Vernia Yates

Vernia Marie Yates, 94, of Kernersville, N.C., formerly of Princeton, W. Va., passed away peacefully September 21, 2020 following an extended illness.

She was born July 26, 1926 in Leckie, W.Va., to William Avery Johnson and Nannie Osborne Johnson.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Elbert James Yates;  sisters, Viola, Juanita, Dorothy, Mary, Nancy, Gladys and Violet Lee; and one brother, Tommy.

Surviving are her children; Jerry Yates (Marie), Judy Carter (Tommy), John Yates (Mary), Mark Yates (Anitta), and Beverly Yates; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  She also leaves behind her loyal pet, Mollie Dee.

She worked in the McDowell County School system as a cook for 29 years at Elkhorn-Northfork Junior High School and Switchback Elementary School.

She lived in Switchback, W. Va most of her life before moving to Princeton, W. Va., and eventually moved to Kernersville, NC after the passing of her husband to be closer to her family.  While Living in W. Va., she was a long time member of Maybuery Church of God, and Princeton Church of God.  While living in Kernersville she attended First Baptist Church until her declining health prevented her from attending.

She was a dedicated, devoted and loving wife, mother and friend to so many.  She was loved dearly and will be sorely missed, but we have so many memories to cherish.  She was a strong woman who never complained of pain during her health struggles.  If we had a fraction of the strength and courage that she displayed, we would all be better for it.  We take comfort that she is reunited with our Dad and her mother and father, sisters and brother who, along with Jesus Our Lord and Savior who has welcomed her home.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to Kernersville Medical Center doctors and nurses, also the nurses and caregivers at Summerstone Health and Rehabilitation Center for providing excellent care, comfort and compassion for our mother.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30PM Friday, September 25, 2020 at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel, Bluefield, WV, with Reverend Danny Scott officiating.  Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, W. Va.

Friends may call on Thursday, from 6-8PM at the funeral home.