Mica DeAnn Yates

Mica DeAnn Yates, age 32, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on January 12, 2026. Mica was born September 19, 1993 to Sandra Yates and Isaiah Yates Jr. Mica is the granddaughter of Thomas Green and Carolyn Ross-King (Larry King Sr.), Sarah and Isaiah Yates Sr. The great granddaughter of Horace G. Yates Sr. & Annie Barlow, Maude Lee Palmer & Ivory Mosley Haynes, and John & Mariah Williams-Green. The great-great granddaughter of Gabe Yates & Sarah Hulin, Charles Barlow & Phoebe Beauchamp, C. Robinson Haynes & Mandy Davis, Elijah Palmer & Sarah McBrayer, Johnson & Mary Alice Williams, and the great-great-great granddaughter of Issac and Georgianne Hudson-Williams.

Mica attended J.J. Pershing Early Childhood School, Troost Elementary, W.C. Bryant Elementary—where she played violin, and John Henrik Clarke Academy (ACE Middle School) where she became a recipient of the Kauffman Scholars Program. She graduated high school from ACECC (Southeast High School) in May of 2012, where she was a member of the school’s marching band—playing trumpet under the direction of Dawn Bowles. She then attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After school, she worked at Old Navy, Legoland, and became a beloved member of QuikTrip—she worked there for over 10 years. She always had stories of different personalities she encountered, ranging from uplifting to unhinged. She was an entrepreneur at heart—seeking out new ventures she had a passion for, like the local KC music & art scene.

She had a love for going to live events and attended many such as Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour at Arrowhead Stadium, J. Cole’s private ESPN performance, Keri Hilson in Kansas City, where she was brought on stage to sing along Keri to “Pretty Girl Rock”, and Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. One of her bucket list wishes was to see Lil Wayne live in concert, which her cousin Aaron Yates (Tech N9ne), laid out the red carpet for her with a VIP meet and greet. Music held a special place in her life, particularly in the bond she shared with her big brother, Marcus. It was more than a shared interest—it was a constant presence in their connection, a rhythm that carried their relationship through humor, reflection, and love.

Mica’s outlook on life was infectious to everyone and she left a lasting impression of positivity and gratitude. She was intelligent beyond her years and always spoke with great confidence and wit. She would often speak of her bonus brother, Jeron Shaw, who played a big role in bringing her out of her shell when it came to performing live. Her bonus mom, Penny McCant, also played a significant role in her interests and fashion sense as a youth. Mica was a proud dog-mom to Bear, a thoughtful gift given to her from her dad, Ike. She really enjoyed the company of her cousins, especially Janaya, Jacquada, and Dasani. Together they went on lavish trips, concerts and other fun activities cementing their “1993” bond.

She is survived by her mother, Sandra Yates, father, Isaiah Yates Jr., brother, Marcus Yates, sister, Dominique Brockman, nephews Todd Willard Jr. & Brandon Henderson Jr., grandmother, Carolyn King (Larry King Sr.), grandfather, Thomas Green and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. She was preceded in death by her bonus-brother (Jeron “Bubba” Shaw), grandmother (Sarah Yates), and grandfather (Isaiah Yates Sr.).

The family would like to give a special thanks to Serenity Funeral Home and everyone for their kind words, shared memories, letters, flowers, and love.