Dear RDLN Network Members,

I’m very sorry to let you know about the passing of Yvonne Hampton yesterday at noon at her home in Butler, Alabama, of congestive heart failure.

Yvonne was an RDLN graduate in the first group of Leaders.  She was
sponsored in the RDLN program by the Southern Rural Women’s Network
headed by  Billie Jean Young, then chairwoman of RDLN’s Board.  
Yvonne earned her master’s degree from Antioch University through RDLN.
She was part of our delegation to the NGO Forum for the Fourth World Conference on Women in China in 1995.

Yvonne Hampton, after graduation in Tahlequah, OK with Study Advisors Billie Jean Young, J.D. & Clark Arrington, Esq

A farmer herself, for many years she worked with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, where she was state director of the Alabama Small Farm Technical Assistance Program.  She was active with the Heifer project and headed the West Alabama Farmers Association, as well as working to make food available to seniors and others in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia.

In later years, she founded the Choctaw Community Development Center, whereas number of community activities were held, including computer classes for young people and adults.

Yvonne’s husband died several years ago.  They had three daughters (Veronica, LaVerne and Danita) and several grandchildren.  Her daughter Veronica (Ronnie) told me that many family members had gathered and gave round-the-clock care to Yvonne.  (Veronica does construction work and drives an 18 wheeler.)  Veronica said that the family was consoled that Yvonne was no longer suffering, as she had been in pain.

Several months ago, Yvonne joined the RDLN Health Support call just for a minute to say hi. During our call on August 27, we had a moment of silence for her and others who are sick or have passed on.

If  you would like to write to Yvonne’s family, here is the address:
The Hampton Family 3740 Highway 156 Bulter AL 36904
Thanks to Laverne and to Billie Jean Young, who let us know this sad news.
Yvonne was loved by Network members.  She was a servant leader, always cooperative, and she had a surprising sense of humor.

May she rest in peace, Starry

Starry Krueger Rural Development Leadership Network P.O. Box 98 Prince St. Station New York, NY 10012(212)777-9137/(212)477-0367 (Fax) rdln@ruraldevelopment.org – http://www.ruraldevelopment.org