Shirley Ann Yates

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of a lovely and graceful woman, Mrs. Shirley Yates. Shirley was a devoted and loving wife,

mother and grandmother whose wit and charm were admired and appreciated by all of those whose lives she touched during her long and eventful life

here on this earth. Shirley passed away on Sunday, May 13th.

She was born Shirley Ann McCall on January 16th, 1933 in Belmont, North Carolina to her parents Elmer Whitney McCall and Edna Viola McCall.

At age 11, the family was moved to the Washington D.C. area as a result of her father's service in the United States Navy. It was here that Shirley

graduated from Anacostia High School in 1951. After graduation, she attended Strayer's Business College (as it was then known) and upon completion of

her studies there, found employment with the federal government's Office of Management and Budget in Washington. It was during this time that she met

a young Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class named Herbert Yates, a native of Gallant, Alabama. The couple was married on July 5th, 1957 in Washington D.C.

From 1960 to 1963, Shirley and Herb were stationed in London, England where Shirley worked for the Office of Naval Research. After this duty station,

they returned to the United States where Herb was stationed aboard ship for a period of one year. During this time, they adopted a beautiful baby girl

and named her Donna Ann. With their new baby, Shirley and Herb were again re-assigned overseas, this time to the U.S. Defense Attache Office

in Copenhagen, Denmark from 1965 to 1968.

Upon their return to the States in 1968, they lived in various locations throughout the Southeast finally settling in Leeds, Alabama in 1978.

After moving to Leeds, Shirley again went to work outside the home, serving as an administrative assistant and events coordinator with both

the Business Council of Alabama and Associated Builders and Contractors. After retiring in 1998, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Shirley was very civic-minded and community-oriented, giving time to organizations such as the Leeds Literary Club and the Girl Scouts of America

(as a troop leader). She was also athletic, playing competitive tennis well into her 40's.

Shirley was an independent and strong-willed woman, willing to take on responsibility and assume whatever leadership position that was required of her.

As a long time military wife, she understood and accepted the challenges of that role and performed them with the poise and fortitude that was her hallmark.

Shirley is survived by her husband of almost 55 years, Herb Yates, her daughter Donna Reynolds(Greg), grandchildren Andrew and Rachel Reynolds

and her sister, Frances Dickey. She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Edna McCall and and her brother, Patrick McCall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be from 09:30 to 10:30 am, with a memorial service from 10:30 to 11:00, Friday May 18th at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds, Alabama.

Interment will follow at 12:30 pm at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.

Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com

Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.