Mrs. Claudia Denise Yates

In Loving Memory Of Claudia Denise Yates was born August 28, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan,the eldest of five children born to the union of Claude and Lula Mae Crawley. She received her education in the Detroit Public School System, graduating in 1967 from Southwestern High School. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Pine Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Brown. In recent years, she fellowshipped and joined with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Wayne, MI under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Virgil Humes. Throughout her spiritual walk she served in the Choir, Usher Board, and Benevolent Board. For a short period of time, she was married to Charles Green Tolliver. From this union she was blessed to have one daughter, Deirdre Michele Tolliver; and direct descendants, granddaughter, Jasmine; and great-grandson, Chance. She started her career at the United States Postal Service for a few years before moving on to the Social Security Administration where she eventually became a District Manager. After 36 years of employment, she retired from service. While working at the Social Security Administration, she met and married her soulmate, Anthony “Doc Holiday” Yates. They brought their blended family together and were married for over thirty-six years. They loved traveling, riding motorcycles and time with their children and loved ones. Claudia’s mission in life was being a mentor to others and working in the community. Her passions were traveling, dancing, attending concerts, and spending time with her family, especially her little great-grandson, “Mister Chance”. Those who met her were attracted by her wonderful smile, jolly laugh, personal demeanor, and humor. On February 11, 2011, Claudia joined Leah Chapter No. 43, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated. She held the position of Worthy Matron from 2016 - 2017. Additionally, she joined Al Ashraf Court No. 106 on June 9, 2012. During this time, she held the position of Illustrious Commandress in the years 2015, 2016, and 2018. She was later appointed Imperial Deputy for Oasis in 2020. She joined the Order of the Golden Circle Faith Assembly No. 63 on September 14, 2013, where she served as the Loyal Lady Ruler from 2021-2022. On Sunday, October 15, 2023, Claudia made her transition from this world to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her parents and three of her siblings along with her husband, Anthony “Doc Holiday” Yates. She leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her passing: her children - best friend and daughter - Deirdre Tolliver; daughters: Antoinette (Kevin) Pough, Alison (Curtis) Yates-Bryant, Tarina (Jay) Williams, and Sonnia Thomas; son: Anthony Yates II; grandchildren: dearly loved granddaughter, Jasmine, whom she affectionately called “Jazz”; Roy, Tamia, Michael, Ryan, Frank III, Alexandria, Alyssa, Ashley, Josh, and Gabrielle; great-grandchildren: Chance “Professor”, Naomi, and Kayla; one brother: Derwin Crawley; one aunt: the matriarch of the family, Vera Owens; one brother-in-law: Jerry Rimmer; two nieces: Char’ly and Fenesia; goddaughter: Lauren Murphy; her ride or die bestie: Brenda Jackson-Cook; longtime bestie: Jackie Samuels; and a host of other family and friends.

Mrs. Claudia Denise Yates

August 28, 1949 - October 15, 2023