March 29, 2025, 93, Goldsboro —
Lena Preddy Yates, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Franklin County to the late Melvin and Elizabeth Knight Preddy, Preddy devoted her life to caring for others. She dedicated her career to nursing, retiring as a registered nurse with the Wayne County Health Department, where her compassion and kindness touched many lives.
A charter member of New Hope Church in the Pinewood community, Preddy’s faith was the foundation of her life. She found joy in serving others, whether through her church, her profession, or the warmth of her home.
Preddy was a talented seamstress who lovingly crafted clothing for her family as they grew. Her home was always filled with the comforting aroma of meals made with love, and gathering her family around the table was one of her greatest joys. She cherished their beach trips, where she could be surrounded by those she held most dear.
In addition to her parents, Preddy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Malcolm Walser Yates, Jr., and her siblings, Virginia Lemons, Jo Bettwy, and Dot Preddy.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Mark Daniel “Dan” Yates and wife, Leesa of Winston-Salem; daughters, Linda Carol Yates Renner and husband, Rev. Tim Renner of Woodbridge, VA, and Judy Lynn Yates Culbreth and husband, Andrew of Wilmington. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Bret Yates (Joanna), Stephen Yates (Kate), Ryan Yates (Sidney), Jennifer Riffel (Chris), Shelly Wetterlund (Bob), Timothy Renner, Jr. (Hillary), Rebecca King (Drew), Tyler Culbreth (Megan), and Logan Culbreth (Phoebe), as well as her sister, Jean Wilder, and brother, Lawrence Preddy.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel, officiated by her son-in-law, Rev. Tim Renner. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Preddy’s gentle spirit, unwavering love, and quiet strength will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
