Yvette D. Thomas loved to tell stories.
Over the years, she attended many Florida Storytelling Festivals, and she was a faithful member of the Northside Storytellers in Jacksonville, Fl.
She had been preparing for the 23rd annual “Bean Soup & Stories Festival” that was held in November when she passed away in September at age 73. The “Bean Soup” event in Jacksonville features stories followed by soup, cornbread, and dessert.
“We miss her. She was funny, kind-hearted, and she was one of our best tellers,” said Mary Webster, a long-time friend and teller who accompanied Yvette to numerous FSA festivals as well as the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tenn.
Webster said Yvette had been a librarian who started telling stories to young children and then discovered she had a gift to tell stories to older children. “She told fables and stories about animals,” Webster said.
“She loved the Story Store at the festival and always went home with a huge sack full of books. She had a wonderful smile and a belly laugh that I can still hear,” said FSA member Robin Shulte.
“She was a kind, effervescent, fun person, a charming storyteller, and an enthusiastic supporter of FSA,” recalled FSA member Linda Schulyer Ford.
A celebration of her life was held on Sept. 17 in Jacksonville.
My condolences to the storytelling family and her family as well. My prayers are with you. Cherish the memories.
I will miss her sweet smile and joyful laughter. I often enjoyed her company while sitting on the front porch of the Lakeside Inn.
Yvette was a generous, devoted, and delightful lady. She brought joy to many and will be sorely missed.
She was a gem. My deepest condolences to her family and her dear friend, Mary Webster. The festival won’t be the same without her.
Oh no! I have missed Yvette’s storytelling and her zest for life these last 11 years that I have lived overseas. I loved being in Northside Storytelling League with her. She was wonderful and this hurt deeps.
Susan McCullough