Thelma Marcella Yates

Thelma Marcella Yates, born Thelma Marcella Sloan, passed away on August 30, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on February 21, 1944, in Stigler, Oklahoma, the daughter of Vernon and Lucille Sloan. She lived a life marked by devotion to her family, steady work, and enduring faith.

Thelma graduated from Kinta High School. In her working life, she worked in EMS in Stigler, Oklahoma, and also ran an EMS service in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Her work reflected a willingness to serve others and to take on responsibility in her community. Outside of work, she enjoyed playing softball. Those who knew her also knew her as a mother who took care of five boys as they were growing up, a role that was central to her life and legacy. She was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her sons, Clifford Self, Derek Self, Kirby Yates, . She also leaves behind her sister and brother, Helen Sloan and Cotton Sloan.

Her family continued to grow through the generations, and she is also survived by her grandchildren: Christie Dawn Self, Jessie and Jerame Thompson, Kendell Self, Karah Lindsey Paige Self, Ashley and Sam Lockett, Scott and Amy Brown, Justin Brown, Mandy Jo and Brenton Jordan, Danny Yates, Darwin Yates, Billie Nicole Roberts, and Lily Roberts. Her memory will also be cherished by her great-grandchildren, Myria Nolan, Braelynn Allphin, Braxtyn Woods, Bradley Woods, Jenna Jordan, and Mia Jordan, Lizzy, Neils, Lincoln, Joseph, Lindy, Brandon, Johnathon and Lexy. All of them carry forward the family bonds that meant so much to her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Sloan, and her mother, Lucille Sloan. sons Kendell Self and Darwin Yates, brother CV Sloan. She is also preceded in death by a granddaughter Myria Lynn Price.

Thelma will be remembered with love for her strength, her care for her family, her years of service in emergency medical work, and the faith that guided her life. Her memory will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew and loved her.