Yolanda I. Rodriguez

Yolanda Isabel Rodriguez of Laredo, Texas entered our Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom on Sunday, January 09, 2022. Yolanda died surrounded by her loving family that will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Yolanda, affectionately known as “Yoli,” was an exceptional lady who worked tirelessly to earn her education to become a teacher. After graduating from United High School in 1971, she continued her studies and thus received her Associates in Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Education, and a Mid-Management Certification with great pride. In addition, Yoli pursued a Doctoral Degree as she continued her zest for knowledge.

She began her teaching career with the United Independent School District in 1976, at Salinas Elementary, where she influenced the lives of countless students. Yoli had a profound passion for bilingual education. She incorporated superbly planned lessons as per curriculum guidelines. Her lessons focused on presenting meaningful and memorable experiences for her students by involving them in language development, music, dance, and poetry. Her career expanded to include becoming an Assistant Principal at Finley Elementary and Clark Elementary. Yoli was very proud and honored to become the Bilingual Director and the Bilingual Specialist for the Silver Team. For her outstanding efforts and dedication throughout her career, she was awarded many accolades including Teacher of the Month, School Bell Award, Bilingual Teacher of the Year, and the Golden Apple Award.

In 2000, she accepted a position with Texas Migrant Council (TMC) as the Early Childhood Education Director. The focus of her mission was to provide high quality education for the migrant children and their families. Throughout her years at TMC, she was very thorough in providing training to the teaching staff. She emphasized the importance of providing a nurturing and inviting classroom environment where children felt safe and cared for.

Yoli will be remembered as a devoted sister, special friend, loving aunt, knowledgeable mentor, and a proud Democrat. Yoli certainly made an impact in the lives of those that knew her. As a woman of faith, she taught us the importance of keeping God in our lives and to respect and love one another. Yoli will be greatly missed.

Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.’ Matthew 19:14

She was preceded in death by her parents, Refugio and Olga Rodriguez and sister, Blanca Estela Grimes.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved brothers and sisters: Sylvia Coley, Hector (Sandy) Rodriguez, Norma A. Rodriguez, Cuco (Sue) Rodriguez, Mario (Laura) Rodriguez, and Jesus Rolando (Amelia) Rodriguez.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday morning, January 14, 2022, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

Private Cremation will be held at a later date.

Pallbearers will be: Héctor Rodríguez, Joe Rodríguez, Mario Rodríguez, Jesús Rodríguez, Rolando Rodríguez and Gabriel Rodríguez.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.