Dorcas Jean Yates

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Teacher, Friend Dorcas Jean Yates was born April 11, 1944, in Atascadero, California, and passed from this life on August 3, 2026, in Visalia, California, at the age of 82. She was preceded in death (2023) by her loving husband of 60 years, Morris Lyle Yates. She is survived by her brother, David Trayler (Lessie B) of Texas, her two loving children, Gwyn Yates (Karen) of Virginia, and Michal Yates (Sarah) of Visalia; and five grandchildren: Angelo, Cristiana, and Giancarlo Cecchini of Virginia, and Grace and Mason Yates of Visalia. Dorcas was born to Frank and Evelyn Trayler and spent much of her childhood traveling around the world as a military- and missionary-child before settling in Visalia, California at the age of nineteen. She graduated from Sacramento High School and then attended Pepperdine where she met the love of her life, Morrie. They married and began their life in Visalia in 1963. Dorcas served her community at the Welfare Department before returning to school at Fresno State to complete her bachelors in English with a piano performance minor additionally earning her teaching credential, all while adjusting to being a new mom. After several years raising young children, Dorcas started teaching in 1983 at Stone Corral School in nearby Seville where she taught both kindergarten and first grade. She later continued at Lincoln Elementary in Exeter where she retired after 26 years in public school. Even in retirement, she was drawn to school children, using her expertise to champion the "adoption" of Annie R. Mitchell Elementary School; organizing friends and fellow church members to provide clothing and school supplies for students, tasty treats for teachers, and staffing for the afterschool Bible Club. Dorcas loved nature; she gardened and walked with friends daily. She enjoyed baking (especially her world-famous Molasses Cookies!) and hosting family and friends for any gathering. She found joy in service, meeting needs with compassion and pain with grace. True to her Biblical namesake (Acts 9:36-43), Dorcas could be found helping her community. Whether in her role placing foster children, as teacher, volunteer, Mom, or Grammy, Dorcas showed us that everyone is our neighbor. She has been a blessing to her family, her church, and her students, and she will be deeply missed! A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Visalia Community Church of Christ, 3838 South Court Street. The family thanks each person who has been a part of our lives, encouraging and supporting us as we grieve the loss of Dorcas. In lieu of flowers, please honor Dorcas with a donation to Visalia Community Church of Christ, and designate your gift to the ministry fund for Annie R. Mitchell Elementary (memo line), or look for those in need around you and lend a helping hand. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Dorcas Jean Yates

April 11, 1944 - August 3, 2026