Mrs. Mabel Yancy

Mabel (Dickens) Yancy was born on January 28, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan. Her mother Clara (Dickens) Henderson and father Reuben Patterson (of Cleveland, OH) preceded her in death. Mabel was blessed to have three loving sisters: twin sister, Mamie Dickens, youngest sister, Barbara Henderson and Arlevia Patterson (of Cleveland, OH who preceded her in death). Mabel was educated in the Detroit Public Schools. She attended Duffield Elementary and graduated from Miller High School in 1946. After graduating, she had various jobs, but eventually landed a wonderful position with the Veterans Administration (VA) where she retired as a GS-10, after 37 years of service. Mabel was very active with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) AFL-CIO. Several of her accomplishments were receiving certificates for the Administration Training Program and Certificate of Appreciation for AFGE #138 for services rendered. While working at the VA, Mabel met her soulmate Earl "Skippy" Yancy. They were married in 1966 and remained together until her transition. This was a second marriage for both of them. Mabel was the love of Skippy's life. He has no shame in expressing that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. He is also proud of the fact that in their marriage they disagreed but never argued. He has expressed on numerous occasions being very grateful of how Mabel took care of him when he experienced some serious medical challenges. Mabel and "Skip" as she affectionately called him at times enjoyed and shared many similar interests, jazz, basketball and dressing sharp (to name a few). Mabel accepted Jesus Christ in her life at an early age at St. Paul AME Church. As a youth, she was involved in the Wee-Helpers, Jr. Usher Board, Drama Club, Jr. Choir and Young Adult Choir. As a "seasoned" member, she was involved in the Feeding Ministry and secretary of Class Leaders. Mabel had an active life in her community. For many years she was secretary for the Bingham Street Block Club. She was very concerned about the upkeep and safety of the neighborhood. She encouraged the newer and younger residents to get involved. Over the years she also had other interests: attending outdoor jazz concerts, shopping, playing bid whist and watching her Detroit Pistons basketball team on the television. Mabel had a special way and special place in her heart for children; they just seemed to love her. As a result of that love, she adopted a very special baby girl, Kim Geniece Elder, during her first marriage. She was a loving, nurturing and dedicated caregiver until Kim made her transition in 2005. Mabel was deeply loved by many people and she will be truly missed.

Mrs. Mabel Yancy

January 28, 1928 - February 16, 2014