Dr. Yolanda Renee Troutman

Dr. Yolanda Renee Troutman departed this life peacefully on Thursday, December 18th after a two-year bout with cancer. Born Yolanda Renee Heath, on March 27th of 1961, "Renee," as she is often affectionately called, was the first child born to Curtis and Geraldine Heath, both of whom preceded her in death. The young couple came from Sylacauga, Alabama to Nashville, TN with their two baby girls when Renee was two-years old. And, later her brother was born, making Renee the oldest of the three siblings. Throughout her younger life, she always enjoyed spending time in Alabama, especially every year for the Darby family reunion, where she would see all of her “Alabama family,” and other family members who would come from Detroit, Chicago, Washington, Virginia... She lived the happy life of a typical young adolescent through her teenage school years. It was also during her young years that she came to love the Lord as a member of Clark Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN. Renee always loved reading, learning and new adventures. She was educated in the Nashville Metropolitan public school system. Upon graduating from Maplewood High School, in Nashville, TN, she decided to attend Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. It was there that she met Danny Troutman who later became her husband. During her tenure at Austin Peay, she pledged and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST), Iota Upsilon, Fall ‘81, The Elite Eleven, where she was number 3. During that time, she and Danny were a match made in “Greek Heaven” as Danny was also pledging and became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Spring ‘81. Danny graduated as a member of the APSU ROTC program, and made a career in the United States Army, thus, Renee became an Army wife after they graduated. While stationed in Hanau, Germany, they began their family with the birth of their first child, Danny Christopher. They later had a second son, Darius. With each US Army assignment, Renee was excited to attend the college or university in whatever location they were stationed and she maintained that love of reading, learning and experiencing new adventures. Therefore, she enjoyed her life, living in a variety of places. After Germany, she lived in Lawton, Oklahoma, Fort Wainwright, Alaska and various other locations. Upon Danny’s retirement as Lt. Colonel, they made their home in Georgia, where her latter residence was Tyrone, GA. With a lot of experience already, she also obtained a Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma, in Norman, OK and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss. She had become an avid school teacher in the Georgia Public School system, most recently at Monday’s Mill High School. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching in her attempt to shape young minds while she also wanted to train and shape the careers of new school teachers to have a successful teaching experience from the beginning of their initial teaching assignment. It was during this time that she also joined a book club that continued her love for reading. And, she continued to live out her desire for adventure as she would travel on many extravagant excursions with her husband and other family and friends, to the mountains, beaches, international travel locations and many other exciting vacation spots. She was also a dedicated member of Gillem Community Church in Morrow, GA. Renee was not only called Dr. Troutman or Yolanda, she also became “Mama” to her grandkids, Parker and Ivy. As their overnight sitter, she enjoyed seeing them when they arrived at her house each night. She would lovingly prepare their snacks and some playtime before night time sleeping. At varied intervals, we were blessed to have her share her infectious spirit of living life to the fullest for several months out of those two years. She always showed up with a good spirit of fun, laughter and joy! And, we shall not forget all of the plethora of education and school stories along with the day and life of an educator! Her opinion and debate was strong as she was never afraid to express her thoughts on a given subject. (smile) During those times, she enjoyed quick trips to Nashville as often as possible, when her health allowed. She is already certainly missed as so many people love her dearly. She leaves to cherish many, many beautiful memories: loving and devoted husband, Lieutenant Colonel Danny Troutman, Ph.D., USA Retired; two sons, Christopher and Darius Troutman; two grandchildren, Parker and Ivy Troutman, all of Metro Atlanta; two loving siblings, sister Wanda (Danny) Clay and brother Curtis Johnero (Michelle) Heath, both of Nashville, TN; loving brother-in-laws, David (Nannette) Troutman, sister-in-laws, Deborah Troutman-Ford and Marta Troutman; nephews, Danny Grant (China) Clay, Dewand Clay, Darby Clay, Antuwan Lacy, Curtis Heath, Jr., Nicholas Price, all of Nashville, TN, Armani Troutman (deceased), Brian Arrington, Jr., Daviona Johnson, Michael and Bryant Troutman; nieces, Kiera Heath of Nashville, TN, Takenya (Steve) Patrick, Taquita and Hershun Troutman; special cousins, Darrell (Roytunda) Stabler, Keith (Kim) Holden, Lorenzo (Adriunne) Troutman; dedicated friend Sharon Stroud; teachers and staff of Mundy’s Mill High School; Book Club sisters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; supportive church members of Gillem Community Church, Morrow, GA; special long-time childhood friend who sent DAILY encouragement scriptures 365 days for several years, Gwendolyn Crudup of Nashville, TN and a host of other relatives and friends. --

Dr. Yolanda Renee Troutman

March 27, 1961 - December 18, 2025