Hazel Louise "Lou" Yates

Hazel Louise (Lou) Yates, age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27th, 2025, in Huntsville, Texas, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Arkansas, Lou spent 91 wonderful years in her home state. She lived in Texas the last four years to be near her family.

Lou had many passions and pursuits, but the defining relationship of her life was her 58-year marriage to Warren Harding Yates. Her unwavering love and deep admiration for Warren remained constant throughout her life.

Lou had a gift for cooking, sewing, quilting, and crafting; she lovingly blessed her family throughout the years with all these talents. She was a charter member of Unity Baptist Church and a devoted follower of Christ. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Bismarck for 15 years and served as the volunteer rainfall recorder for the National Weather Service in Bismarck for 50 years.

She is survived by:

• Daughters: Brenda Candler (Jim), Judy Ellen Isbell (Verne), and Jennifer Yates.
• Grandchildren: Stacey Forgason (Lex), Aimee Pavelock (Dwayne), Sam Medlock, and Zach Smith (Casey).
• Great-grandchildren: Emily, Erin, Ellie, Libby, Allee, Peyton, Evan, Jenna, and Harrison.
• Great-great-grandchildren: Jackson, Lilly, Cross, Lanham, Luke, Hazel Louise, Mae, and Zeb.
• Brother: Joe Terry (Margie).
• Sisters-in-law: Teresa Yates and Bess Jackson.
• Numerous nieces and nephews.

Lou was preceded in death by:

• Parents: William and Virgie Terry.
• Husband: Warren Yates.
• Grandson: Zeb Smith.
• Siblings: Harold Terry, Sherman Terry, Lucille Lewallen, Alvin Scoggins, & Elmer Scoggins.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion—as a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and Christian role model. Her life and example will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Memorial services are 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at The Carriage Inn in Huntsville, Texas.

Graveside services are 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 1, 2025 at DeRoche Cemetery in Bismarck, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Lex Forgason, Dwayne Pavelock, Mark Terry, Slade Terry, Steve Lambert, and Bryan Thomasson.

Arrangements are by Smith Family Funeral Home-Arkadelphia, www.smithfamilycares.com.