Yolanda Perez: July 27, 1969-March 10, 2025

Yolanda Perez was born on July 27, 1969 in Carson Hills, Virginia to Jorge and Yvonne Mendoza. She died on March 10, 2025 during a mugging gone wrong. Mrs. Perez was preceded in death by her parents, and she is survived by her husband Enrico Perez, and children Carlos, Isabella, and Stefan.

Mrs. Perez was a staple of downtown Emerson Valley for many years. She owned and ran Downtown Market on Main Street, one of the last independently-owned businesses left in town. She also ran for mayor in 2023 as the Democratic challenger to Mayor Anthony Faulk. Although she was defeated, even the Mayor was impressed by her work ethic and refusal to play dirty.

A public memorial service for Mrs. Perez is scheduled to take place on March 15th. There will be a private funeral service the following day at St. Gabriel’s Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Powell Brothers Funeral Home. For more information, please contact us at emersonvalleygazette@gmail.com.