Hattye M. Thomas Yarbrough

November 4, 2024

Mrs. Hattye Yarbrough transitioned Monday, November 4, 2024.

Born August 18, 1921 in Grand Junction (Hardeman County), Tennessee, Hattye was Salutatorian of the Central High School class of 1941 in Paris, TN. She also graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Lane College in 1945 and a Masters of Library Science from George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University.

After graduation, Hattye worked as a Teacher/Librarian in Tipton County Schools for 43 years. Hattye was a lifelong faithful member of the Christian Methodist Church. She was also 75+ Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter.

During World War II, she collected and arranged a scrapbook which was accepted by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. When the museum opened in September 2016, Hattye attended the opening ceremony.

Hattye was preceded in death by her husband, Ordrell Yarbrough

Public viewing to be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at Barlow Funeral Home, 205 North Main Street Covington, TN 38019; 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Funeral to be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Collins Chapel CME Church, 303 W Ripley Street Covington, TN 38019; 11:00 AM

Interment Townsend Cemetery

12 Comments
  1. Ms Yarbrough will forever be missed by thousands of former students. She was a friend, coworker, soro and member of the AIDS club with my mother. The AIDS club was another way Ms Yarbrough gave back through community service and scholarships to deserving African American students. Ms Yarbrough was a guiding influence to black students in Tipton County as we navigated through the struggles of school integration in the 70s for which I am eternally grateful. I will always cherish the opportunity to be counted as one of her students.

    Thank you so much for everything you did for me!

    Tim Donaldson

  2. Mrs. Yarbrough was the kind of lady that every young girl wanted to emulate. She was always so pissed and kind and always helping others to be the best of themselves. She will truly be missed by all the individuals whose lives she touched. Rest in peace, Mrs. Yarbrough.🙏🏾

  3. Condolences to the entire family. Soror Hattye Yarbrough was a jewel. We hold her memories close to our hearts.
    Love Johnnie and Ronesia Davis Robinson and son Trevion💗💗💗

  4. Sending heartfelt condolences to the family of Hattye. I met her several years ago at a funeral for one of my family members . As we talked, she knew some of my ancestors and shared information about them. I spoke to her twice after that meeting on the phone. She was a genuinely kindhearted person and it was an honor to have met her.
    So I hope the family will remember the promise of the resurrection at John 5:28-29, Hosea 13:14, and Isaiah 26:19. These are only a few verses but I hope they will bring the family some comfort .

    was such a warm and kindhearted person

  5. Ms Hattie was such a joy to be around. I am a former member of Beta Epison Omega. Rest in Peace Soror🩷💚

  6. Mrs. Hattye was a fine lady. She was close to my grandparents in Hardeman County but I grew to know her as a member of the Covington Housing Authority Board of Commisdioners.

  7. Rest in peace fellow birthday recipient.

  8. My sincere condolences to the family of my cousin , Hattye . She was the matriarch of the Lowe family and will be greatly missed. Cousin Alma we love you and are praying for you to be blessed. Much love

  9. I’m sadden of the loss of such a phenomenal, brilliant, loving, and gentle soul. Aunt Hattye touched everyone’s hearts. To my sister Lynn, you took very good care of her and I am so grateful to you for that. My heart bleeds for the whole family. Just remember her kindness and that will keep her in your heart forever.

  10. Unfortunately so many of our family members aren’t able to attend this service due to illness and distance from our dearly beloved & departed Hattye M. Thomas Yarbrough…
    Though this has long been expected, it in NO Way reduces the enormous pain that her death brings to ALL of Us, families, friends, acquaintances and those closest to her from various parts of the country and beyond! She has always been a driving force in our lives and a Titan of light 💡 who shined on through out her time amongst Us Here on Earth 🌎!!!

    We will Always Remember Hattye, Her 🤩 Majestic energy and the Loving 🥰 Power She brought to each and every one of Us who knew her and loved 🥰 Her Immensely! She’ll Always Be Loved 🥰 & Remembered for her caring, compassion, kindness, Courage & Commitment to others in particular her Habitat to Humanity efforts in Covington,Alpha Kappa Alpha, Covington Historical Museum, Memphis Grizzlies, Covington Hig School, African American History & Cultural Museum in D.C. and So many other people, places & Things that make us continue to grow & smile 😊…

    I’d like to THANK Her, Hattye M. Thomas Yarbrough for numerous reasons for seeking to make a difference in this world 🌎 for so many people near & far. She has set an brilliant precedent for all to follow in her footsteps to create a Better Humanity Movement across ethnicities, cultures and communities that are more diverse and accepting for All…

    We Love ❤️ 💖 ❤️ YOU Hattye & YOU Will Always Be Remembered As A “War Horse 🐎!” May Our Ancestors, Saints & Angels WELCOME YOU Home 🏡 with a Huge Paradise Parade and Tons of Joy 🤩!!!

    REST IN Peace 🫶🏼🤟🏼& POWER, Belovedly,

    ~,Jon & Belinda Jo 🎉💜🤟🏼🙏💖❤️🫶🏼

  11. Hattye you will be missed deeply and you will always be remembered. We Love you. RIH

  12. Sending my condolences Florence Ames Temple #17 Highland Park Michigan