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Isaiah Yates Obituary

Isaiah "Zay" Yates, 17, of Vanceboro, passed away Friday, February 12, 2016.
As a Senior at West Craven High School, he was an honor student, football player, and role model on and off the field. His dream was to play college football, and on February 3, 2015, his dream became his reality when he signed a football scholarship at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC.
He is survived by his mother Karen George; his father John George and fiancé Crystal; brothers Johnathan George Jr. and Sergio Carter; sister Kayleigh George; aunt Natasha Abdullah; uncle Bobby Baker, Jr.; grandparents Vickie and Lawrence Murphy, Leo George, Mary George, Beth and Bobby Baker, Carolyn and Art Helmick, and Johnnie and Martha Peele. Cousin and best friend Aaliyah Wright.
Funeral service will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at West Craven High School. Burial will follow in Harris Family Cemetery in Vanceboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cotten Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.
Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun Journal from Feb. 16 to Mar. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Isaiah Yates

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RD

March 1, 2016

I am truly very sorry for the loss of your loved one and wish to send my sincere condolences to your family May drawing close to God in prayer bring you comfort and peace knowing that he cares for you.

Dorothy Satchwell

February 24, 2016

Gone but never will be forgotten, RIP young man.

Dorothy Satchwell

February 24, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Johnie Lee

February 22, 2016

Will truly miss the smile, Awesome young man.

Amanda Darden

February 21, 2016

Such a great young man gone far to soon, he and CJ were two awesome kids, I know they are still best friends in heaven as well.

Amanda Darden, Clayton, NC

sierra daughton

February 20, 2016

Such a great person gone too soon. He will never be forgotten.

February 20, 2016

There are no right words at times like this, just know you are all our thoughts and prayers. Miss Ruth & James Rinka (New Bern, NC)

Lisa & Brittany Stevens

February 18, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss may God bless your family and keep you strong. You will be in our prayers.

Kristie Montford

February 18, 2016

Although I did not know Isaiah, my step son and nephews did. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Keeping the family in prayer for strength, comfort and peace. God bless you

February 18, 2016

My husband and I are so sorry for your loss. Please be assured of remembrance in our prayers.
Gloria Schraud and Jim Brown

K Hodges-Grimes

February 18, 2016

My prays & thoughts are still with the family at their time of sorrow.By the words I have read God gained a great angel to help him watch over everyone.I pray God give the family & friends strength to stay strong as they make it through this rough patch in their life

Beverly Rickard

February 18, 2016

My heart goes out to you and your family...we are going through the same thing. Prayers for you All

Gwen Bland

February 18, 2016

Karen, God will always give you peace. Isaiah was such a amazing young man. You can take credit for alot of that. Please know that our prayers are with you and yours.

Murphy

February 18, 2016

May this light shine down on you forever as a symbol your lil boy is with you always.

Gerri Manning

February 17, 2016

I didn't know Isaiah but I have a cousin that was gonna be graduating with him this year. So sad that it happened. But now he is in a much better place waiting on all of us to get there with him. Praying for the family, friends, school, etc.

WEST SIDE REPRESENT

February 17, 2016

God has called another one of His angels home....

Stephanie Galloway

February 17, 2016

May God continue to wrap his arms around Isaiah's family. God must have needed a Leader for his Heavenly football team. My prayers are with you all as my heart breaks for your pain.

Corrina Smith

February 17, 2016

Such a remarkable young man that touched so many lives my thoughts and prayers are with you,family and friends

Crystal Carter

February 17, 2016

Crystal Carter

February 17, 2016

I may not have gave birth to you but you were my son. I love you more than words could ever express. Save a spot for me and your dad sweet angel...

Crystal Carter

February 17, 2016

February 17, 2016

May God be with your family.

February 17, 2016

R.I.P. young man. I know you are dancing in the sky and know that the residents of eastern carolina and surrounding areas are praying for you family as you look down from above!!

Natasha Barfield

February 17, 2016

May you rest in peace and may God send your family peace, love and comfort durning this time.

Jessica Wiggins

February 17, 2016

So sorry for your loss, I know he was a great kid with big dreams, God knows best...Fly high baby boy...yall are in my prayers...

Earleen Haddock

February 17, 2016

You will be truly missed. God has gain another angel.

February 17, 2016

I'm so sorry for your loss cuz. May God continue to give you and the family peace and blessings during this most difficult time. God Bless!

