Yvonne Dashiell

Sunrise January 19, 1950

Sunset October 8, 2025

Yvonne La Greshia Dashiell, affectionately known as “Evie,” passed away on October 8, 2025, at the Compass Barnette Center in Centreville, Maryland, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 75 years old and was comforted by her beloved son, James Henry Adams III, during her peaceful transition.

Yvonne was born on January 19, 1950, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Elease Moss and Samuel Spencer Jr. She was lovingly raised by her mother and stepfather, Elease and James Franklin Moss. Yvonne grew up in Chestertown, Maryland, in the close-knit African-American community of Morgnec, where strong neighborhood bonds and deep family values shaped her early life. From a young age, she displayed a sense of determination, grace, and warmth that would define her journey through life.

On June 4, 1968, Yvonne earned her High School Diploma from Chestertown High School in Chestertown, Maryland. During those years, her mother, Mrs. Moss, served as head housekeeper and house manager for the DuPont family of Wilmington, Delaware, and her stepfather, Mr. Moss, worked as their head groundsman. The DuPonts were deeply fond of Yvonne’s warm and dependable nature and soon entrusted her to babysit their children on weekends and school breaks. When they learned she longed to attend college but lacked the financial means, they generously offered to fund her entire education, recognizing her intelligence, character, and potential. Yvonne attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, where she became a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree on May 21, 1972.

Yvonne began her professional journey with an entry-level position at C&P Telephone Company before embarking on a remarkable 30-year career with Black & Decker Manufacturing Company—now Stanley Black & Decker—where she rose from Employee Development Manager to Director of Human Resources Management. In addition to her role, she led the Employee Relations Committee and was instrumental in fostering a positive and connected workplace culture. She organized walkathons, themed employee meals, company fundays, and other bonding activities. Yvonne cared deeply for those she led, always encouraging and inspiring them to reach their fullest potential. After retiring, she continued her service to others as a District Court Commissioner with the State of Maryland for 15 years, where her wisdom, integrity, and sense of justice left a lasting mark on the Judiciary and the community she served.

Above all, Yvonne was a devoted daughter, mother, and sister. She is survived by her loving mother, Elease Moss; her cherished son, James Henry Adams III; and her brother, Enos Brooks. Her love was constant, her support unwavering, and her presence a source of comfort and strength for her family.

Yvonne’s life was rich with joy. Her favorite memories were learning to cook beside her mother, singing in church and school choirs, gardening with her stepfather, being a caregiver to the elderly and fishing with her family. She poured her heart into giving her son a life filled with love, stability, and happiness. Yvonne loved traveling, fine dining, and shopping. She found peace in simple pleasures like reading her favorite crime, mystery, and romance novels with a hot cup of coffee and a scented candle burning nearby. The music of Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle often filled her home, along with her laughter, which could brighten any room.

Yvonne was a devoted mentor to younger family members, colleagues, and youth in her community—especially young women who reminded her of herself. She had a gift for recognizing hidden potential and found her greatest joy in uplifting and defending those around her. Her faith, compassion, and unwavering belief in others defined her life and legacy. Remembered for her remarkable careers as much as for her warmth, generosity, and radiant spirit, Yvonne’s love and example continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

A joyful memorial celebrating Yvonne’s life is planned for January 2026, near what would have been her 76th birthday. The family will share additional details once arrangements are finalized. The family warmly welcomes any gestures of love or support, which may be sent directly to their home at 27977 Old Morgnec Road, Chestertown, MD 21620. Your thoughtfulness and kindness are deeply appreciated during this time.

Her Spirit Lives On…

Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and forever dear.