Patricia Anne Yates

She was the second child of Herlene Jefferson and Lonnie Yates. The family began life in Renton, WA, and later moved to Seattle, WA. Patricia was born on February 10, 1947, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. After graduating from Garfield High School in 1965, she went on to attend The University of Washington and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1970.

Patricia humbly received Jesus Christ, as her Lord and Savior, one month prior to her transition to Heaven.

She had an impactful, professional career, beginning with working for the Human Rights Commission from 1972-1982. She then went on to work with the U.S. Department of Education, Civil Rights Division, as an Equal Opportunity Specialist, Equal Opportunity Branch Chief/Supervisor and Technical Assistance Coordinator. Her commitment and dedication of service to the Agency, lasted thirty years, followed by her retirement. Patricia was very active within the community and served as a Board Member of the East Madison YMCA.

As a young woman, Patricia had a very active lifestyle, with a variety of personal interests. She could often be seen, riding around town in her MG Midget, one of her prized possessions during the late 1960s. A favorite pass time was reading. When Patricia was a young child, her mother would cover the small living room, coffee table, with all sorts of reading material, such as magazines, newspapers, and books on certain topics. Herlene wanted to encourage her children to read, in an attempt to provide them, with a safe way to explore the world. Patricia took to reading like a duck to water and would spend hours sifting through the pile. She could be considered a “lectiophile:” one who loves to read. As an adult, her reading preferences were anything involving media, politics, and news.

Patricia also enjoyed gardening, she saw it as a way to commune with nature, and as food for the soul. She would often say, “it is so satisfying to watch something grow”. As she grew older, it became a way to escape and a resource for exercise. Patricia’s beauty won her 1st place, as the First Miss Black Seafair. She also was a contestant, in the Miss Black America State Pageant. There she eloquently recited, “Ain’t I A Woman” a speech by the famous Sojourner Truth, and again she was an award, winning participant. Patricia enjoyed skiing, and would often frequent the resorts at Snoqualmie. She belonged to several popular social groups, they would come together to celebrate many special occasions and threw extravagant parties and events. She was a true sports enthusiast, and a long-standing fan, supporter, and season ticket holder, of the Seattle Storm Woman’s Basketball Team.

Patricia had a dazzling personality. She was cheerful, sweet, thoughtful, humorous and wise to all she encountered. Her true heart's affection was towards her son Elliott. She valued life, nature, friendship and acquired numerous, lifelong, dear friends, whom she shared many wonderful memories over the span of a lifetime.

She is preceded in death by her father Lonnie Yates, her mother Herlene Jefferson, her step-father Theodore Jefferson, Anita Yates-Edmondson (older sister), and John Yates (younger brother). She is survived and forever cherished by her only child, Elliott Yates-Lange; nieces Kapri Decker, Leslie Pilgrim, Cynthia Pilgrim, and Rasheedah Price; nephews Paris Yates, Matthew Edmondson, Jon Pierre along with godchildren and a host of friends and relatives.

The family wishes to thank all of those who have shown love, support, and kindness during these very difficult times.

Due to covid restrictions, please contact the family for service information, times, and dates.

Repast will follow services at:

Applebee’s

375 Grady Way

Renton, WA 98057

Remembrances via cards & flowers can be sent to: Patricia Anne Yates, C/O Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 350 Monroe Avenue Northeast, Renton WA, 98050.

(Patricia voiced her flower color choice, as white)