February 17, 2016

My prayers for your family.

Teresa Kirby

February 17, 2016

My sincere condolences go out to all the family and friends of this beautiful young man. My heart aches for you all and I pray that the good Lord will help you through these difficult times. I lost 2 sons in car accidents and I know your pain. My youngest son, Brian Kirby, also played football for WC so I'm sure they are having quite a game in heaven. God bless you all and know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Nasmira Lawrence

February 17, 2016

Fly High Baby Boy

Mary Jennings

February 17, 2016

Praying for your family

Pamela Griffin Brown

February 17, 2016

Iam so sorry for the lost in your family....I pray that God gives you all peace that you knew not of.....Love you all my family...GOD BLESS....

Gabriella Taylor

February 17, 2016

Man Isaiah you were so bold, You were never afraid to speak that mind of yours, you always expressed your feelings to me, Every since Cody trained you and Cee yall have been bold on the field and yall never ever as long as you guys lived dissappointed me out there, I know youll tell me all about it when I see you again fly high man, I love you man.

Gabriella Taylor

February 17, 2016

Man Isaiah you were so bold, You were never afraid to speak that mind of yours, you always expressed your feelings to me, Every since Cody trained you and Cee yall have been bold on the field and yall never ever as long as you guys lived dissappointed me out there, I know youll tell me all about it when I see you again fly high man, I love you man.

Gabriella Taylor

February 17, 2016

Isaiah, man you were so cool, you laughed alot, you were never afraid to express your feelings to me, you were just so awesome and you were the perfect role model for my brother, every since Cody trained you and Ceejay yall were pros on the field, but i know youll tell me all about it when I see you again, I love you man and fly high.

Erica Fenderson

February 17, 2016

My sincere condolences at this time. Prayers to the family for peace.

February 17, 2016

Sorry for your lost. Such a wonderful child gone to soon. RIP

Calandra Murphy

February 17, 2016

So sorry for your lost
Praying for your family

Pamela Harper Jackson

February 17, 2016

May God bless the family during your time of sorrow.

Crystal Brown

February 17, 2016

I'm sorry for your loss

Sharon C. Bryant

February 17, 2016

I want you to know that I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere Condolences.

Shell Peele - Spivey

February 17, 2016

To The Family, You have my deepest sympathy. God got all power in his hand and he will help you through this and anything else. Stay with the Lord.

keri che conway

February 17, 2016

In my Thoughts Always...

Jennifer Suggs

February 17, 2016

Rest In Paradise!!!! Praying for the strength of your family!!!!

Lillie Pearl Newsome

February 17, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Amy Mendenhall

February 17, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lacante Coates

February 17, 2016

I can't attend the service but your family is in my prayers

Crowe family

February 17, 2016

Rest peacefully, our prayers are with your family.

Carolyn Gray

February 17, 2016

I send my condolences and have been praying and will continue for this family. I have never met this young man personally, but as a parent of three adult children, it is my honor to be able to acknowledge that we are all one in God's sight.I also lived in New Bern for many years and my children attended west Craven,so this still hits home for me. Blessings to each of you and may God keep you protectively in his arms.

Billi Elks

February 17, 2016

May God comfort his family and loved ones as only God can do. Zay touched so many lives...He was and still is a ROLE MODEL for many many people.#OTV STRONG!!!!! RIP sweet boy. Now you're playing football on a field made of gold.

Billi Elks, Greenville, NC

Michael Moore

February 17, 2016

Unit,

The entire Calibration Community and all your friends in Building 84 are touched by the loss of such a fine young man! Please know that we pray for comfort for you, Bobby, and the family. Please know that your friends grieve and cry with you. Hugs!

Larry Koonce

February 17, 2016

Missing he little quite guy at cougar football practice. Fly high my friend!

Keiona Hall

February 17, 2016

You will be truly missed

Vickie Brimmer

February 17, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Praying that God gives you peace, understanding, and strength

Paige Gibbs Lexi Pugh

February 17, 2016

Karen, John, and the rest of Isaiah's family, My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family and community. I pray God provides comfort and peace in the days to come.

shannon stancil

February 17, 2016

So sorry for your loss praying for your family

Donna Canada

February 17, 2016

I watched you become a handsome young man in what seemed like no time you were a blessing to all that knew you

Johnson Effierie

February 17, 2016

May the family be strengthened by the comfort of the Lord. God has chosen a glorious journey for Isaiah; the mansion has already been prepared.

