Joanne E. Yates

Joanne Eloise Carter Yates, of Minneapolis, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. She was 81 years old. Long-time member of the American Legion Auxillary Unit 291.

Joanne was born on October 16, 1936 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to John and Janet (Acosta) Carter, their first bundle of joy.  She attended Central High School where she was a member of the senior bowling team and graduated in the Class of 1955.  Quotes of her yearbook classmates described Joanne as “charming, lively and lots of fun” and she was mostly known as a “swell, young lady.”  After graduation she joined the Minneapolis Drum and Bugle Corps.

Joanne enjoyed swimming, watching golf tournaments, and attending Minneapolis Twins baseball games.  She was a Minnesota Vikings season ticket holder. Her favorite television shows were Perry Mason, Bonanza, Gun Smoke and Lifetime.  Music made Joanne smile and “replay” was her favorite button as she sang-along with the music.

As a retiree after 20 years from Pilot City Neighborhood Services, she enjoyed life and fun times.  She was known as bartender “Jo” at various popular jazz and music venues in her Minneapolis community such as Arnellia’s, The Spruce and Nacirema Club whose name is American spelled backwards.

Joanne is survived by her two daughters, Darsalee Kelly and Dana Belfry; a younger sister, Rozilind Carter; nieces, Joanne Henderson-Adams, Donazell Allen, Daphne Branson and Donna Carter; nephews: John Henderson, Robert Carter and Kevin Branson.  She will be missed by them and by her grandchildren and a host of friends.

Mother Joanne as she was known has joined her parents, as well her sisters, Donna Mae Carter and Sharon Lee (Carter) Branson and her cousin, Richard Acosta all who preceded her in death.

Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 16th at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

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