BEVERLY FAE HORTON YATES

Beverly Horton Yates, aka Bev, Mom, Nana, of Fort Worth passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 1, 2024. Our world has lost a beautiful soul with a dazzling smile, quick wit, and tireless enthusiasm for service to family and community.

Beverly Fae Horton was born April 11, 1947 in Sherman, the only child of Lula Fae Horton (née George) and Charles Clifton Horton. Beverly graduated from Sherman High School in 1965, enrolled at Texas Christian University for her freshman year, and pledged Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, a sisterhood to which she would hold a lifelong devotion. She transferred to University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1968 with a dual degree in Classical Latin and English. She began her career in Houston, where she taught Latin in public schools for several years before changing paths to the fashion, design, and art worlds. By 1980, Beverly had established her own art consulting company, Fine Art Associates.

After relocating to Austin in 1983, Beverly married John Leslie Yates, originally of Fort Worth, and became Mom to Ashley. In 1986, the family resettled in Fort Worth and son Andrew was born the following year. In addition to motherhood and active involvement in her children’s schools, Beverly found a passion for civic and philanthropic endeavors, with particular dedication to the Gladney Center for Adoption, Child Study Center, Zeta Tau Alpha, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and Fort Worth Country Day School. Beverly served on the board of Gladney and was elected chair 2005-2006. She was also on the board at Country Day for several years. With the Zeta Tau Alpha alumnae chapter, she spearheaded the establishment of the Patsy Ellis Roach Memorial Scholarship, in honor of a pledge sister who passed away far too soon. This award is given annually to a particularly deserving member of the Zeta chapter at TCU. Beverly truly loved her Zeta sisters and remained close with many of them for her entire life.

Beverly was smart, creative, independent, beautiful, hilarious, very fun, hardworking, and loyal. She had close friends and family all over the country and never missed a birthday, anniversary, or other milestone. In every capacity, Beverly was a shining star who was devoted to helping others. She will be missed more than words can say.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Lula and Clif Horton. 

She is survived by her husband, John Yates of Fort Worth; daughter, Ashley Yates Gunther of Richmond, VA and her husband, Paul; son, Andrew Charles Yates of Mansfield and his wife, Kassandra; and Beverly’s two beloved grandsons, Andrew Michael Yates and Charles Conrad Gunther. Additional survivors include Beverly’s dear cousin, Yvonne Davis Kekuna and her husband Bill, and their sons, Kevin, Kristopher, Kyle, and Keith Kekuna; as well as Ashley Rainwater and Cameron Grizzle, whose parents were the late Kayrene and Grady Grizzle. All of their spouses and children were also adored by Beverly. Further beloved surviving family includes sister-in-law, Shirley Yates Turner and her husband, Wesley; brother-in-law, Charles Yates and his wife, Rosetta; as well as nieces, Sara Camp, Leslie Zimpelman, and Taylor Yates; nephew, Paolo Yates, and all of their spouses and children.

The Yates family extends deepest gratitude to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital and Community Healthcare of Texas in Fort Worth for their exceptional level of care in Beverly’s final days. The family is also thankful for their kind support of Beverly’s closest loved ones as they all grieved a devastating loss.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Beverly’s life is scheduled for 2 pm Friday, April 12, 2024, First Presbyterian Church, 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth.

In lieu of flowers, the Yates family suggests donations in Beverly’s memory be made to the Gladney Center for Adoption, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, or another charity of your choosing.