went. Whether through nursing, mentoring, financial coaching, business, ministry, or simply offering a listening ear, she lived her faith daily. Her life was firmly rooted in God’s Word and characterized by grace, generosity, unwavering faith, and unconditional love.

Yolanda’s Life Story (Part 3)

Yolanda was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Betty Johnson Green, a fellow nurse whose example of strength, compassion, and service helped shape the remarkable woman Yolanda became; her beloved grandmother, Pearl; her aunt, Georgia Mae Coleman; her sister-in-love, Arline Patrick Tinguee; and her nephew, Larron Tinguee.

Yolanda leaves behind her devoted husband, Rev. Dennis James Patrick; her beloved sons, Jeremiah Brooks and Benjamin Brooks; her father, Kenneth Hewdell White (Elaine); her beloved uncle, Henry Johnson, Jr., who lovingly relocated from Florida to Texas to be closer to Yolanda and remained a constant source of love and support; her sisters, Karole White (Seretse), Carolyn, and Brandy; her maternal aunts, Doris Cole and Cheryl Lynn Green; her fraternal aunts and uncles, Lezely Wayne White, Harold Clark, Mitchell White, Lonnetta, and Dr. Nina Doris White; her parents-in-love, Edward and Olivia Patrick; her sisters-in-love, Marlene Patrick Cooper, Rosalind Shropshire, and Bridget Marks (Hector); along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, treasured friends, and countless individuals whose lives were forever changed because they had the privilege of knowing her.

Her legacy is one of servant leadership, steadfast faith, courage, excellence, generosity, and unconditional love. She taught us that success means little unless it is shared, that faith is strongest when lived, and that the greatest wealth we can leave behind is the investment we make in people.

Together, Yolanda and Dennis created their best life—“The So Green Life.” It was more than a name; it was a way of living. It reflected Yolanda’s heart—vibrant, faithful, visionary, and always committed to helping others discover and live their very best life.

In her final moments, Yolanda was held in the loving arms of her beloved husband, Rev. Dennis James Patrick—the very man whom God had revealed would one day become her husband and lifelong partner. She peacefully departed this life wrapped in the love they shared. Though she is no longer in his arms, she will remain forever in his heart.

Although her earthly journey has ended, the seeds she planted—in her family, her faith, her profession, her businesses, and her community—will continue to bear fruit for generations. Her life was beautifully lived, her purpose faithfully fulfilled, and her legacy will endure forever.

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