Yvonne Jefferson Tims was born in Arms, MS on July 2, 1938. She was one of 10 children born to Ruthan Warner Sims Jefferson and David Jefferson. She was the sibling to six sisters (Dorothy Coleman Durr, Mary Staples, Ruby Jefferson-Moore, Shirley, Linda Carol, and Golda Dee Jefferson) and three brothers (David, Willie, and Johnie Jefferson).

Yvonne passed away at the age of 85, on July 16, 2023, in Houston, TX, surrounded by her family. She is survived by five children: Cedric (Mary) Tims, Ferriday, LA, Tessie Tims, Houston, TX, Eric Tims, Gulfport, MS, Kendall Tims, Houston, TX, and Sonia Tims, Houston TX; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters: Mary Staples, Austell, GA, Ruby Jefferson-Moore (John Moore), Madison, WI, Shirley Jefferson, Gulfport, MS; and one brother, Willie (Rosan) Jefferson, Gulfport, MS.

Early on in life, she was a member of the China Lee Baptist Church,China Lee, MS . As an adult, she was a member of the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS.

She attended McCallum High School in Monticello, MS, and graduated from 33rd Avenue High School in Gulfport, MS. She was a valued member of the McCallum and 33rd Avenue High School girls' basketball teams. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pre-Professional Psychology and two Master's degrees (Community Psychology and Social Work) from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS.

Yvonne was employed as a Social Worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Biloxi, MS and Memorial Behavioral Health in Gulfport, MS. She was also employed as a Counselor with the Gulf Coast Mental Health Center and Gulfport Head Start. Her employment in Houston, Texas included Addiction and Substance Counselor for Santa Maria Hostel, Riverside Hospital, Houston Alcohol and Drug Council, and The Harris Center. She was also employed part-time for Trade It In and Enlightenment Family Services. She was licensed by the State of Texas to practice as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.

Early on in life, she sang in the choir at China Lee Baptist Church< China Lee, MS. As an adult, she was a member of the choir at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church, Gulfport, MS. Professionally, she had an extensive background as a vocalist with bands that played a variety of music. In 2015, the Mississippi Blues Commission, which oversees the establishment of the Mississippi Blues Trail, unveiled a historical marker saluting Yvonne and other musicians in the area for their contributions to the musical legacy in Gulfport. She also recorded several songs, including, "The Blues Always" and "Tumbleweed Lover". Yvonne Jefferson Tims was, Co-Author "INCOMMAND", Anthology Book.

Yvonne enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, and watching professional sports events (basketball, golf, football, and tennis).