Melvina Denise Yates, 56, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2020 under the care of her mother, who surrounded her with love. She was born to her mother; Killian Crystal Ward and her father; Melvin Yates in East St. Louis, Missouri. She attended high school in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a young child she loved to skate. She loved to cook dance and listen to soul music. She enjoyed sports and solitaire. She loved being outdoors and going on walks. She also loved babies and was crazy for Monarch Butterflies. She loved helping people whenever able. She was the best mother and grandmother there ever was! Our mother was a woman of layers of STRENGTH. And she was a great teacher who loved hard and protected her heart. She would tell me to love myself first before someone else. “Don’t play anyone’s fool,” is what she would say in order to make sure that I protected myself.
***Unlike her favorite cartoon character, Garfield; my mother was a lioness that fought actively. Especially for those she loved. She loved the color purple and also deserves one for the fight she gave life in it’s journey. She always gave that Always and Forever love. You’re not gone Momma. You just got closer. Now you’re here with us Always and Forever.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her parents; Killian Ward and Melvin Yates, sons; Michael Yates, Nickolas Yates, Carl Johnson, Jr., Majestic Yates, and Alfred Nesbitt, daughters; Michelle Yates and Nicole Nesbitt, sisters; Tracy Ross, LaDonna Yates, Tomorrow Yates and Candace Yates. She was “Nana” to her grandchildren; Keniyah Yates-Johnson, Selena Johnson, PhaReal Yates, Ka’Mari Yates-Wimberly, King Yates, Jaiden Yates, Malina Yates, Uriah Yates and Daya Yates.
“I Love you Always and Forever Slim Booty, Your oldest, Michael"
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