She was born on June 24, 1942, in Talihina, Oklahoma to William and Lena Thirkill.
Woodie attended nursing school and became a registered nurse. As a RN, she dedicated her career to caring for patients across various settings, including a hospital, nursing home and as a compassionate private caregiver.
She married Roscoe Yates on September 27, 1963, and they had three children, Timothy, Tamatha, and Todd. Woodie built her life around her faith in the Lord, the love for her children and grandchildren and took great pride in her Choctaw heritage.
Woodie is survived by her husband of 61 years, Roscoe Yates of the home, son Timothy Yates of Cookson, OK, daughter Tamatha Parker of Arkoma, OK, son Todd Yates and his wife Nichole Yates of Pocola, OK, and four grandsons, Brendan Parker of Chester, AR, Aidan Parker of Arkoma, OK, and Jake and Eli Yates of Pocola, Ok.
She was preceded in death by her father William George Thirkill and mother Lena Ruby Thirkill, and her uncle and aunt Allen and Hazel Dukes.
Public Viewing will be held Sunday October 27th from 9:00am to 1:00pm and Monday October 28th from 9:00am to 5:00pm at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901.
Funeral services will be Tuesday October 29, 2024 at 1:00pm at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Lee Alan Humphreys officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Fort Smith, AR.
