Ola Mae Crawford Yates

Ola Mae Crawford Yates, 84, lifelong resident of Rockingham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2014, after a lengthy illness. She was born April 24, 1930, the daughter of the late Effie Starnes Crawford Causey and Admiral Dewey Crawford. Also preceding her in death was a sister, Mary Lou Crawford Duncan of Jacksonville, Florida and a brother, “Buck” Crawford, of Monks Corner, SC. Mae was a devoted mother, homemaker and helpmate to her husband. Together they developed Industrial Electrical Company of Rockingham and were owners of Century 21 of Rockingham, where she served as secretary and bookkeeper. A devout Christian, she was an active member of First Baptist Church for decades, until the decline of her health several years ago. In her eyes, the greatest role she played was that of wife, mother and grandmother. She was affectionately known as “Mema”. She unconditionally loved her family – her most prized earthly possession. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 65 years, Leroy W. Yates of Rockingham; a son, Dennis Yates and wife, Kay, of Concord, NC; a daughter, Carol Yates Day and husband, Vann, of Carrboro, NC; grandsons Joshua Yates and Cameron Yates of Salt Lake City, and Sam Warnock of Raleigh, NC. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 8 at 10:00 am at Richmond Memorial Park with a memorial service at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, Rockingham. Dr. James Nelson will preside. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. Flowers are welcomed and memorials may be made to the Katie Yates Children Fund at First Baptist Church, 201 North Randolph Street, Rockingham, NC 28379.