Shirley Denise Sue Smith-Yates

Shirley Denise Sue Smith-Yates, 59, of Hyattsville, MD, passed on August 20, 2015, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous fight with cancer. Shirley was born in Plant City, Florida on March 1, 1956. She attended Plant City High School and upon successful completion, continued her education at Bethune -Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, she graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Shirley loved filling others with knowledge. With this love she began her career in education as a teacher in Plant City, Florida. Shortly thereafter, Shirley relocated to the Washington, DC Area where she met the love of her life, Roscoe Yates. Shirley managed several Little Tavern restaurants in the area, using the experience she gained working in her brother’s family restaurant. After retiring out of the restaurant business, Shirley returned to her calling in education, but now working with special needs children. Shirley used her natural charm and amazing leadership skills to impact the lives of many autistic individuals. Her heart was full of giving and she impacted the life of everyone she touched. Shirley is the daughter of the late Jessie Mae Smith and beloved wife of the late Roscoe Yates, dedicated to loving each other for over ten years before his death in 1999. Dearest sister of Cathy Maria Smith Green of Hyattsville, MD, Lela Mae Agard (George) of Plant City, FL, Jessie Mae Cooper (Benjamin) of Plant City, FL, Charles Smith (Dorothy) of Plant City, FL, Hayward Smith (Pamela) of Plant City, FL, Thomas Smith of Hattiesburg, MS, Gloria Mitchell (Mitch) of Bothell, WA, Grace Williams of District Heights, MD and the late Nancy Rivers, Barbara Ann Goodwine, James Smith and Jackie Smith. Devoted aunt of Rayna Smith of Cheverly, MD, Ariana Green of Laurel, MD, and Arthur Earl Green, Jr. of Landover, MD. She is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley Denise Sue Smith-Yates please visit our Sympathy Store.