Yvonne Andrea Rubens

Yvonne Andrea Rubens (née Roach) passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, intellect, service, and unwavering devotion to family. Born on September 8, 1928, in Harlem, New York, Yvonne was the cherished eldest daughter of Audley and Edith Roach and the beloved sister of Olive Camille Roach. Yvonne was christened at St. David’s Episcopal Church and was confirmed at Trinity Episcopal Church of Morrisania, both in the Bronx, NY. She was raised in Harlem and the Bronx, communities that shaped her early life and nurtured the curiosity, resilience, and humility that would carry her through the decades to come. A gifted student, Yvonne attended Hunter High School, where her academic talents quickly became evident. She went on to attend Hunter College, earning election to Phi Beta Kappa and graduating Summa Cum Laude—achievements that reflected both her achievements and her lifelong dedication to learning. Yvonne continued her academic journey at Teachers College of Columbia University earning a Master’s degree, further strengthening the foundation for the distinguished career that followed. In addition to her professional pursuits, she taught for several years at New York University, sharing her love of mathematics and statistics with students whom she encouraged and inspired. On September 15, 1956, Yvonne was united in Holy Matrimony to Samuel Herman Rubens at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in East Elmhurst, NY. They remained married until Samuel’s passing in 2001. Yvonne was the very foundation of a warm and loving home for her husband and children. Yvonne was a proud and lifelong active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She pledged Rho Chapter in 1946, and throughout her life remained devoted to the Sorority as a Golden Life Member. She was a committed member of both the Queens Alumnae and the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapters, where she built enduring bonds and participated fully in the organization’s mission of public service and social action. Yvonne shared her love of Delta with her daughter Rosalind. For 44 years, Yvonne worked as a mathematician and statistician for the National League for Nursing. Through her work, she supported the advancement of nursing education and contributed to the rigorous research and analysis that guided national standards for professional certifications. Her colleagues remembered her as precise, thoughtful, and deeply committed to her field—an exemplar of professionalism and quiet excellence. Faith was a sustaining force in Yvonne’s life. For more than half a century, she worshiped at Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica, New York, where she found spiritual community, served in various leadership positions, and built lifelong friendships. Yvonne knew the importance of sharing Christ with her children and led Rosalind and Jonathan to their own knowledge and love of God. Yvonne relocated to Stone Mountain, Georgia over 18 years ago to be closer to her daughter. She became a devoted member of St. Michael’s and All Angels Parish, where she continued to worship and work faithfully until her health made it impossible to attend services. Yvonne loved to knit and crochet, including making prayer shawls for church members and tiny caps for premature infants at Emory Decatur Hospital. She also tutored elementary school students in mathematics and loved doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, and by their infant daughter, Angela Rubens, whom she held forever in her heart. She is survived by her loving children, Rosalind Andrea Rubens and Jonathan Samuel Rubens, and her adopted son Dexter Edwin Arrington, who were her pride and comfort. She also leaves a lasting legacy of love and devotion to her aunt Lorraine Fells of Broadlands, Virginia, and nieces and nephews James Rubens of Atlanta, Georgia, Alan (Indira) James of Valrico, Florida, Patricia Rubens of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jeffrey (Levia) James of Laurel, Maryland, Karen Straughn of Oro Valley, Arizona, and Christopher (Natalia) James of Tucson, Arizona, each of whom she cherished deeply. Yvonne’s life was marked by dignity, compassion, and quiet strength. She will be remembered for her keen mind, her graceful elegance, and her steadfast devotion to faith and family. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, Georgia 30034.

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Yvonne Andrea Rubens

September 8, 1928 - March 15, 2026