Ms. Yosandra James Cook

In Loving Memory of Yosandra James Cook

February 17, 1957 – October 19, 2025

Yosandra James Cook, born on February 17, 1957, in Birmingham, Alabama, gained her heavenly wings on October 19, 2025, in Childersburg, Alabama.

Yosandra dedicated many years of her life working as a Security Guard for Security Engineers, where she was known for her strong work ethic and quiet strength. She was an introvert by nature, yet her kindness and compassion touched everyone she met. Yosandra was a woman of deep faith who lived the Lord’s word daily—always with a Bible nearby, whether in her car or purse. She loved reading scripture, collecting coins,playing online games like Bingo and Mahjong, and spending time with her grandson Korbin.

She will forever be remembered for her giving spirit and her ability to help anyone, even strangers, without hesitation. She loved her children deeply and prayed for her family every single day. Her strength came wrapped in tough love, but her heart overflowed with grace and selflessness.

Yosandra leaves to cherish her memory her children: eldest daughter Yosondra Craig, eldest son Hakim James, Brandon Lewis, Francis Lewis, and Precious Lewis; honorary daughter/granddaughter Celeste James; and a host of beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving sisters Schanna Winfield, Consuelo James, and Avis Moore; and a host of nieces and nephews, including Guy Peals, Dolly Peals, Damien James, Jasmine James, Mercedes James, Zachary Smith, Cameron Smith, and honorary son VonDrea Gaines

She was preceded in death by loved ones who now welcome her into eternal peace. Her father and mother Claude and Frances James, beloved brother and sisters Durwood James, Wanda Reed, Lynn James, Claude "Jay" James, and her beloved eldest son Joe Nathan James.

Yosandra’s life is a testament to resilience and love. As her family lovingly reflects:

When you become a mother at a young age and experience the dark sides of life before you get a chance to grow, it makes love and showing love tough—nearly impossible. We all have the choice to become a product of our environment, or we can turn that pain and those experiences into a catalyst for a better tomorrow. That’s what my mother did. She tried her hardest with what she knew, without an example or mentor—just learning as life went on.

Don’t let her death be in vain. Let her resilience and strong-willed heart live through you. Let her ambitions and goals manifest in the physical. Let every suffering she endured be a reminder that even when you feel defeated, you can still get back up and try again.

She may be absent in the body, but she was so tremendously rich in spirit. From this day forth, strive to be the best you can be in spite of life’s trials and tribulations. She didn’t raise any of us to be weak.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those that loved her.