Maryelda Dickenson Yarbrough

Maryelda D. Yarbrough, 78, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025. Mary is survived by four step children, Dana (Donna) Yarbrough, Brooke Yarbrough, Carla (Carl) Sohns, and Michelle (Warrick) Jones, seven step grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her two husbands, Floyd Haney and Terry Yarbrough.

Mary was born in Bradenton, Florida on January 23, 1947 to Paul Cook Dickenson and Velma Farley Dickenson. Mary lived with her family in Florida, Alabama and Tennessee where she attended both Banks High School in Birmingham, AL, and Greenfield High School in Greenfield, TN, in 1964. Mary also studied at Warren Wilson College class of 1966 and Elementary Education at Memphis State College class of 1977.

Mary worked for many years as a school teacher at various locations in Memphis, TN and Desoto County MS starting in 1978 and retired from teaching in 2005 from Ida B Wells Academy in Memphis, TN

Mary had a passion for cats having had several feline friends as pets during the course of her life, including her most recent companions O.J. and Miss Velvet. Mary was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church where she faithfully attended and enjoyed singing in the choir for many years.

Mary was also an avid reader and loved to play cards. Mary enjoyed traveling with her late husband, Terry Yarbrough, going on yearly vacations with family members frequently joining them. Their favorite spot being Disneyworld Resort in Orlando, Florida.

A Memorial service will be held at 2 pm Sunday the 17th of August, 2025 at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Garden, 3700 N Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133. Visitation with friends and family will start at 1 p.m. preceding the service.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be sent in Mary’s honor to Shelby Center Hospital for Animals, 6923 Stage Rd, Memphis, TN 38133.