of Lexa, AR
September 25, 1950 - June 15, 2025
Gail Patricia Yates was born in Prairie Grove, Arkansas on September 25, 1950 to Jim and Myrna Fancher and passed away on June 15, 2025 peacefully at her home in Lexa.
After graduating from Kingston High School, she received her bachelor's degree from Arkansas Tech University and then later received her master's degree from Delta State University.
She settled in West Helena where she was a dedicated coach and PE teacher in the Elaine and Helena-West Helena School Districts for over forty years.
She was a devoted mother and ''Nanny'' to her children and seven grandchildren who she loved dearly. She loved cooking, planning family get-togethers and spending time on her family's farm in Kingston, Arkansas. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kingston.
Survivors include her two sons, Chuck Yates (Brandi) of Marianna, Arkansas and Jimmy Yates of Lexa, Arkansas; one daughter, Misty Yates Dissinger (Josh) of Little Rock, Arkansas; two sisters, Jean Fancher (Fred) of Kingston, AR and Jimaleah Boyers of New Braunfels, Texas; one brother, Butch Fancher (Brenda) of Kingston; seven grandchildren, Adalyn Finley, Odin and Conrad Dissinger, Cutter and Bowen Yates, Tobi and Bretlee Yates and a host of very loved nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Myrna Fancher and one brother, Tommy Fancher.
The family would like to thank Kim Hudson for her care as well as Legacy Hospice.
Pallbearers will be Cliff Fancher, Max Light, James Eaton, Nathan Ogden, Jensen Dunn, Creighton Ralls and Josh Dissinger.
A visitation for Gail Yates will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas. A graveside service will be held at Kingston Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Kingston, Arkansas. Brother Nathan Ogden and Brother James Eaton will officiate.
Services will be directed by the staff of Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
Sign Guestbook
27 Condolence(s)
Barbara King
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Jimmy, Chuck and Misty…I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a sweet lady, and will be missed by all who new her. May God keep you in his care now, and all the days ahead.
Linda Schaffhauser
Thursday, June 19, 2025
I was one of Ms. Yates first students when she started teaching in West Helena. I was also her neighbor. She was a great teacher & a friend to this former student.
I went with her when she had Chuck to her 6 weeks doctor appointment to watch him. I really loved her. I'm so sorry for all of your loss. Linda Schaffhauser
Billie Yates
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Gay was a fun person and I am sure she was an excellent teacher.
Nikki Mooney
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Mrs. Yates was my PE teacher at JF Wahl. I loved her class. It's where I first realized I was good at basketball and the reason I became a PE teacher myself.
Rest well!
Karen Helton Herrington
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
My condolences to all of Mrs. Yates family. I was her student at JFWahl. I loved her dearly. She was such a sweet and gentle soul. She was always encouraging my shy self and getting me to participate. I remember making a rope of rubber bands and then playing a jumping game with them, kickball and squaredancing. She we would be this lil shotry's partner with her tall self. I believe God called and angel back home. Msy you find comfort in God in your time of loss. Thank you for sharing her with so many of us.
Ricky and Rhoda Clifton
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
We're so sorry about Gail. She was a wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Kathy Snyder
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Gail and I worked together at Wahl for several years. So sorry for her passing. She was my friend and a friend to many. May God comfort your family.
Daniel and Wanda Henson
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Chuck, Jimmy, Misty and families
We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Spent a lot of time together at the ball fields when all of you were young and we would see each other at Wal-Mart occasionally.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Tobi Brooke
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
I am so broken knowing that you have left nanny! I AM GOING TO MISS YOU SO MUCH! I am going to miss the laughter you brought into our family! I love you and miss you so much nanny! '"
Billy Gray and Ann Billingsley
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Jimmy and Chuck, I am so sorry for your loss! I know she will be dearly missed by all of your family. She was a great lady!
Evelyn Thomas
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. RIL Mrs. Yates!!!
Judy Griffin
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
I have fond memories of Gail ! She made a ceramic green Christmas tree for our family when I was Jimmy's 4 th grade teacher!! She was a kind , thoughtful lady ! My condolences to her family!
Terrie Fancher McQuistan
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Gail ,was a cousin I was very blessed to have. The closest to me in age. A lot of my very best childhood memories were with her and Jean. Hugs to each of you family members. I 'm responsible for a Memorial Luncheon that same day here in Oregon, so won't be able to attend, but my heart is with each of you and I'll be praying for you in Oregon. '"🙏
Daphne Burt
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Jimmy, so sorry for your lost. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Lynette Burt Murphy
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Jimmy and family:
I am so sorry to see the loss of Gail. I always loved chatting with her when we got the chance. Such a nice, fun lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you.
Jean Ficht
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Wonderful sister! Will miss her dearly but know that she is in a better place. Chuck, Jimmy and Misty you all had the best mother ever. Prayers for all!
Kristin & Nathan Reed
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
To all of the family,
We are saddened to hear of Gail's passing, but know that she is now in a better place - restored to perfect health and peace. Praying for all of the family in the coming days. With much love, The Reed family
Joyce Hogan
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
I had the pleasure of teaching with Mrs. Yates at J. F. Wahl. She was highly professional and loved doing activities for her students. She actually taught physical education. Later we would run into each other at a store and she usually had done granddaughters with her. My prayers are for your family to receive God's strength, comfort and peace.
Tobi Brooke
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
I am so broken knowing that you have left nanny! I AM GOING TO MISS YOU SO MUCH! I am going to miss the laughter you brought into our family! I love you and miss you so much nanny! '"
Kelly Jones
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
So very sorry your loss. Prayers for all of you.
Kelly Jones
Daphne Burt
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Jimmy, so sorry for your lost. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Mike Mathis
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Chuck, Jimmy and Misty. I'm so sorry. Your mom was a good lady and will be missed by all.
Pam White
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Misty,
I'm so sorry on the loss of your sweet mom. May God grant you peace and comfort in the days ahead. ✝️🙏🏻
Diann Lederman
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Jimmy,
Pat and I are so sorry to hear about your Mom.
You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat nd Diann Lederman
Troy and Phyllis
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Priscilla McDaniel
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Prayers🙏🏽
Jimaleah Fancher Boyers
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
My heart is broken to know this beautiful loving lady is no longer a part of our lives. I will always hear her contagious and mischievous laugh. My love to her children and the grands she worshipped. Family is everything!