Catherine Clark Yates

Catherine walked into the arms of her Savior on May 3, 2014, following a brief illness. She was born in Apex, NC to the late Jake and Minnie (Sears) Clark. She graduated from Apex High School and was a long time member of Apex Baptist Church. She married Olive W. Yates, Sr. in 1935. She worked tirelessly as a homemaker, devoted wife and mother of four beautiful children. She was very active in her children's school and sports activities. She was blessed later in life to also attend these same activities with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She believed that education was very important and began working outside of the home at age 40 as an operating room assistant at various hospitals to help send her children to college. She enjoyed helping others and making a difference wherever she worked. One of her greatest joys was working at Wake Med for 37 years. She was also an avid UNC fan and a wonderful cook. She enjoyed celebrating UNC's victories with homemade cakes and treats. She lovingly cooked meals for family celebrations and holidays well into her nineties.

In addition to her parents and 8 siblings, she was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Olive W. Yates, Sr., grandson, Randy Yates, and son-in-law, Michael Hooks.

Left to cherish her memory are sons, Olive (Joy), Wayne (Kay), and Billy (Jean) Yates and Daughter Judy Hooks.

"Nanny" will be greatly missed by grandchildren: David Yates (Debbie), Clark Yates, Kim Wilkins (Tim), Tony Yates (Diane), Cathy Allen (Cory), Kristi Black (Eric), Shelly Holmes (Tony), and Brian Yates (Gayle); Great-Grandchildren: Tori, A.J., Bryce and Amber Yates, Darren and Davis Yates, Ian and Tessa Wilkins, Hannah, Grace, Michael, and Daniel Allen, Braeden and Logan Black, Noah, Rachel, Isaac, Leah, Elijah, and Esther Holmes, Claire, Lilly, and Avery Yates.

Her example of hard work, sacrifice and love of her Lord will never be forgotten. Her greatest desire was for each member of her family to have a personal relationship with Christ. She never stopped praying for or caring for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love.

"Her children arise and call her blessed. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31: 28-29.

The family would like to thank our friends and church family for their love and support during her illness.

We would also like to thank Janet Rowe for her kindness and compassion as she helped to care for Nanny over the past few months.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Monday, May 5, 2014 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. Apex.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Apex Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Fuquay-Varina.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Apex Baptist Church, 110 South Salem Street, Apex, NC 27502.

Online condolences may be made at www.apexfuneral.net