Barbara Yates

Barbara Yates, a trailblazer and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 19, 2026, at the age of 102. Born on May 6, 1924, in Brooklyn, NY, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Robert and Glenda Yates. Barbara was predeceased by her loving parents, her daughters Lisa and Samantha, and her sons Ken and Kleiv. She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Yates, with whom she shared 72 wonderful years of marriage. Her legacy lives on through her children: sons Kyle, Richard Jr., Graham, Romeo, Clint, Simmons, Frederick, Alex, and Henry, as well as her daughters Lotus, Kelly, and Maxie. Her family was her greatest joy, and she leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, each touched by her boundless love and warmth. A proud alumna of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Barbara graduated with full honors and earned her pilot's red brass medal, making her one of the pioneering women in aviation. Her remarkable career spanned both the skies and the ground; she served in the US Air Force from 1944 to 1969 as one of the first female pilots and later as a mechanic for 40 years. Barbara's dedication to service extended beyond her military career as she became a spokesperson for domestic abuse survivors across the country. Barbara was not only a pioneer in her professional life but also a beacon of empowerment for young women. She dedicated her time to motivational speaking engagements worldwide and organized school book drives and back-to-school fundraisers in her community for over three decades. Her talents and interests knew no bounds; she loved working on vehicles, playing video games, writing poetry, running marathons, golfing, making jewelry, and designing clothing for runway shows. Barbara was a quick-witted and sharp woman, always ready with a warm embrace and a smile that could light up any room. A devoted member of St. Paul Baptist Church in North Carolina, Barbara's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Her legacy extends beyond her immediate family to the countless lives she touched with her kindness and indomitable spirit. A service to honor Barbara's extraordinary life will be held on October 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at New York Funeral Service, 530 Narrows Rd S, Staten Island, NY 10304. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara's memory to organizations supporting women's empowerment and domestic abuse survivors. The family shares this special message: "We will live on for someone that has grown the most beautiful tree, with every bud is her love." Barbara Yates will be dearly missed but never forgotten, as her love and legacy continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her.