Obituary of Norma Jean Yates

Mrs. Norma Jean Burks Yates, 89, passed away October 20, 2019 at Life Care Center of Tullahoma. She was born in Bass, Alabama on December 4, 1929 to the late John Clay Burks and Emma Jane Williams Burks. She is also preceded in death by her husband JD Jackson “Bucky” Yates, a WW II veteran who retired from The University of the South; her son, Randall Floyd Yates; brothers, Jim P. Burks, John T. Burks, Ralph Burks,  and  Aubrey Burks; sisters, Bobbie Nesbitt, Wilma Johnson, Sarah Stuart, Gwen Brady, Thelma Beene, Ruby Wheeler, Mary Harrison, Lorene Kirk, and Estelle Burks. Mrs. Yates has now closed that generation of Burks

Norma was a loving wife and mother. She had many accomplishments in this life, master seamstress, quilter, gospel singer, and a fabulous cook. One of her greatest accomplishments was being a devoted wife and mother of 5 children that were the apple of her eye.  She was a faithful member of Oaklawn Baptist Church in Winchester, Tennessee. Norma also enjoyed attending the Burk’s family reunions of 55 years.

She is survived by daughters; Madeline Carol Koger, Martha Sue Payne, Emma Jean Henley and Nancy Lorraine Putman; grandchildren, Scott, Amanda, Dean, Shea, Camie, Simon, Hannah, Jonathan; 11 great grandchildren; and 44 nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Life Care Center of Tullahoma along with the staff of Hospice Compassus and Dr. Nichols.

Funeral services will be Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 4:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Charles Knight officiating. Burial will be in Eastern Star Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Thursday from 2:00 P.M. till time of service. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net.

The family asked that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are by Cumberland Funeral Home, 207 Mabee Avenue, Monteagle, Tennessee 37356