Willene Yates

Willene Yates (b. 1926), surrounded by her family, died peacefully on June 30. A well-known and universally loved school teacher, she spent 48 years in the classroom teaching first grade, first at McElwain Elementary School in Birmingham, and then at Shelby Academy in Montevallo. She retired in 1998. After retirement, she continued to teach Sunday School for several more years. Having been told by her grandmother that she should never marry unless she found someone she "couldn't live without," she remained single, but was a constant figure in the home and lives of her nieces and nephews. Many of her former students still hold Miss Yates as their "favorite teacher of all time." Whether it was the "color" song or some other memorable lesson, 5 generations and beyond will be forever blessed and influenced by this remarkable woman. In her favorite Bible which she carried, Miss Yates had marked and underscored just one section - Proverbs 15:1-2 (TLB) which reads, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels. A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness." Miss Yates was a gentle woman and a wise teacher. She was preceded in death by her parents, William C and Nettie J Yates, by her sister, Imogene, and her brother William (Lois), and by her brother-in-law, James H. Lee, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Lila Lee, and her brother, Wayne (Jan) Yates, as well as her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Visitation is Saturday, July 8 at 10:00 with the funeral to follow at 12:00 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be given in her memory to her alma mater - the University of Montevallo's Legacy Scholarship fund.