Our loving matriarch Yvonne Yates, 86 years old, of Lynn Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Yvonne was born September 6, 1937, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to William and Alma Irene Lynn.

Yvonne had a tenacious, merciful, and humble spirit, which was formed in part by her childhood. As the youngest of 10 and born in the wake of the Great Depression, Yvonne sadly lost her father to pneumonia when she was only two years old. After finishing school, she started working full-time at the Five & Dime to assist her family. She carried on this legacy of being a loyal employee into her 70s, working most recently at Bay County's Council on Aging, where she spent time with and assisted her community's elderly residents.

Yvonne met Mart Yates through his sister Jeanine, who was her classmate, as soon as he returned from fighting in the Korean War. Married on March 13, 1955, the two started their family quickly thereafter, welcoming Cynthia Jean in 1956, and Phillip Mart in 1957. They rounded out their family when they welcomed Joseph Wayne in 1962. Although they chose to divorce and live separately after 29 years of marriage, the pair remained supportive friends and demonstrated their compassion, forgiveness, and unique loyalty towards one another and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Despite moving to Lynn Haven in the 60s, Yvonne kept in close touch with her Georgia family and friends. Traveling up for family reunions, Thanksgiving celebrations, and the annual October reunion with her childhood friends, she cherished the updates from everyone and loved to brag about her own family.

A devoted member of Bayou George Christian Church in her last years, Yvonne loved the fellowship offered by the church community. Being quite the home chef herself, she always appreciated a good homemade meal (especially grits).

Yvonne is predeceased by her parents, four sisters, five brothers, and former spouse Mart Yates. She is survived by her three children, Cynthia & her husband Ron Jett, Phillip, and Joseph & his wife Bonnie Yates; five grandchildren, Ashley Nichols (husband Jody), Korey Hall (wife Angie), Morgan Yates, Haley Yates, and Danielle Yates; and five great grandchildren, Sophia, Milly, Elizabeth, Evan, & Clara.

The family will receive friends and extended family at Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 9-9:30 AM. A graveside service will be held at 10 AM in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Following the graveside service, a celebration of life will be held in the Bayou George Christian Church, 7814 Highway 2301, Panama City, Florida 32404.

We have loved you for your whole life and will remember you for the rest of ours.