Graveside Funeral Rites for Mrs. Helen Yates will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, in the McDonald Chapel Cemetery. Mrs. Yates, age 85, passed away from this life to her eternal home on Saturday, December 12, 2020, in Collins. Reverend Kermit Hudson will officiate.

Wade Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Yates, Casey Wade, Hunter Wade, Cole Wade, Graham Simpson, and Noah Smith.

Helen Fay Craven Yates was born in Soso on January 4, 1935, to Clarence Edward Craven and Myrtle Lillian Mangus Craven. Mrs. Yates was a retired supervisor from NECO and was a member of Center Ridge Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband, Noah Gene Yates; 4 brothers, Doyle Craven, Ralph Craven, Bob Craven, and Jack Craven; and 1 sister, Audrey Boykin.

Survivors include her children, Wanda Coker (Robert) and William R. "Randy" Yates (Cindy), all of Seminary; 4 grandchildren, Brandon Yates, Rachelle Wade, Jelena Simpson, and Kelly Smith; 6 great-grandchildren, Casey Wade, Hunter Wade, Cole Wade, Graham Simpson, Noah Smith, and Caroline Wade; and 3 sisters, Sharon Taylor of Raleigh, Dorothy Cagle of Collins, and Sue Waltman of Florida; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.