Obituary of Helen Hogan Yates

Helen Hogan Yates was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  She passed away on August 29, 2021 at the age of 83 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her memory will live on in the joy for life and love for others that she modeled for all who knew her.

Helen was born to Annie Mae and James Borroughs Hogan on September 29, 1937 on the Hogan family farm. After graduating from Chapel Hill High School in 1955, she married the love of her life Bryan Roberts Yates in 1958. Together they had 4 children: Linda, Sonya, Nadine and Paul. Together they served the community of Chapel Hill through their family business Bryan Yates Plumbing and Heating for 38 years. During this time, she also served her family as a devoted mother who dutifully attended to each of her children's passions. She was preceded in death by Bryan Yates. We are thankful that they are now joyfully reunited in heaven.

Helen is lovingly remembered by her four children and their spouses: Linda Comer, Sonya Gilmore and her husband Randy Gilmore, Nadine Zollars and her husband Matt Zollars, Paul Yates and his wife Angie Yates.  She is dearly missed by her grandchildren: Bryan Comer, Megan Godsey & husband Josh Godsey, Harley Zollars, Sloane Yates, and Hogan Yates. 

Helen spent her final weeks doing what she loved most: travelling to spread her love amongst her family and friends. Her bubbly personality, love for adventure, and strength will be missed by all who knew her. The funeral is scheduled with a noon viewing and a 1 pm service on September 4^th , 2021 at  Orange Methodist, 1220 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514. As always, all of her family and friends are welcome. 

Mom, thank you for teaching us the meaning of strength and joy in the little things of life. We love you and miss you already.