Sarah Annabelle Yoakam

YOAKAM Sarah Annabelle (Phillips) Yoakam, age 98, of Centerburg, was transferred to her heavenly home to be with her Lord on Friday, February 23, 2007 in Fort Wayne, IN. The earth dimmed a bit as heaven rejoiced to welcome Annabelle home. Born to the late Arthur and Mary Phillips on December 18, 1908 and lived in the Knox and Delaware County areas most of her life. A long time member of the Sunbury Baptist Church, she taught Sunday school for many years. Annabelle also taught 32 years in several area schools; Jug Run a one room school house near Bladensburg; Homer; Center Village where she also was a principal, and Hartford-Croton. Her students still remember the jingles she taught them to remember the presidents, etc. She also assisted the Gideon's in distributing small Bibles to her students, which she encouraged the students to read. Annabelle loved her children, grandchildren, and students and they loved her. She was a "special" Mom and teacher. Survived by daughter, Ruth Anne Yoakam of Fort Wayne, IN; son, Wendell A. (Jerrie) Yoakam of Centerburg; grandchildren, Erin and Mark; nieces and nephews, Esther Jo Bursha, Mary Lou Yost, David, Charles, and Arthur Merrin. Preceded in death by husband Lloyd in 1982, and sisters Mary Adaline Merrin and Constance Ellen Phillips. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DEVORE-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, SR 3 at 61, Sunbury, where services will be Wednesday 2 p.m., interment Trenton Cemetery, Condit. Memorial contributions to Allen County Gideon Bible Society, East, Box 6514, Fort Wayne, IN, 46896-6514 or Parkview North Hospice, 2200 Randallia Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.