Mrs. Virginia Lester Yates' Obituary
Funeral service for Mrs. Virginia Lester Yates, 92, of New Site will be Wednesday June 21, 2023, at the New Salem Baptist Church at 2 pm. Randy Anderson, Rev. Bennie Yates, and Rev. Tom Drake will officiate. She will lie instate at the Church for one hour prior to the service. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Radney Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Bethlehem-New Salem Cemetery.
Mrs. Yates, a beloved pillar of the Tallapoosa County community, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 15, 2023. Born on March 2, 1931, in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, Virginia dedicated her life to the service of others, touching countless lives with her unwavering faith, boundless love, and dedication to education. She fully supported her husband, Coach Bryan Yates , in his basketball coaching career.
Virginia's passion for learning led her to Jacksonville State University, where she studied education and prepared herself for a life of teaching and inspiring young minds. For over 50 years, she taught school in Tallapoosa County, instilling in her students the importance of knowledge, kindness, and spiritual growth. She was the cheerleader sponsor at New Site High School for many years. Through her tireless work in the classroom and in the gym, Virginia left an indelible mark on generations of children who blessed to know her as their teacher and mentor.
A true Southern belle, Virginia possessed a remarkable charm and grace that endeared her to all who had the pleasure of making her acquaintance. She loved to talk and could captivate an audience with her wit, wisdom, and the stories she shared from her own remarkable life. Virginia's laughter was infectious, and her presence brought joy and light to every room she entered.
Virginia's faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she was never shy about sharing her love for the Lord with others. She believed that her purpose on this earth was to be a vessel of God's love, and she fulfilled that purpose through her unwavering commitment to serving others. Her generosity, kindness, and compassion were a testament to the depth of her faith and the love she had for her fellow man.
Music and dance played a significant role in Virginia's life, both as a means of expression and a way to celebrate her faith. She had a beautiful singing voice and used it to praise the Lord at every opportunity. Virginia also loved to dance, and her graceful movements were a testament to the joy she found in living a life dedicated to the Lord.
An accomplished writer, Virginia used her gift with words to inspire, uplift, and encourage others. She penned countless poems, essays, and stories that spoke to the hearts of those who read them. In her writing, Virginia shared her love for the Lord, her passion for education, and her unwavering belief in the power of love to transform lives. She kept her community informed by writing the New Site News for the Alexander City Outlook.
Virginia's love for the Lord and her fellow man was never more evident than in her travels. She cherished her trips to the beach, where she found solace and inspiration in the beauty of God's creation. In her final days, Virginia's heart was filled with joy and gratitude for the life she had been given and the love she had shared with so many.
She is survived by her daughter, Penny Yates (Clinton, Jr.) Moody of Alexander City; grandchildren, Patrick Bryan Moody (Crystal), Desiree Green (Bryan); great-grandchildren, Keegan Sharpe, Bryan Moody, Paislee Greyce Sharpe, and Sawyer Moody; brother, Jesse C. Lester; sisters, Collen Davis, Geneva Messer, Sandra Rodgers; brother-in-law, Bennie Lee Yates (Sonja); and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Bryan Yates; father, Jesse Carl Lester; mother, Reba Candis Lester; sisters, Doris Hicks, Claire Leach, Evelyn Bailey, and Dean White.
As we gather to celebrate the life of Mrs. Virginia Lester Yates, let us remember her as a shining example of faith, love, and dedication to the service of others. In her memory, let us continue to share her love for the Lord and her passion for education, so that her light may continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?