Barbara Jean Yates

On March 26, 1950 in Bonita, Louisiana, Richard and Geneva Davis gave birth to their first daughter and named her Barbara Jean. Barbara was born prematurely, but she proved to be what she remained throughout her life: a survivor.

Barbara received her education in Kansas City, KS. She excelled academically throughout her school years and won the Northeast Junior High spelling bee in 1965. Barbara graduated from Sumner High School in 1968. She was a proud Sumner Spartan alumna and loved to tell people that she graduated from “The REAL Sumner!”

Barbara attended Park College, and after taking time to raise her children, graduated from St. Mary’s College in 1980. Education was always important to her- she loved learning and sharing knowledge with others. Also in 1980, Barbara began working at Social & Rehabilitation Services (now DCF). During her interview for the job, she forgot her umbrella and went back to retrieve it. The interview team was still smiling, and she knew that she had the job. Barbara’s personality always shined through and everyone who knew her fell in love with her. For 31 years, Barbara was a hard-working and compassionate case worker. She also worked with KU Medical Center, Providence Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and Truman Medical Center. She loved the work she did and enjoyed building relationships with her co-workers. Barbara treated every client with respect and dignity, and they were always so grateful to receive her assistance. Many wondered how Barbara remained so positive and encouraging, but she always shared that her faith was the reason for it all. She would tell others that she still had joy, no matter what she faced. Barbara was a faithful member of Free Church of God in Christ and loved serving wherever she was needed. She could be found speaking, singing, cleaning, or decorating the sanctuary and adding her own special and creative touch.

She stressed the importance of a personal relationship with Christ and encouraged her children and grandchildren to always allow the Lord to fight their battles. One of her favorite sayings was, “I’m just gonna tell God on them!”

In 1992, Barbara married the late Samuel Yates. She was a devoted wife and was always happy to pack a hearty lunch for him as he went to work. She remained committed to him even during his illness, caring for him until the Lord called him home. She was always the nurturer- always making sure that others around her were taken care of. In 2011, Barbara retired from SRS to care for her mother. She served her mother faithfully, overseeing her daily needs and caring for her until her transition on December 11, 2016. In addition to caregiver, Barbara was a WONDERFUL friend! She always offered sound advice, humor, and wisdom. She loved to entertain in her home and enjoyed cooking. Every dish was prepared and served with love. She will best be remembered for her meatloaf, baked chicken, and cabbage. Throughout her life, Barbara carried many titles; the ones that brought her the most joy was that of mother and grandmother. She enjoyed travelling and sight-seeing with Tabitha and shopping and attending concerts with Tamika. She also faithfully supported her grandchildren. From attending ShaKayla’s ROTC events, Deuce’s marching band performances, Kennedy’s dance recitals, and Grandparent’s Day with Kellan, she cherished sharing those special moments with them. She would always be the loudest in the audience- she was truly their biggest cheerleader and wanted the best for all of them. At 1:00pm Thursday, November 15th, 2018, Barbara went from labor to reward. She now joins her husband, Samuel Yates, her parents, Richard Davis, Geneva Davis Williams, stepfather Pastor Peter G. Williams, brother, Richard Davis, Jr., and her daughter Tyszu Smith, who have all gone on before her.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved longtime companion, Deacon Arthur Carvin; her daughters: Tabitha (Ruth) Ochoa of San Diego, CA; Tamika (Kendon) McClaine of Kansas City, KS; granddaughters, ShaKayla (Sherman) Washburn and Kennedy McClaine; grandsons, Kendon “Deuce” McClaine II and Kellan McClaine; her sisters, Vernell (George) Bates of Kansas City, KS; Florea Davis of Kansas City, KS; her brothers, Jerry (Wanda) Davis of Kansas City, KS; Roger Davis of Kansas City, KS; Pastor Reginald (Sheree) Davis of Mansfield, TX; Rick (LaVerne) Davis of Ft. Worth, TX; her best friends, Patricia (Jim) Lasley, Joyce Blakey, and Barbara Glover; goddaughter, Patrice (Khiry) Crawford, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former co-workers, and friends who will forever be impacted by her wisdom, love, joy, and faith.