WILMINGTON — On the Beautiful morning of Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at 4:40 a.m. Janet Porter McDowell Yates, of Wilmington NC, RAN into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! This is the day her life truly began. Her earthly presence was made known on February 1st, 1937. She was born and raised in Kelly, NC. But her life was lived in Wilmington NC, surrounded by family and friends who loved her dearly.
Affectionately known as ‘Memaw’ to her family, she brought us much joy, laughter, and beautiful memories to cherish forever. Memaw wore many hats throughout her life. Devoted wife to Robert Yates Sr., mother to Vivian Capps and Eddie Yates, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, friend, and church member. She worked as a waitress at the Blockade Runner and Fergus Ark Seafood Restaurant for years. With high-end clientele asking specifically for her! A security guard for some time, and in her later years with Assisted Care; caring for individuals, some of which her own age. She enjoyed bowling in her younger years as well. She much enjoyed writing and poetry. Always sharing her work with her family at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
She was a member of Freedom Baptist Church, where she loved and adored Pastor Dodd Mays, who is cherished by our family as well. Memaw was a fabulous cook for years. Her buttermilk biscuits and homemade banana pudding were always a hit, made from scratch, and always with love. The Lord blessed this earth with 89 long and wonderful years of her presence. As expected at 89, our physical bodies begin to slow down. She was so funny without even trying, tenacious, and quite stubborn, even to the very end. And that, I will always admire.
While her earthly presence will be sorely missed, we REJOICE knowing where she is. Her true HOME in HEAVEN; where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and every tear has been wiped away. My Memaw entered into this world 89 years ago, surrounded by those who loved her. She left this world with the same surrounding. I may not have been there for her first breath on earth, but I was there for her first breath in Heaven; and to God alone be the glory. Every plea, petition, and prayer was heard and expeditiously answered, in God-sized ways. Her transition into Heaven was one of which we could all dream; Peaceful, Joyful, and filled with love and a hopeful expectation.
Beating her to Heaven is her loving husband, Robert Yates Sr. and handsome grandson, Joshua Rogers. Janet ‘Memaw’ Yates is survived by her children: Vivian Capps and husband Rudy, Eddie Yates and wife Leigh. Grandchildren: Andrea Kenney and husband Jon, Alex Farris and husband Daniel, Gabi Yates and Robert Yates Jr. Great-Grandchildren: Tristan Rogers, Alahna Popolo, Emryn Kenney, Tripp and Frankie Farris. And her beloved sister Jean Bennett.
As long as we have breath in our lungs, our dearest Memaw will be missed. We stand firm in God’s Truths and Promises though, and we know we shall reunite again. Memaw, we love you so very much! And we are so grateful to God for every part of your life’s story.
Your Loving Daughter Vivian, Granddaughter Andrea, and all of your immediate family by your side.
