Beth Yates

Published 12:00 am Monday, March 30, 2009

Beth Wallace Yates, one of Sylacauga’s most prominent citizens died Saturday evening at her home following an extended illness.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon, April 1, at Curtis and Son North Chapel, the Rev. Lewis Artur and the Rev. Robert Gunn officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening, 6-8 p.m., at the chapel.
A native of Columbiana, Mrs. Yates graduated from University of Montevallo and moved to Sylacauga where she taught school at Main Avenue Elementary School. She also taught at Vincent Elementary and Comer Elementary Schools.
She was married to Melvin Yates, who preceded her in death, as did her parents, Judge Wales W. Wallace and Mildred White Wallace and a brother, Wales W. Wallace Jr.
She is survived by one niece, Shirley Thornburg of Columbiana; and sisters-in-law, Erma Spears, Mrs. Wales Wallace, Mary Yates, Ann Gilliland, Myrtle Yates and Jeni Yates.
Active pallbearers will be William Killough, James Leonard, Earl Lewis, Jack Remson, Harry Vaughn, Charles Thornburg, Buddy Simpkins and Tommy Hebson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Kramer, Richard Thweatt, Wendell Crysel, Ted Spears and members of First United Methodist Church Friendship Sunday School class.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Sylacauga First United Methodist Church, 105 East Spring St. Sylacauga, 35150.
Curtis and Son Funeral Home, North Chapel, will direct the service.