Yvonne B. Toney, a beloved and pioneering educator, was born on June 12, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA, Yvonne was one of two children born to the late Jules Lambert and Pearl Woodley Lambert Whitelow. After her father died, she was raised by her mother and stepfather. She was known as Von or Vonnie by her close family and friends.

A Life of Firsts and Achievements

Yvonne's journey began at the Historic James Adams School, continuing through her graduation from Scott High School in 1958. She furthered her education at Millersville University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. Yvonne became a trailblazer as the first African American teacher in Lancaster Schools, starting her career in 1962, a time when diversity in education was scarce. Her dedication and passion for teaching were recognized statewide when she was awarded Pennsylvania State Teacher of the Year in 1976.

Yvonne's teaching career spanned several schools, including Rainbow, Westwood, and Craig Ridgeway Elementary Schools, where she inspired countless young minds for a 35-year career before retiring in 1997. Her mantra, "Learning can be fun," was evident in her classroom, where her students thrived under her innovative and caring guidance.

A Life of Love and Adventure

On October 10, 1964, Yvonne married the love of her life, Thomas Toney, and together they enjoyed a union that lasted 61 wonderful years. Their love story began with a kiss under the mistletoe at a Coatesville Christmas Cabaret, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Yvonne was not only a devoted wife but also an avid traveler, exploring the world with Thomas by her side. Her journeys took her to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Fiji, Japan, China, Jerusalem, Thailand, Egypt, the Berlin Wall, Hilton Head, Mexico, Cape Town, South Africa, Hawaii, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, France, and Switzerland, where she relished the thrill of new experiences and cultures.

A Legacy of Community and Joy

Yvonne was a vibrant member of the Second Baptist Worship Center in Coatesville, PA, and an active participant in various organizations, including:

The Continental Societies, Inc. Delaware Area Chapter, the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. XI Chapter of West Chester, the Pennsylvania State Education Board of Directors, Southeast Region, the Coatesville Business & Professional Club, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), and the Foxy after Fifty Red Hat Chapter

Her community involvement extended to her love of gardening, baking rum cakes and zucchini bread, and decorating for Christmas and Halloween, where her festive spirit brought joy to all who visited her home.

She found immense joy in entertaining family and friends, often filling her home with gospel and jazz music that reflected her lively and welcoming personality. An Eagles fan and field hockey enthusiast, Yvonne's enthusiasm for life was infectious.

A Life Well-Lived

In remembering Yvonne B. Toney, we celebrate a life lived with passion, courage, and love. Her legacy as a trailblazer in education and a beacon of joy in her community will forever inspire those who knew and loved her. Her vibrant spirit will remain in our hearts, a testament to a life well-lived and a reminder that "getting old is not for sissies."

Yvonne passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Monday, October 20, 2025. In addition to her mother, Pearl Whitelow, she was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Gregory Lambert, and step-father, Andrew E. Whitelow.

She leaves a treasure of precious memories to her husband of 61 years, Thomas Toney; god-children: Stacey Lawson, Todd Ward, Brian Ward, Beth Miller, William Miller, Jr., Mia Neurell and Ronald Hardy; sister-in-law, Gwendlyn Wallace-Lambert; nephew, Gregory Lambert; niece, Michelle Lambert; as well as Ellington Newton Davenport who was like a grandson; Shirley Ward, who she considered the sister she never had, and many cousins, other relatives and beloved friends.

A memorial service will be held to remember her life at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Second Baptist Worship Center, 857 Lumber Street, Coatesville, PA. Family and friends may greet during the visitation between 10:30 – 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the Education/Scholarship Fund at the Second Baptist Worship Center, 857 Lumber Street, Coatesville, PA.

Condolences may be shared through the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle in her memory.