Obituary of Gloria Yates

Gloria Arbernell Cann Yates Paschal, 93, passed away at home on December 30, 2019. She was born in Mt. Kisco, New York on August 15, 1926 to Otho Cann and Arbernell Williams Cann. She remained a New York resident where she worked hard and held many different kinds of jobs throughout her life. Attending school in Somers, New York, she was the first African American to graduate there in 1944. She is the niece of Bill Johnson, Harley Davidson’s first African American Dealer whose shop was located in Somers. Noted for her voracious reading and outstanding crossword puzzle ability, Gloria was a woman of many words. She could embellish any story, not saying she exaggerated, but she certainly remembered big. Gloria loved to socialize and enjoyed a good party. She was in fact, the life of the party. If you needed a pick me up, she was your go-to woman to share her "vitamins.” She is known for her charismatic smile, quick wit, and colorful (off color?) tales that depicted the adventures of her life. An avid fisherwoman, Gloria could outfish multiple generations of family and friends and never stopped visiting the bank, catching her last bass in October. We raise a toast in her honor. Gloria was predeceased by her husbands, John Yates and Ernest Paschal. She is survived by 4 of her children, Wayne Yates (Carol), Sondra Mayfield (Tyrone), Lynn Wedges, and Suzette Tucker (Phillip). She was preceded in death by her son Steven Yates. Gloria is also survived by ten devoted grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. The celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2020. A graveside service will be held at 11am at the Amawalk Hill Cemetery in Amawalk, New York. The repast will follow from 12pm to 3pm at the Fieldstone Pond Clubhouse, 1904 Dunhill Drive, Brewster NY 10509. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Care in Westchester & Putnam. Online: support.northwell.edu/tribute-gifts By phone: 516-321-6320