Emily Jean Yates

Emily Jean Weimert Yates

November 12, 1935 - August 9, 2025

Emily Jean Weimert Yates, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife and friend, passed away on August 9, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida at the age of 89. Jean lived a full life characterized by love, strength and grace. Her presence will be missed deeply by all of those fortunate to know her. She was preceded in death by her loving, devoted husband of 39 years William "Bill" Yates, her loving parents Arthur & Geraldine Weimert, two siblings that passed during infancy, brother-in- law Oliver (Betty Watkins) Yates, sister-in-law Judy (Willis) Green and many dear friends that she deeply loved and considered family.

Jean spent much of her life dedicated to her husband, whom she loved immeasurably, nurturing her family and fulfilling her love of travel. She is survived by her four loving children, Maria Yates, Cherri (David) North, Bill (Anna) Yates and Robert (Scott & Tommy) Yates, who she loved and guided through their journey into adulthood. A cherished grandmother, she took immense pride in her grandchildren, JoCee (William Adams) North-Adams, Lily (Dylan Radovich) North, Myra (Justin) Smith, Dawson Lee, Zoë Yates, Louden Yates, Roo Yates, Deborah (Roberto) Frusciante. She also had the pleasure of getting to know her great-granddaughter Bianca Frusciante. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Betty Brigham Yates of Nashville, TN and many nieces and nephews.

She was raised in Pennsylvania and Washington state before she ventured out on her own to Fullerton CA during her early 20s. After a few years working as a secretary, she met the handsome Bill Yates at Hughes Aircraft Company. They married on August 22,1964 and raised their family in Orange County, CA. Jean was ambitious with an adventurous spirit, loving to travel and living life to its fullest by enjoying every moment. When their children were young, she fashioned nurturing, welcoming home taking care of the children's needs and many others who spent time in her surroundings. She was involved in PTOs at the children's schools, long time active member of the Church of Christ and a businesswoman of integrity. She managed the household, school, sports and extracurricular activities of the kids while planning many memorable vacations. To help support and jumpstart her daughter's career, during the mid-1980s she co-owned a beauty salon with her daughter Maria for 6 years. Her retirement years were spent in NW Florida with Bill hosting family and friends at their initial home on Navarre Beach, later on the East Bay.

She deeply loved to travel and helped create priceless memories especially at her favorite places when visiting family, she loved destinations in Europe (especially Portugal), Aruba, Chile, Argentina, Columbia, Mexico, Thailand, Israel, and Egypt. There were also many cross-country road trips with the family. Favorite state side places included Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, New York, Tennessee, California, Arizona, and Washington State. Many great times in Sedona with beautiful hikes and experiencing a hot air balloon trip, family adventures on a houseboat at Lake Powell, as well as wonderful times camping in Morro Bay which she remembered often.

Special thanks to the wonderful community at The Blake at Pensacola, Asclepius Society, Emerald Coast Hospice, Lisa Liebe, Jim Coppenger, and so many others for all the tender care and love she received in her twilight years. Many priceless thanks to her children, especially Robert and Maria for being onsite in FL to graciously assist with her care at a moment's notice for years.

In lieu of formal service, the family will be honoring their parents' wishes by gathering and combining her ashes with her late husband and laying them to rest together in some of their favorite places.

The family is eternally grateful for all the kindness that has been shown to our mother and to our family.

In lieu of flowers please make honorary gifts to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ()

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