Yvonne Renee Givens

Yvonne "Tiny" Givens, a devoted daughter, loving friend, and pillar in her community, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born on November 19, 1959, to the late Alma Givens, Yvonne's life was forever changed when she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. She was a dedicated member of Victory Missionary Baptist Church, where she shared her gift of song through her work in the church choir. A true Las Vegas native, Yvonne grew up in the city and attended Valley High School, where she developed her passions and interests that would stay with her throughout her life.

Yvonne's journey through life was marked by countless milestones, but none brought her more joy or purpose than the arrival of her beautiful daughter, Kinika Renee Givens in 1977. Becoming a mother was a defining chapter, one that filled her heart with immeasurable love and gave her life new meaning. Alongside the joys of motherhood, Yvonne found a deep and enduring bond with Ray “Steve” Mims. Together, they nurtured a loving family, raising Kinika and her brother Que with unwavering devotion and care. Their partnership was built on mutual respect and shared values, creating a home filled with love, guidance, and cherished memories.

Her career at Opportunity Village spanned over four decades, from 1978 until her early retirement in 2018. During this time, she made a lasting impact on the lives of those she served and touched the hearts of all who knew her. Tiny's unwavering dedication to her clients at Opportunity Village was nothing short of inspiration. She approached every interaction with genuine care, taking pride in fostering deep, meaningful conversations that nurtured trust and understanding. Her heartfelt guidance in life skills empowered those she worked with, leaving an indelible impact on their personal growth and sense of self-worth. Tiny's passion for helping others was evident in the joy she found in every moment, ensuring each client felt seen, valued, and supported on their journey.

 Yvonne's love for life was contagious, and she poured her heart and soul into the activities she loved. Yvonne was a woman of many passions. She was a talented dancer who mastered the art of the 2-step, a skilled bowler who brought home numerous victories, and an avid skater who glided across the ice with ease. Her gift for decorating was unparalleled, transforming spaces into breathtaking works of art that left all who saw them in awe. She had a remarkable ability to transform any space into a stunning masterpiece, turning a simple shack into a palace. Her impeccable fashion sense was legendary, always stepping out looking like a million bucks. Throughout her life, Yvonne's love for her family and friends was unwavering, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched and the memories she created along the way. Yvonne's radiant spirit, steadfast faith, and the boundless joy she shared with everyone she touched will forever remain in our memories. Her light will continue to illuminate our hearts, inspiring us always.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather John E. Stowers, grandmother Bessie L Raspberry (Johnson), her mother Alma Jean (Stowers) Givens, Uncle Morris (Eunice) Stowers of Los Angeles, her special Aunt Josephine (Jo) Stowers Snedecor, Auntie Drucilla Mae Givens, her brothers Frederick Givens and Victor Leray Givens and special cousin Melasand a.k.a. Pokie Stowers, her big brother Melvin A Givens III, her nephew Patrick R, Fleming, long loved cousins Kendrick (Stowers) Coleman and Lavar (Stowers) Coleman. She leaves to cherish in memory her daughter Kinika Givens, her son Que Smith, her grandchildren Isis Renee Jenkins, Dae’Jon Smith, Tatiana Smith and Kamilla Smith. Her loving sisters Roslyn (Derrick) Givens, Jackie Givens, Dionne a.k.a. Ressie (Adam) Watson, Donald (Wenda) Givens, Clyde (Donna) Givens, Alfred (Crystal) Givens, Charles (Jan) Givens, Steve (JoAn) Givens. She was a dedicated sister, mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother and leaves a host of cousins; two special cousins Cassandra a.k.a. Missy (Larry) Williams and Stevie (Jennifer) Stowers; two dear friends Sandra Brown and Vicki Wesley and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.