Mary Alice Yon

YON, MARY ALICE

Of Denver went home to be with the Lord on July 22, 2009. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home-East. Funeral Service will be held Monday at Zion Temple Church 1600 Syracuse St. Denver at 10:00 a.m. Internment Ft. Logan Cemetery. In lieu of flower, please send donations to church.

Mary Alice Miller was born on August 29, 1927 in Geneva, AL. She was the youngest of eleven children born to Anderson and Allean Miller. She attended elementary school in Geneva in a one room school house. In 1945, Mary graduated from high school and later attended Alabama State College for Negroes. She received a degree in Education and Library Science. Mary went on to teach in the Coventry County school systems in Enterprise, AL.

Mary met Nathaniel Yon Sr. of North, South Carolina and they were married on December 18, 1954 in Andalusia, AL. In 1957 Mary moved with her husband to Fort Sill in Lawton, OK where they were stationed for three years. As a faithful military wife, Mary and Nathaniel moved to Germany in 1960 with three young children. During their 3 year stay they had their 4th child and enjoyed the German culture.

Upon returning to the U.S., Mary and Nathaniel settled in Denver, CO. Mary and Nathaniel added 3 more children to their family for a total of 5 boys and 2 girls: Tonti, Anthony, Mary, Faye, Jeffrey, Terry, and Scott. Not only did they raise seven children of their own but Mary became the guardian of Mary Shipman the niece of her deceased sister, Lamada. Mary immediately became involved in community affairs in the Denver Public Schools system. She was a Social Worker at East High school through the 1970's and continued as a Social Worker at Swansea Elementary School as well as Morey and Rishel Junior High Schools until 1979. In 1985 she helped to set up the Kindergarten program at Watch Care Daycare.

Mary found the Lord at a very young age. She believed in the Lord, being saved, and accepted the Lord. Mary joined Zion Temple Pentecostal Church in 1980. As an active member she sang in the Sanctuary Choir. Mary served the Lord through ministering and sharing the gospel to all those whom she came into contact with.

Nathaniel Sr. departed this life in 1992, but Mary stayed strong and continued to be the rock and foundation of her family for 17 years. As her family grew and had families of their own, Mary continued to reside at 3055 Ivy Street where she celebrated many holidays.

The continued love of a united family upheld Mary during her illness and provided support and love until her passing on July 22, 2009.

Mary Alice Yon entered her eternal rest on Wednesday July 22, 2009 where she is rejoicing with husband, parents, and sisters: Flora Thomas, Dora Brown, Cora Spikes, Julia Simpson, Sybil McLain, Perry McCloud, Lamada McCastle; brothers: James Miller and William Anderson Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memory one sister: Grace Cox of Richmond, VA. Seven children: Nathaniel Tonti (Donna-Lynn) Yon Jr. Tacoma, WA; Anthony (Gwen) Yon Denver, CO; Mary Allean Yon Denver, CO; Natalie Faye (Avery) Dixon Aurora, CO; LTC Jeffrey Yon Fairfax, VA; Terry (Shirllynn) Yon Denver, CO; Scott Yon Denver, CO. Thirteen grandchildren: Monet, Cheree Hockaday; Ashley, Alex Dixon; Shayla, Solomon, Shayna Yon; Bryan, Kieran, Austin Yon; Michael Anthony, Dominique Yon; and Gabriel Yon. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.

Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair; Perhaps you sent a floral piece if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you sang a cheerful song, if so, we heard it all. Perhaps you prayed a sincere prayer, or came to pay a call. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you prepared a tasty dish, or maybe furnished a car, Perhaps you rendered a service unseen, near at hand or from afar. Whatever you did to console our hearts, by word or deed or touch. Whatever was the kindly part, we thank you….oh so much!