Ms. Yvette Patrice Pawnell

Yvette Patrice Pawnell, beloved daughter of James Evans and Patricia Pawnell-Johnson, was born on January 11, 1972, in E. St. Louis, IL. She peacefully departed this world on February 28, 2024, at the age of 52, in Houston, TX. Yvette's life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community. From an early age, she displayed a sense of compassion and kindness that touched the lives of those around her. She was extremely helpful to all her neighbors by helping the elderly clean up their yards and flower beds and routinely babysitting children for single parents. Her devotion to her grandmother, who lovingly guided her in various aspects of life, instilled in her a value for service, caring, and a meticulous eye for fashion and style. This was the catalyst to Yvette’s philanthropic and giving heart that we got to know and love. Throughout her academic journey, Yvette revealed a thirst for knowledge and a determination to excel. She actively participated in extra-curricular activities such as Track, Volleyball, Softball, and Basketball, while earning recognition and numerous trophies for her achievements. She also excelled academically in programs such as Principal Scholars Program, Student Council, Honor Society, Beta Club, History Club, SIUE Upward Bound Science Awareness Program, High Potential Students, Who's Who Among American High School & College Students, and Dean's List. Her talent in music was also displayed as a member of the elementary and middle school marching bands, playing the flute, piccolo, clarinet, and even leading the bands as drum major. Yvette's desire to leave her hometown was her motivation to land her first job at 16 years old. She worked as a cashier at Popeye's but was swiftly promoted to become Crew Leader within a few months. This was the springboard that led her to saving her money to support her dream of going to college, while continuing to dress in style just like her granny! In 1990, Yvette was able to accomplish her college bound desire and leave E. St. Louis to attend Kentucky State University (KSU). During that first year, Yvette strictly focused on her academics and successfully made the Dean's list both semesters. In 1991, she transferred to Illinois State University (ISU) where she would remain diligent and worked 4 different jobs, all year round, to personally fund her education. She successfully graduated in 1994 with a BS in Finance then embarked on a successful career in Auditing & Finance. Yvette’s dedication and expertise led her to hold esteemed positions with renowned organizations beginning in Chicago, IL. She started her professional career as an Auditor initially working 3 ½ years for a quasi-government organization that regulated the commodities industry. In 1998, while in Chicago, Yvette changed her career from Auditing to Treasury and Cash Management and began working for CNA Insurance where she found her passion. Her Treasury passion and auditing skills would lead her to a newly developed role just for her. She became the first Compliance Officer in the Treasury Management Implementation and Quality Assurance area of ABN AMRO, NA Bank. In 2000, Yvette was relocated to Houston by Enterprise Products, a successful midstream oil & gas company, to automate and streamline their treasury operations department. Yvette subsequently worked at various organizations while in Houston where she held many key roles such as Cash Manager, Sr. Finance & Treasury Manager, Global Director of Treasury, Corporate and US Treasurer. She also worked for a notable financial institution as VP, Treasury Management before landing her dream job within the Treasury and Cash Management Consulting division of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLC (PwC) in 2019. Spending over 25 years as a treasury and cash management professional, Yvette was highly regarded and respected for her professionalism and unwavering commitment to excellence with an overachieving likable personality (at times :-). Yvette would earn a Certified Treasury Profession Certification (CTP) in 1998, Accredited ACH Professional Certification (AAP) in 1999, MBA Degree from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2006 with Honors Designation, and a Certification of Healthcare Management (CHM) in 2014 and became a member of several professional organizations (Chicago TMA, Houston TMA, AFP, and NBMBAA). PwC recognized Yvette’s passion and professional skills so much that she was promoted to Sr. Manager within the Managed Services division before the Lord would call her home. Yvette realized that her giving nature and life extended beyond all her professional endeavors. As such, she became a devoted member of The Church Without Walls (TCWW) in 2000, where she found solace, worshipped, and shared her love and devotion to the Lord. Her faith inspired her to make charitable donations to various organizations such as the PwC Foundation, ACLU, Blackbaud Giving Fund, United Way, Recipe for Success, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, St. Jude's Hospital, Goodwill of Houston, Susan G. Komen, Stand Up to Cancer, and TCWW various church campaigns & ministries to enrich lives of the sick or those less fortunate. Yvette remained at TCWW for over 23 years. During her time at TCWW, Yvette took a plethora of spiritual leadership trainings and discipleship classes such as Lydia’s Women, Master Life, and Eagles to become a more effective soldier in the Lord’s army to conduct The Great Commission. Yvette used her discipleship learnings to teach small group classes and volunteer in numerous ministries such as: Lydia’s Women, Sunday School, Ralph Douglas West Ministries (Encouragement Ministry), Angel Tree Ministry, Recreation Ministry, Christian Education Ministry, Mosaic Women Ministry, and Decision Time Ministry. During her leisure time, Yvette enjoyed creating cherished and exciting memories through vacations with her friends and loved ones. She maintained an active and healthy lifestyle, dedicating time to her physical well-being at the gym, frequent spa treatments, and dancing. She found joy in immersing herself in cultural experiences like painting, attending Broadway musicals, plays, ballets, concerts, and comedy shows. Additionally, she continued to humbly serve as a spiritual leader in the Mosaic Women Ministry and Counselor / Encourager through her role as a Decision Time Leader in her church until the end. Yvette's memory will forever be treasured by her surviving family members, including her devoted sisters, Felecia Lara-Vera and Karen Pawnell-Hollis, her beloved brother, Carlos Pawnell Sr., and her cherished nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Lula Davidson, stepfather, Wilbert Johnson, father, James Evans, mother, Patricia Pawnell-Johnson, and niece, Carmen Pawnell. Remember Yvette as a God fearing and devout Christian with a philanthropic and giving heart to not only want to help those around her but also wanting to make journeys easier for others not around her... Remember Yvette as a fun-loving spirit with a beautiful smile, pure heart, and infectious likable personality to all those entering her space or crossing her path for ministry, prayer, or daily encouragement! Yvette's characteristics and personality will forever inspire us to embrace kindness, dedication, and faith, just as she did throughout her life. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 NIV Thank you Lord for my many blessings and removal of my iniquities so I can ALWAYS SERVE THEE!

Ms. Yvette Patrice Pawnell

January 11, 1972 - February 28, 2024