MONTEAL MAY YERBY

YERBY, Monteal May 96, of Boston, died August 10, 2018 at Belmont Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Belmont, MA. A community and political activist, world traveler, and entrepreneur, she was married to the late Dr. Alonzo Smythe Yerby from 1943 until his death in 1994. Born in Chicago, IL to the late James and Monteal May, she earned a B.S. in Library Science from the University of Chicago in 1941 where she met her husband. During their 51-year marriage, she supported her husband in his struggle to provide healthcare to all Americans. Widely traveled, her linguistic skills were a significant asset when she and her husband worked in Germany after WWII. She established an import-export business with artisans in Ghana, and supported musicians by being one of the few landlords who would rent to them in the 1970's. Enraged by the events of the 1968 Democratic Convention, she joined the party and actively worked for change, becoming an alternate delegate for George McGovern. She attended the First International Women's Conference and was active in local politics. She left a legacy of active involvement which was an inspiration to her family and friends. Mrs. Yerby was very proud of her three children: Dr. Mark S. Yerby of Bend, OR, the late Lynne E. Yerby of Boston, MA, and Kris Yerby of Concord, MA. She also leaves her cherished granddaughters: Tess M. Yerby of Durham, NC and Siena N. Yerby of Brooklyn, NY. A memorial service will be held in her honor at First Parish in Concord at 3 pm on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center or Planned Parenthood.