Brenda Patrice Yates

Brenda Patrice Yates, fondly known as Patty Bird, was a loving, honest, and deeply compassionate woman who passed away on June 4, 2026. She lived a life marked by unwavering faith, remarkable empathy, and a passion for genuine connection. Brenda’s legacy is woven into the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched through her work and engagements.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Brenda was raised in Baton Rouge by Wilson DeBose Sr. and Irene (Kimball) DeBose. Growing up with her brother Wilson DeBose Jr., Brenda learned the values of integrity and faith that shaped her life. She attended Robert E. Lee High School before pursuing higher education at Louisiana State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Child Education.

Her early years revealed a bright and observant child who paid close attention to character and actions, foreshadowing her lifelong gift for understanding people. She committed and developed a personal relationship with the Lord at 18 while in college. Brenda also possessed an extraordinary memory and had a unique way of making others feel truly seen and heard. This gift, combined with her sincere and honest nature, earned her lifelong respect and deep friendships.

Brenda’s calling to serve others was evident in her career. After completing her degree, she worked as a social worker in Baton Rouge and later in Columbus, Ohio. She also served as an educator for the Pregnancy Distress Center in Columbus, sharing her passion for supporting vulnerable mothers and children.

In addition to her professional work, Brenda was a dedicated real estate agent, proudly helping her own family purchase their first home. She also embraced the role of homeschool teacher for her three children, tailoring their education with love, patience, and commitment.

Her career was a reflection of her values — integrity, compassion, and a desire to relieve the oppressed and vulnerable, inspired by her deeply held Christian faith.

Brenda met her husband, Ronald Yates Jr., through Maranatha Campus Ministries on a college outreach. Their first date was a joyful adventure exploring Cincinnati and sharing a memorable dinner. Their love blossomed quickly, culminating in their wedding on July 22, 1989.

Together, Brenda and Ronald built a home filled with faith and love. They raised three wonderful children — Ronald III (affectionately known as Trae), Kristin, and Elijah — nurturing them with prayer, open communication, and unconditional support.

Brenda was an evolving mother, always open to learning and growing alongside her children. She valued genuine connection and sought to foster independence and integrity in them. Her children remember her as a praying mother, a steadfast supporter, and a teacher whose honesty and transparency shaped their lives.

Among their fondest family memories were vacations to Florida, Utah, and California, as well as a special 2018 trip to Europe where Brenda and Kristin fulfilled a lifelong dream visiting Paris. Brenda loved these moments of connection, and her family cherishes the lasting memories she created.

Brenda found joy and spiritual connection through nature, especially gardening and bird watching. Flowers brought a special light to her life, symbolizing her relationship with God. After a challenging surgery later in life, puzzles became one of her favorite ways to stay mentally sharp while also enjoying quiet moments of reflection. She also loved and shopping for antiques.

Travel was another passion, with the Europe trip considered a treasured adventure. Holiday traditions, including making gumbo, hosting game nights, and celebrating Mother’s Day, were deeply meaningful to Brenda and her family, anchoring them in love and togetherness.

A devout Christian, Brenda’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She treasured the Bible verse Isaiah 1:17-18, especially the invitation to “reason together” with God, reflecting her thoughtful and sincere approach to spirituality.

Her life was guided by values of integrity, generosity, compassion, and justice. Brenda believed in doing the right thing even when no one was watching and pursued a life of meaningful connection and service. Her unwavering faith inspired her to stand with the oppressed and care deeply for others, particularly children and families.

Brenda’s candid honesty and humor created moments of both levity and deep connection. Known for “letting her truth get the best of her,” she once bravely confronted a woman in a mall, passionately standing up for what she believed was right.

She had a special talent for making people feel valued, often recalling conversations from years past, demonstrating her genuine care and attentiveness. Her openness and trust with loved ones allowed candid, heartfelt conversations that revealed her true self honest, vulnerable, and loving.

Brenda’s love extended to those who loved her family. When she met Brielle, Trae’s wife, she embraced her with warmth based on love and care. She also gifted heartfelt tokens of appreciation to friends who supported her family, fostering a community built on mutual respect and generosity.

Brenda’s most enduring legacy is the deep connection she cultivated with her family and friends. Her children cherish having had the chance to know her fully, beyond just the role of their mother appreciating her hopes, dreams, quirks, and the difficult chapters of her life. She revered the Lord and was an ardent intercessor (prayer warrior).

Her love for nature as a conduit to God paralleled her spiritual life, lighting up around flowers and birds. Her faith, integrity, and loving heart continue to inspire those who knew her.

Brenda taught invaluable lessons: to live with integrity, generosity, and conscious awareness of the importance of connection. She urged loved ones not to wait to engage deeply, knowing life’s uncertainty demands that we love actively and without hesitation.

She leaves behind her husband of 36 years, Ronald Yates Jr.; her children Ronald (Brielle) III, Kristin, and Elijah; biological mother Doretha Offord, siblings Debra (Lionel) McCray, Daryl (Mary) Williams, and Howanda Offord; nephew Wilson DeBose Jr.; close aunt Willie Mae (Ann) Kimble; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her Father Wilson DeBose, Mother Irene DeBose, brother Wilson DeBose Sr., and sisters Darlene LaFountaine, Laura (Taddy) Williams, and Yolanda Williams.

Visitation will be held at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 2100 Aberdeen Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 12 noon, followed by a Celebration of Life service
at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, reflecting Brenda’s lifelong commitment to caring for children.

Brenda’s life was a testament to love, faith, and connection. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her integrity, care, and the powerful impact of her life on those she loved.

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