Janet (Jeanette) was born to Willie Yancey and Annie Mae Porter Yancey on January 21, 1948, in Round Pond, Arkansas. She was the youngest of nine children.
Janet transitioned from this earthly life to her new life on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Hanson Hospice Center.
Janet spent her childhood in Arkansas with her siblings and father. In 1961at the age of thirteen she relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan when her father passed away. She was welcomed into the home of her oldest sister Dorothy Burton McCoy and husband Hal.
She immediately became, the big sister to their children. Janet enrolled in the Benton Harbor School system and graduated from Benton Harbor High School. Janet was the fun-loving auntie to all of her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed laughing and playing with them. She had a witty sense of humor and was a music enthusiast. She would challenge us in naming all the Motown hits and who recorded them.
Janet relocated to Chicago to live with her other sister, Mildred Nelson for a short time. While she was there her easygoing personality and love for children landed her the position as a live-in nanny to a prominent Chicago family. After a few years, Janet relocated to South Bend, Indiana to be close to her sister Lois. There she met and married Chester Tates and one son was born to this union. Janet eventually returned to Benton Harbor where she became a member of the Refreshing Fountains COGIC where her nephew, Bishop Melvin Burton is pastor.
Janet was known for her exceptional baking skills especially her tea cakes and sweet bread. In her last years, she made her way back to her sister Dorothy’s home. They were a great company to one another. She remained there until a couple of weeks before she transitions. In her last days, she assured everyone that she was at peace with her Savior and was ready to go and be with him.
Many loved and cherished her life.
Her memory will forever live in the hearts of her son Brandon Lee Yancy Tates. Her sisters, Dorothy McCoy, Mildred Nelson, and Lois Evans. Her grandchildren, Brandon Lee Yancy Tates II, and Jy-keria Tates. Her many nieces and nephews, cousins, and her Care Giver, Tawanna Taylor. Close friends Rose Lee, Helen Mitchell, Dorothy Whitfield, and the Pollard family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, ST Logan, Jr. Porter, WilEdward Yancey, and Curtis(Otis) Yancey. Sister Ruby Lee Burton, nephews, Walter Nelson Jr., Robert Earl Hatten, Lamar Nelson, and niece Mary Helen James.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Services
NO SERVICES TO BE HELD