Faye Bryant Yates

Asheville, Bertha “Faye” Yates, age 73, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Mission Hospital.

A native of Henderson County, Faye was the daughter of Annie Fay Worley and Bobby R. Worley.  She was preceded in death by her father, Bobby R. Worley; her two infant sons, Matthew Lane Grooms and Charles Tony Grooms; and her brother, Tony Bryant.

Faye was born February 23, 1950. She was the best daughter and sister anyone could ask for. She was always there to lend a hand and had a smile that truly could light up a room. She was a brilliant student, who graduated from Pisgah High School in 1968 and was a proud Black Bear alumnus.

Faye began working at the age of sixteen and when she graduated high school she went to full time employment. Over the years, her place of employment changed, but her work ethic, dedication, and her commitment to excellence remained the same.  She was thought well of and respected by all of her fellow associates, many of which she counted as her friends. She spent most of her career as a human resources manager. Upper management referred to her as the human resources version of Florence Nightingale because of her fierce devotion to those she worked with. She saw all associates as family that needed to be looked out for and in that she was unwavering. She was caring and thoughtful of her associates’ needs and was a fierce advocate when she felt like something was unjust. She held her associates to a very high standard, which they strived to meet because they respected the job she did for them.

In March of 1980, Faye met the love of her life, Mark R. Yates, and they wed in September of 1984, and had two children, Mark “Joshua” Yates and Tiffany Faye Yates.

Faye was Mark’s heart and his best friend, as he was hers. They were true partners, when one was in need the other was there. They lifted each other up and when difficulties arose, it only brought them closer together. Their love was truly beautiful, timeless, and will endure forever.

As a mother, Faye was amazing and wonderful. She took pride in her children, their accomplishments, and their growth.  She was a thoughtful gift-giver, never missed a special date, and could make any event an occasion. Whether it was being supportive as Tiffany went through law school or cheering on Josh as he competed in Special Olympics, she was a constant source of positivity, love, and encouragement.

Faye was a wonderful, kind, vivacious, and beautiful person. She was a source of wisdom and advice. She loved and cherished her family, her friends, and God. She was an advocate for those in need and always seemed to know the perfect thing to say. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an amazing sense of fun. Whether it was going to get ice cream or going to Dollywood, time spent with Faye was going to be filled with laughter, joy, and love. She loved going on adventures with her family and friends, visiting new places, and spending time with her dog, Mary. She adored animals and was an avid bird watcher. She will be profoundly missed.

In addition to her mother, Faye is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, Mark R. Yates, of Asheville; daughter, Tiffany Faye Yates, and her fiancé, Joel Damin, of Waynesville; son, Mark “Joshua” Yates, of Asheville; and her brother, Charles “Dan” Bryant, of Asheville.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Wells Funeral Home of Canton with The Most Reverend David Simpson officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Riverside Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will be receiving friends Monday evening, September 25, 2023, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home of Canton.   

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.

The care of Mrs. Yates has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.