Wilma Jo Yancy

Wilma Jo Tate Yancy, born on Saturday, October 23, 1948 in Jonesboro, Arkansas., earned her eternal wings and ascended Home to be with the Lord, her mother, and her father on Friday, December 11, 2020. Loved by many and affectionately called "Wilma Jo" by her siblings and loved ones, she and her peers helped to pioneer social justice movements in Jonesboro that broke barriers during pivotal times in our history, including integration and The Great Migration. She was the first Black student to receive a diploma at the 1966 Jonesboro High School graduation ceremony. Wilma Jo was baptized at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas by Rev. W. Lindsey at a young age and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior with a firm belief she carried throughout her life. She sang in the church choir and she loved reading the Bible and praying for and with others. Wilma Jo was blessed with five children, Travis Joe Albert Howard, Magnus Jonathan McDonald Yancy III, Ramona Viola Yancy, Edwin Arthur Yancy, and Terica Dion Scott. She was the eldest child of Albert Tate, Jr. and Thelma Jean Tate. The couple had another daughter, Teresa Tate Williams and had three sons, Albert Tate Jr., Curtis Tate, and Arthur Tate. She was raised alongside cousins as their big sister , Ervin Phillips, Birdie Mae King, Jo Allen Sinks. She had an older brother, the late Albert E. Tate. She also had a sister, Coetta Columbo and a brother, Jerry Oliver. Wilma Jo called Jonesboro 'home' throughout her life, and her bold and free spirit took her to Chicago, Illinois, Liberia, Africa, Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Atlanta, Georgia. Known for her down to earth spirit and sense of humor, those who enjoyed time with Wilma Jo can recall her warm laugh, kind spirit, and true joy for life. Often the life of the party, everyone could feel her magnetic presence in any room she shared. She loved to sing and performed as a backup singer for a prominent soul group in Chicago. Wilma Jo will always be remembered as a rare soul with a heart full of love, she will be remembered for the way she touched those she came across along her journey. Wilma Jo attended Booker T. Washington School before integrating into Jonesboro High School. She also studied at Arkansas State University. She retired from AT&T in 2001 with over 25 years of service and received recognition alongside her colleagues throughout her career for her work as a switchboard and telephone operator. She found a new passion for caring for seniors, and worked as a home health caregiver for after retirement. A beloved matriarch, Wilma Jo leaves behind three generations including 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren who love her dearly and affectionately. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart and they all affectionately knew her as "Granny". She inspired a host of loved ones who will miss her dearly as well as a host of cousins, close friends, colleagues, and neighbors whose lives she touched as only she could. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, sister (Birdie Mae King), two brothers (Albert E. Tate and Joe Allen Sinks) and two grandsons.