Phyllis J. Yates of Nitro passed away Friday, July 22, 2011, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

She graduated from Nitro High School in 1944 and Charleston School of Commerce. Was a former employee of McClanahan Insurance, Insurance Exchange, and later was a care giver in the area.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Bertha Steele Drake; sisters, Catherine Drake, Geraldine Drake, Ruth Drake Gandee.

She is survived by her children, Beverly Stamper and husband Don of East Bank, Johnny Yates and wife Ginny of Hiriam, GA, Miriam Thornton and husband Rick of Charleston, Sally McDonald and husband Mike of Hurricane; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and one on the way; sisters, Delores Burdette and husband Clarence of Cross Lanes, Carol Young and husband Charles of St. Albans; sisters in law, Garnet Yates of Poca, June Yates of Sissonville, Betty Yates Deen of Eleanor.

Special thanks to Sadie Bonnet and family, Beaulah Redman, and Hospice Care.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, July 29, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 28, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.