Mrs. Juanita Yates, 95, a resident of Thomasville, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at High Point Medical Center. She was born on February 13, 1931 in Rhodhiss, NC to her parents, the late Addie Dale Ryder and Marvin Ryder. She was a longtime member of Holly Hill Wesleyan Church where she faithfully served by cooking many wonderful meals for the congregation and the Wesleyan Men.  She loved the Lord and her family with her whole heart. Her main goal in life was to help and serve others.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Herbert Lee Yates, her daughter, Sheila Ward and siblings; Lucille Allen, Christine Rowe, Bernice Leonard, Otis Ryder and Tommy Ryder.

Surviving are two daughters, Wanda Yates and Debra Duncan (Oscar); sister, Hazel VunCannon; grandchildren, Samantha Hicks (Steve), Stephanie Ward, Seth Ward, Jennifer Duncan Jones, Brad Duncan and Sheri Boone; great-grandchildren,  Cailin Everhart (Keaton), Gillian Richardson (Ben), Michael Jones Jr., Matthew Jones and Miles Jones; great-great-grandchildren, Oliver and Marigold Everhart; and many more extended family members and friends.  

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Holly Hill Wesleyan Church with Rev. Steve Martin officiating. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 12:45 to 1:45 PM at the church. Burial will be held at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery.