Wanda "Honey Faye" Yates

Wanda “Honey Faye” Andrews Yates, 89, went home to her heavenly Father on Wednesday January 20, 2021. She was born on January 6, 1932 in Lafollette, TN to Henry B. and Marie Byrd Andrews. Her family moved to Lake City, TN and she met the love of her life Walter Yates. They were married for over 52 years until his death in 2001. She was full of laughter, full of life and full of love. Honey Faye loved to travel. She visited over 45 countries. We all enjoyed listening to her stories of fun and adventure from her travels.

For many years she was the president of the Women’s Professional Business Association. She was the sales manager at Video Hospital where she sold TVs, Appliances, and Central Heating and Air Units. She also worked for the Connatser Brothers. She was a member of the Smokey Mountain Passion Play Board of Directors, where she served as Secretary for many years. Passion Play was performed in Townsend, TN and it was a wonderful outdoor production of the life of Jesus. Her family were members of Madison Avenue Baptist for over 30 years. Honey Faye was an inspiration of faith to friends, family, co-workers, those in her Sunday School class, youth group, WMU with adult ladies or choir members. When she sang “How Great Thou Art” you would feel a little closer to Heaven. She was widely known for her generous heart, an exceptional work ethic, her contagious smile, and a selfless love for her family and friends. Her children were privileged to watch their mother live an exemplary Christian life. “She was the kindest, most patient, most unselfish person we have ever known.” Her devotion to her family, their dedication to her, and her unwavering faith in God supported her throughout her journey, and ultimately gave her peace. Honey Faye, “fought the good fight, she finished the course, and she kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

In addition to her mother and father, she is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Walter B. Yates Jr.; children Danny, Ronnie, and Karinna; brothers Joe Carl Andrews and Virgil Lee Andrews and sister Paulline (Polly) Andrews Nichols.

She is survived by her son Donnie Yates and wife Connie of Cleveland, TN; grandchildren Cara (Devin) Maddox of Nolensville, TN; Kelsey (John) Prose of Rainsville, AL; Nick (Morgan) Yates of Maryville, TN; Courtney (Nakul) Yates Chaturvedi of Woodside, NY; brother in law Bill Nichols; brother Bobby Frank (Nancy) Andrews, and special niece Gaye (Gerry) Nichols Lundy; great grandchildren: Duke, Shepherd, and Wolfe Maddox, Nora and Evelyn Prose, Ariya and Ellora Chaturvedi, and Raegan, Harvey, Kimbal, and Vallen Yates. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. The family would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to Tiffany Sawyer and the Signature Healthcare of Cleveland for love and tender care of Honey Faye.

A celebration of Honey Faye’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Monday January 25, 2021 in the chapel of Sherwood Memorial Gardens located at 3176 Airport Highway, Alcoa, TN. The family will receive friends from 2:00pm until the 3:00pm service in the chapel at Sherwood. The family request that mask are worn at the service and social distancing is practiced as much as possible.
The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Honey Faye Yates.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Honey Faye or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home Cleveland Chapel is honored to assist the Yates family with these arrangements.