Ryan Harris

February 17, 2016

TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF ISAIAH YATES, I SEND MY PRAYERS AND LOVE. #OTVSTRONG #18

deborah kania

February 17, 2016

Holding Isaiah and all who loved him in my heart.

Andrew Collins

February 17, 2016

On behalf of the Pastor (Rev Andrew L. Collins) our deepest sympathy during this time

Pamela Gray

February 17, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Isaiah's family and friends. May you find comfort in the memories and the mark this young man left on our community. My daughter is a classmate and spoke of Zay often - he will always be a part of the WCHS Class of 2016.

Kaleb Clark

February 17, 2016

Zay, my prayers go out to your family always. I love you bro and you will forever be missed. Rest easy and watch over me as I honor your life and dreams by living the lifestyle we dreamed about. Rest in paradise. Ya boy Kaleb

Charles & Renee Whittaker

February 17, 2016

We love you, you were just like one of our sons!!! It's hard for all of us right now, but we know God doesn't make mistakes!!! Your earthly assignment was finished, God had bigger plans for you!!! Rest easy Zay!!! To the parents, we know exactly how you feel, but I know God will bring us through this...God bless you all.

Nelson Dale

February 17, 2016

My prayers are with the family, may God continue to be with you during this time of loss.

Juanita Powell

February 17, 2016

Mrs Martha Vickie and family I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Grandson our prayers are with you and your family May God continue to keep your family in his arms

The Garrards

February 17, 2016

There are no words to express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Although we have never met this remarkable young man, the outpour of support from friends, the community, and acquaintances from near and far enlighten us of how special he really is. I don't use "was" because his memories will live on in your hearts forever. No parent should ever have to bury their child but take comfort in knowing that you brought this wonderful life into the world and you so selflessly shared him with so many whose lives were enriched just by knowing your gift. We pray for your comfort, your understanding on days when the pain is unbearable, and your strength to move forward in Isaiah's memory. God bless you from our family to yours.

Kristalee Gray

February 16, 2016

Karen....John John and Crystal my prayers are with you. My heart hurts for y'all and for your children. K is in my Kadens class and he is sad too... My heart hurts for the brothers they left behind (football) BC we know what its like to lose friends early.... But be proud. Y'all raised an extraordinary respectful young man. He had manners and was never disrespectful ... We have been praying for the families in church. We will never understand why the Lord takes the babies but they are resting in the presence of the Lord and that's a blessing. I ask that the Lord puts His hedge of protection around you and gives you the comfort only He can..

Gwen Williams

February 16, 2016

Are prayer are with you and your family. May God continue be with in your time of mourning. The Williams family

Genevieve Hunter

February 16, 2016

To the family and friends of Isaiah. I work with youth in Craven County and did not know Isaiah. I saw a glimpse of who he was-his beautiful smile and read about what a great young man he was. Please know that we are here grieving with you all. To all who are mourning and searching for answers in this time of tragedy and loss -we are with you. Wishing you solace at this sad time. Peace be with you.

Christine Anderson

February 16, 2016

To the family of Isaiah Yates,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

Yvonne Downing-Armond

February 16, 2016

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We pray that the love of God enfolds you during this journey of grief. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of your loved one. Love, Your Family in Christ, "Word In Truth Fellowship Ministries," Pastor, Yvonne Downing-Armond.

Vicki Stewart

February 16, 2016

I did not know either of these young men, or their families. But this story has touched my heart deeply and I mourn with you. God always 'picks the prettiest flowers first'. He must have needed these young men to be with Him. We will never understand on this earth why they were taken so young and all I can say, that as mother, I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are experiencing. But know that people who knew them, and people like myself, who did not have been greatly touch and your families are being lifted up in prayer. God will strengthen you.

Pamela Simmons-Beatty

February 16, 2016

To the family,. I did not know this handsome person with such a promising future; my prayers are extended to you. We don't know why things happen in life but God knows and he always knows what's best. Only time will heal your pain. Trust in God always during this difficult time.

