Marie Jean Yates

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Marie grew up in Chicago; Saint Louis, Missouri; and Dayton, Ohio where she attended Alter High School. Marie graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Industrial Communications.

Marie had a reputation for turning ordinary into extraordinary in her management career in the banking, financial, and mortgage industries. Most recently transforming a Wells Fargo Banking Center in Jupiter into an upper percentile national achievement center. She also held management positions with Bank of America, Sun Trust, Fifth Third, and National City Mortgage where she managed employees and always exceeded expectations.

Her personal achievements were her greatest pride as she ran marathons across the nation and built lasting relationships with everyone she met. Whether friends and employees or acquaintances who quickly became friends, Marie was quick to charm with a smiling attitude and vocabulary that captivated even if her words were sharp and sometimes blunt. Family members often told new friends she “worked for the Navy teaching sailors to swear.” Grandchildren sometimes called her the swearing grandmother but more often than not she was the cooking grandmom.

Marie loved to travel, loved boating and fishing with her husband Sam, immensely enjoyed sitting in the sunshine, and loved to shop. Custom built closets were not uncommon in her houses as she was constantly “saving dollars” shopping online sales – especially from Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, and Southern Tide.

Baking was also a passion. Especially her famous “Marie Candy Bars” and Holiday Buckeyes that were much sought out during the holiday season. And cookies and brownies were always on her baking menu.

Marie was a prolific supporter of Kidney Disease research and founded the Kidney Kings Podcast to share End Stage Renal Disease updates, hope, and research developments with the many thousands who shared her hate for dialysis treatment.

She received ongoing hemodialysis treatment at home over the past four years that was administered by her husband Sam. He took special training in use of the dialysis equipment and treatment procedures to allow Marie to avoid dialysis center treatments in favor of treatment with all the comforts of home.

Marie is survived by her mother, Rosemary Starr, Dayton, Ohio; and three older brothers, John Starr, Atlanta, Georgia; Martin Starr, Chicago, Illinois; and Paul Starr, Vero Beach, Florida. Also her children, Erik Yates (wife Faith), Fort Pierce, Florida, and Nikki Fitzharris (husband Brian), Centerville, Ohio.

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Clifton Yates; Maddie Yates and great-grandson Cedric in Florida. And Chloe, Arnold, and Evan Fitzharris in Centerville, Ohio. Nephew and niece Paul Starr (wife Marrion), and Adrianna Starr (wife Parker) reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

Marie will be forever connected to her husband of 40 years, Sam Yates, who has been her best friend, lover, constant companion, marathon trainer, and caregiver during her journey through their lives together and End Stage Renal Disease.

Marie is greatly missed by the many thousands whose lives she has touched throughout the nation and around the world.

A private Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held with an announcement pending.

In lieu of flowers, a donation portal will be available on her Kidney Kings Podcast website https://www.kidneykings.com. Donations will help continue sharing potentially lifesaving news about kidney disease and Marie’s underlying goal of letting those who have kidney disease know “You Are Not Alone”.