Julia Lee Yates

Julia Lee Yates, age 96, passed away on October 29, 2026. Born June 9, 1930, to parents Johnny Daniel and Flora Alice Bailey Brown. Julia’s life was marked by steadfast devotion to those she loved, a strong work ethic, and a quiet wisdom that guided her family through generations. She was a resident of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan.

Over the years, Julia built a life defined by diligence and perseverance. She worked at Bower Roller Bearing Company for 18 years, and later continued her career with Lamar's Manufacturing in Georgia. Her journey took her through seasons of change and new beginnings, including 14 years living in Georgia, and 14 years in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where she lived and retired before later moving on. Through each chapter, she carried herself with kindness, resilience, and an enduring willingness to embrace what came next.

Julia married the love of her life, Alva Donald Yates, and together they shared 47 years of marriage before his passing. She was the loving mother of three children: the late Danny Weaver, the late Deborah Robertson, and Dawn (Dale Bowering) Wiggins. She was also a dear mother-in-law to Mary Weaver and James Robertson, and grandmother-in-law to Sam Coschino.

Julia was a proud grandmother of Danny Weaver Jr., Danielle (Isaac) Livingston, Amber (Brian) Hildebrand, Andrew (Kate) Wiggins, Jennifer (Karl) Borso, Becky (Kevin) Williams, Cari (Jeremy) Nelson, Crystal (Raymond) Tisdelle, Brandon Lipke, James (Sarah) Bowering, Jeff (Lindsey) Bowering, and Patrick Bowering. She was a cherished great-grandmother to Sara Weaver, Brandon Weaver, Madison (Ryan) Schwab, Dominic Coschino, Vinnie Coschino, Marshall Hildebrand, John Hildebrand, Ellie Wiggins, Sawyer Wiggins, Tyler Borso, Lucien Williams, Zohe Nelson, Lailee Nelson, Shelby Tisdelle, Samantha Tisdelle, Landon Bowering, Parker Bowering, Rowen Bowering, and Ethan Bowering, and a beloved great-great-grandmother to Logan Borso. Her care and example—steady, generous, and deeply rooted in love—will continue to echo through the lives of all who called her Mom, Nana, Grandma, and Great-Grandma.

An adventurous spirit stayed with Julia throughout her life, most clearly seen in her love of travel and the way she welcomed new places and experiences. She also found joy in the everyday traditions that brought people close—especially cooking, which became one of her most heartfelt ways of gathering family and friends together. A devoted baseball fan, she especially loved the Tigers, and her enthusiasm for the game was one more way she shared connection and conversation with those around her.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents; her two children, Danny Weaver and Deborah Robertson; her granddaughter Leanna Coschino; and her four siblings, Mary Bohanon, Lester Brown, Keith Brown, and Edith Barker.

Julia leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends. She will be missed dearly by her three special cousins: Eva Mae Hooper of Ohio, Kathy (Tony) St. John of Michigan, and Deborah (Robert) Flores of Texas.

The family would like to thank all those who helped over the years looking after and taking care of Julia.

Family will have a private gathering here in Michigan before she is transferred to Rainwater Funeral Home in Bowdon Georgia where the family will gather to celebrate her life and she will be laid to rest with her husband at Carroll Memory Gardens in Carrollton, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Julia are suggested to the V.F.W.Bruce Post 1146 in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.