Donna Campbell

February 16, 2016

Karen, John, Crystal , Little Johnathan, Kayleigh.... Myself, JT, Georgeanna, & Matthew send our thoughts, Love , & prayers to you ALL!!!!! Our hearts are so heavy but our love is strong!!! We are so Blessed to have known such a sweet soul, and we are truly Blessed to have been part of the special family there with Ruby & Doc, Robert, Darlene and so many more...WE LOVE YOU AND HOLD YOU DEAR IN OUR HEARTS!!!!

Antrea Harris

February 16, 2016

I may not have known Isaiah for the longest he was one of the greatest, happiest person I have ever known.

Morgan Tyson

February 16, 2016

To the family of Isaiah Lee Yates
I am so sorry for your loss. Isaiah was a remarkable human being. I will always cherish the times that I shared with Isaiah. He laughed with me when I was laughing and he cried with me when I was crying. I really couldn't have asked for a better shoulder to lean on. My first day at West Craven High School, I had the pleasure of meeting Isaiah in the halls. Even though I was a complete stranger, he greeted me with the most welcoming smile that I had ever seen. I know that I can't make the pain go away, but I will do anything in my power to help with the grieving process.

With you in sorrow,
Morgan Tyson

Alexander Davis

February 16, 2016

Dear friends and family Isaiah

This is hard times for many but few feel what you are going through. I will keep you in my thoughts during these hard times. I will miss him. I was saddened to hear about isaiah's passing, my thoughts are with you and your family.

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him. Your son blessed so many people with his faith and kindness. Praying that you'll find comfort in your memories of him and in the knowledge that others are missing him, too


With you in sorrow, Alexander Davis

Isaac Jones

February 16, 2016

Dear Family of Isaiah Lee Yates
I feel so sorry for your loss things will get better and i may not have known Isaiah very well but I be do know that he did a lot for the school and he will be missed very much.

with you in sorrow, Isaac Jones

WCHS STUDENT

February 16, 2016

I am sorry for the loss of isaiah, he was a very bright kid with a very bright smile, Keeping his family in my prayers

Brandy Wayne

February 16, 2016

My prayers go out to the family & friends.

Mya Whitfield

February 16, 2016

Although I did not know your loved one so well, I known him from West Craven High and I was saddened to hear that your son passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family.Your son blessed so many people with his fun-loving and kind spirit. Praying that you'll find comfort in your memories of him and in the knowledge that others are missing him, too.

~God bless you, and I will be keeping you in my prayers,
Mya Whitfield

Shelby Thomas

February 16, 2016

To the family of Isaiah Lee Yates (Zay),

I am so sorry for your loss. Love knows no boundaries. Even those that divide heaven and earth. So whenever you are feeling sad, just remember your hearts are connected together no matter where and what. I know Zay is watching over all of us and being the angel he was and is.

Kimberly McIntyre

February 16, 2016

Remembering a phenomenal student and a wonderful person. Praying for strength and comfort during this time.

Kimberly McIntyre- WCHS

Vickie Whitford

February 16, 2016

Vickie, Leo and Family,
What a tragic loss of such a young life and a great young man on his way to whatever he dreamed. I know he will be greatly missed but God has a plan for him and C.J. He is now one of God's Angels looking down on you all as you go along with your lives. My prayers and love are with all of you during this difficult time. May Gods love surround you. Love, Vickie Whitford

Antonio "Tony" Bryan

February 16, 2016

Prayers for the family.

John Griffin

February 16, 2016

To the family of isaiah Yates
I am very sorry for your lost. I can't imagine what you are going through and what you are feeling. I didn't know him that well, but I did know that he was a great football player and student. Many people were always talking about how funny and friendly he was. I am very sad I didn't know him. My prayers go out to you.
He is gone, but he will never be forgotten

Erik Estrada

February 16, 2016

What an amazing person and remarkable life Isaiah had. He was a great student and wonderful football player. Isaiah always had a smile and kept everybody motivated and happy. Gone but never forgotten.

Ada Chatman

February 16, 2016

We send our love, prayers, and condolences to the family Sister Ada & Elder Slade Chatman

Mia Jones

February 16, 2016

"Remembering your wonderful son Isaiah and wishing you comfort. Your son was an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him. Him just walking around the school smiling and greeting everyone that come near him. He had so much love for everyone. Just wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers will go out especially on this day."

Sandra Webster

February 16, 2016

I'm truly sorry for your loss. It was a blessing to have known such a wonderful person. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. Gone but never forgotten. Long live Zay.

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