Robert Claude Yearwood

Robert Claude Yearwood (Bobby) son of the late Jean A. Yearwood and Elsie Yearwood, was born on December 22, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. He departed this life on February 7, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

Bobby began his education at St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic School in St. Albans, New York. He graduated in 1968, from the first Catholic military school for African-American males, St. Emma’s Military Academy, in Powhatan, Virginia. He then attended the University of Illinois, Champagne and Strayer University in Washington, DC.

He moved from New York to the Washington Metropolitan area in the early 1970s and made this his home. However, he was always a proud New Yorker and would quickly remind you that Brooklyn was his home.

Bobby was fascinated with computers from a young age which lead him to follow his dream by working for the Association for American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for more than 30 years. During his time at AAMC, he developed and designed programs utilized for the MCAT as Manager of Operations.

Most rewarding for Bobby was the birth of his two daughters, Yvette Yearwood and Jamalka (Yearwood) Staton.

Robert was a member of the James H. Hill Lodge #16 and on October 19, 2002, was raised to the Degree of Master Mason. He served as Worshipful Master during the 2010 Masonic Year. He was a part of I-95 Connection where he met brothers throughout the East Coast. The members of the lodge were not only his friends, but they also quickly became his extended family. Mentoring, fundraising and other community service activities, with his brothers, brought him great joy.

Robert was very competitive and had many talents and interests. Playing chess in Central Park and various places in DC was one of the many stories he shared. Bobby was known to have a fish tank or two. From freshwater to saltwater tanks, there was always the serene sound of water in his home. Playing cards with family and friends was a great past-time for him. Pinochle, Bid Whist, Blackjack, In-Between, and Let It Ride were some of his favorite games. One of his main loves was bowling. From Brooklyn to Maryland, he maintained the love of bowling and participated in many leagues and tournaments.

His love for bowling is what led him to the love of his life, Patricia. They met 38 years ago at a bowling alley and through that friendship, they shared a 21 year loving marriage. The love they shared included so many special memories, too numerous to mention them all, but they will last forever in her heart.

Robert and Pat loved going on cruises. When they returned, he would be asked if the boat was rocky and he would always say, “I don’t know. I just rocked with it so I didn’t feel it.” Every year for their birthdays they would cruise. Traveling with family was always a great birthday present for him. Living life, having fun, and partying with family and friends were his most cherished times. While on the ship, he would always find his way to wherever the music was playing. If you knew his mother, you know the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Both of them are listening to jazz, calypso, and reggae together now.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Elsie (Black) Yearwood; sister, Janice Holder; son, Robert Harris; and nephew, Maurice Holder, Jr. Robert leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Patricia Yearwood; three daughters: Yvette Yearwood, LaShawn Hinton and Jamalka Staton (Milton); one sister Sharon Yearwood (William Pearson); two brothers: David Yearwood and Timothy Thomas; seven grandchildren: Antoinne, Nathaniel, Sha’Don, Zayrahn, Rafiki (Talor), Anetra, and Xavier; four great-grandchildren: Jean-Claude, Peyton, Aiden, Keanu and a host of other relatives, lodge brothers and friends.