According to her obituary, Yates, who was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, became a Lexington resident in 1963, where she became well known as “Mrs. Fundraiser” through her service to the community.
In an oral history interview with UK's Nunn Center, she described her affinity for volunteer work.
"I know a lot of people in town because I've been a community volunteer. And, I like volunteer work because you get in it and you can stay in it as long as you want to, but you can get out if you you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. And, so it's been it was very rewarding type, experiences for me."
In a statement, mayor Linda Gorton said Yates was the “true definition of a steel magnolia” who raised funds for multiple projects and focused on improving the quality of life for the city.
Yates’s funeral is scheduled for March 4th at the Christ Church Cathedral at 2 p.m.