Biography: Yvette A. Newkirk was born on July 5, 1960, in New York, New York, to Yvonne Newkirk and Luke Newkirk. On September 13, 2026, Yvette departed this life, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and a lifetime of memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Yvette was the only child of her parents and grew to become a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, partner, relative, and friend. She was a woman with a loving and generous heart who cared deeply for the people in her life. Yvette had her own way of doing things and lived life on her own terms. Those who knew her knew that when Yvette had her mind made up, that was that. It was simply part of the woman she was, and part of what made her unforgettable.

Of all the roles Yvette held throughout her life, being a mother and grandmother was among her most cherished. She was the mother of her one and only daughter, Shauna Newkirk, and the proud grandmother of her two beloved granddaughters, Naomi Newkirk and Noelle Miller. Her granddaughters held an especially precious place in her heart. The love she had for Naomi and Noelle was immeasurable, and being their grandmother brought a special kind of joy into her life.

Yvette enjoyed R&B music and loved talking about traveling and the places she wanted to see. She enjoyed conversation, sharing her thoughts, and spending time with the people she loved. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, her generosity, her personality, and the many memories she created with those around her.

Yvette’s life was also a story of tremendous strength and perseverance. She lived with diabetes for many years and was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2021. She underwent dialysis three days a week, facing challenges that required strength and endurance. Yet through the difficult days, Yvette continued to be Yvette. Her illness was something she lived with, but it was never the entirety of who she was.

Yvette leaves to cherish her memory her 101-year-old father, Luke Newkirk; her one and only daughter, Shauna Newkirk; her beloved granddaughters, Naomi Newkirk and Noelle Miller; her loving partner, Willie High; her soon-to-be son-in-law, Timothy Brown; George Stevenson (Shauna’s dad); Andrea Rogers (Shauna’s stepmom); her cousins, Rhonda Smith and Darrell Byrd; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; her nieces and nephews; and many other cousins and extended family members.

She also leaves behind her dear friend, Twanda Martin, along with many other friends whose lives were touched by her love, friendship, and generosity.