Oretha Yarborough

Oretha C. (Wooten) Yarborough, born in Glen White, WV on April 19, 1925, passed away on November 24, 2022, at the age of 97.

Oretha relocated to Columbus, OH after graduating from Byrd Prillerman High School in West Virginia. Trinity Baptist Church became her church home soon after, and there she met the love of her life, Harold V. Yarborough; they married in April 1948.

Mom enjoyed sewing and was often found at the sewing machine creating clothes or completing alterations for neighbors, friends, and family. The house was always filled with love, laughter, and good food for whomever stopped by. Her sweet sprit made everyone feel loved, accepted and she always made friends feel like family.

After many years of service with Columbus Public Schools as a teacher’s aide she retired in July 1992. She spent her retirement enjoying frequent trips with her senior citizen’s group as they toured different cities, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Oretha is preceded in death by her parents Fairest and Mae Belle (Flood) Wooten; husband Harold Yarborough Sr.; infant son Jimmy and daughter Donna Marie Yarborough; grandson Donald Robinson and brothers Delbert, Sturgis, Vernard and Kenneth Wooten.

She is survived by sons Harold Jr. (Vickie) and William (Evelyne) Yarborough; daughters Benita (Frederic) Phillips and Michele (Juan) Taylor; grandchildren John Robinson Jr., granddaughter-in-law Vickie Robinson; Bria (Aaron) Gonzalez, Eshelle, Siarah, Marcus and Marlin Yarborough, Sean (Rachel) and Stephen (Christen) Phillips, Victoria (Eric) Winn, and Brianna Hunter; 11 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren; sisters Novella Hinkle, Smiler Q. Haynes and Dreama (Billy) Brooks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Senior Living in Groveport, the wonderful caring staff of Capital City Hospice, Pastor Victor Davis and the Trinity Baptist Church, the Lincoln Cafe, and Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service.