Thelma Christine Yates

Thelma Christine Yates, born May 9, 1925, joined her beloved husband, William Luther Yates, and grandson William Eric Lechter in heaven on February 28th. Preceded in death by her parents, Izora Johnson Roach and John William Roach, and brothers and sisters Alford Roach, Herschel Roach, Louise Roach Smith, Marlene Roach Morrison, Howard Roach, and Ernest Roach. She is survived by her cherished daughters, Wanda Evans and Sharon Lechter and her husband Michael Lechter, her fabulous grandchildren Kelly Evans Bair and her husband Randy Bair, Phillip Lechter and his wife Angela Lechter and Shelly Lechter Drews and her husband Jeff Drews and five precious great-grandchildren Isabel Bair, Oliver Bair, Kristian Salinas, Dylan Lechter and Emma Delong, sister- and brother-in-law Lena and Ross Knighton, and companion dog Chloe as well as her dear friends and church family of close to 60 years of North Park Baptist Church. Born in Edwardsville, Alabama and raised in Alabama, Thelma moved to Orlando in 1962 and touched the heart of everyone she met with her boundless love, generosity and deep faith in Jesus Christ. The less fortunate and shut-ins were dear to her heart as she regularly prepared and delivered holiday meals to them with a generous dose of her love. Her love showed each day of her 40-year career as a Cosmetologist as she created beautiful hairstyles for her cherished clients. Her family will forever remember the way her laughter lit up a room, playing marathon card games with her, and enjoying her chicken pot pie, apple pie, and homemade holiday candy. Memorial Service at North Park Baptist Church, 2047 Prospect Ave., Orlando, FL 32814, at 11:00am, Thursday, March 5. Reception following at church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to North Park Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the care of Baldwin Fairchild West Altamonte, www.baldwinfairchildwestaltamonte.com.