Mrs. Mamie Yearell's Obituary
MAMIE H. YEARELL'S life journey commenced on August 4, 1932 in Enterprise, Mississippi in the home that her father, a cement finisher, Tom Howze, had built on the Old Place. She is the middle daughter of Alice Ruth Lott Howze and Tom Howze. During her childhood, Mamie's family moved frequently throughout the Southeast, living in Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida due to her father's occupation. At 11 years of age, the family moved back to Mississippi, making Meridian their home. After the unfortunate death of her father, the family then relocated to Redwood City, near Pal Alto, California with a cousin to get back on their feet. Mamie, along with her sister, Louise, attended elementary school while in California. Despite all their challenges, their mother managed to keep the family together and later returned to Meridian. MAMIE attended and graduated from T. J. Harris High School, Meridian, Mississippi in 1949. Upon graduating, she attended Alcorn College where she met and married Wilie C. Yearell, a union that lasted until his death in January, 2009. After attending college, Mamie was employed by E.F. Young, Jr. At the recommendation of Charles Young, Sr., she was blessed to be the first black female to be hired by the USDA, retiring after 30 years of service. Christianity was always a part of her life since she grew up in a Christian family. She united with the El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Enterprise, Mississippi where she was baptized at an early age under the tutelage of Rev. Walter Hardaway. She loved and studied God's Word. After returning to Meridian, the family united with Saint John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J. E. King where her Christian pilgrimage continued as she grew in Christ and in the works of the church. At Saint John, she served three pastors -the late Rev. J. E King, the late Rev. W. C. Griffin and Rev. Jimmy E. Johnson. Her service spanned over many years in numerous capacities. We were blessed to experience her touches as program coordinator for many colorful church programs and church and pastor's anniversaries and special occasions. Rev. Jimmy E. Johnson and the late Rev. W. C. Griffin trusted and believed in her service and she expressed the same for her pastors, always willing to serve wherever and whenever she was needed. She served faithfully in the following ministries: SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY as an avid student, teacher and assistant superintendent; DEACONESS MINISTRY as group leader and chairperson; MUSIC MINISTRY as worship leader and soprano vocalist; TRUSTEE MINISTRY as overseer of many departments and chairperson; MISSION MINISTRY as circle leader, secretary, treasurer and president; BEAUTIFICATION MINISTRY, CHURCH SECRETARY, CLERK and BOOKKEEPER. No job or position was too large or too small for her to handle, and no task was ever neglected. According to Saint John, her service was impeccable. Mamie and Willie C. were the proud parents of three adoreable children: Jerry, Cheryl and Alicia. They were a family who exemplified love, kindness and strength and always enjoyed spending time with each other and sharing the joyous moments in life. Our heavenly Father called MAMIE to rest on February 9, 2022. Among those dear to her who have gone before are: her devoted husband, Willie C. Yearell, her only son, Jerry Yearell, her loving daughter, Cheryl Yearell-Vinson, her devoted parents, Tom and Alice Howze, and two dear sisters, Louise H. Rodgers and Tommy Jean Howze. Those who remain to cherish her legacy and memories are: a loving daughter, Alicia Yearell of Stone Mountain, Georgia, three wonderful grandchildren, Kyle Vinson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kiera Vinson of Los Angeles, California, and Zachary Hall of Stone Mountain, Georgia; a caring son-in-law who is truly endeared, Kenneth Vinson of Decatur, Georgia; her only niece, Stephanie, and nephews, Larry, Ronnie, Darryl, and Darren; a great friend and caretaker Thelma Davis of Atlanta, Georgia; two god-children, Kory and Kelli Griffin, and a host of cousins and friends, together with the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church family of Meridian, Mississippi and the Greenforest Community Baptist Church family of Atlanta, Georgia.
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