Bobbie Yates

Bobbie (Huckleberry) Yates was born November 13, 1945, in Centreville, Alabama. She was a daughter of the late T. C. and Eula Bell Huckleberry. At the age of 79, she passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

She was baptized at an early age at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, in Brent, Alabama.

On May 25, 1965, she graduated from H. D. Davidson High School in Centreville, Alabama. After graduation, she pursued technical training and received her cosmetology degree.

Bobbie later relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana and began employment with ITT Industries, where she worked faithfully for 38 years and retired in 2008.

Following her Christian upbringing, she first united with Tabernacle Baptist Church, later moving her membership to Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. Still in search of a deeper love for Christ, Bobbie united with St. John Missionary Baptist Church on June 18, 1989, and she made St. John her home under the leadership of the late Rev. J. W. Bledsoe. She continued her faithful service after the passing of Pastor Bledsoe and recently Pastor F. A. Sleet. Bobbie’s love for Christ continued through the current leadership under Pastor Marcus Lowe Sr. During her membership, she enjoyed serving in numerous capacities, which included Women’s Ministry, Mass Choir, Sunday School, Choir Treasurer and Courtesy Committee. Her community involvement included member of Church Women United of Fort Wayne, Northern Indiana Missionary Baptist District Association, City Wide Missionary Choir and Midwest Building Coalition – St. John Green Team.

Bobbie had a loving and giving spirit, always willing to help wherever needed. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, cooking, entertaining family and friends, decorating, and attending annual family reunions for over 34 years. Every year she would look forward to working at the voting polls. She was a fashion diva in her own way and could outdress anybody.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, T. C. and Eula Huckleberry, brother, Benny L.Huckleberry, brother-in-law, Cottrell Lyles and a sister-in-law, Helena Huckleberry.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 38 years, Leonard L. Yates; son, Dewayne Walker; daughter, Carmen Yates; sisters, Nancy (Frankie) Billingsley; Ethel (Charles) O’Kelley, Joan (Wilson) Starks; Suzanne Lyles; Brenda (Curtis Sr.) Philpot and Lillian Huckleberry; brothers, Grover (Mary Lue) Huckleberry, Jessie Huckleberry (Darice Roberts) and Samuel (Tracy) Huckleberry, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. Bobbie also leaves special friends, Suezette Phillips, Gloria Smith, Fredna Weemes, Patricia “PJ” Johnson, Cora Mae Davis-Jordan, Fern Lewis, Jean Jones, Doris Sanders, Vera McGee, many other “besties” and the entire St. John Family.

A Homegoing Celebration of Bobbie's life will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2421 S. Hanna Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 with a visitation starting at 10:00 am. She will be laid to rest in Highland Park Cemetery & Mausoleum, 2403 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.