Life Reflections

Danielle Washington Yates was born on January 22, 1970 in Lynch, Kentucky. She was born to parents Joetta Gist and Dan Jackson Sr. She grew up surrounded by a huge and loving extended family. Her grandparents, Joe and Reedius Washington expanded their love by adopting Danielle at a young age. As a little girl, she was affectionately called “Donnie”and “Dani girl” by many of her family and friends. She was a proud graduate of Cumberland High School where she enjoyed being involved in several activities. After high school, she attended Eastern Kentucky University where she studied physical therapy. Daneille later moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she met and married her adorning husband Ken Yates. The two of them enjoyed spending quality time together and visiting many popular attractions around the city of Cleveland. She was a great navigator on the road and especially enjoyed road trips to her home town of Lynch. She had a strong fighting spirit and was fearless in speaking her mind. Her wonderful sense of humor and infectious smile warmed any room she entered. Her outspoken nature drew people to her for wise and sound advice. Anyone who met Danielle, immediately knew how much she loved and cherished her family. Her children and grandchildren were truly Danielle’s heart and soul.She had a giving nature and loved helping people. Danielle had a special talent for cooking. By many, she was considered a gifted gourmet “soul food” chef . She would spend countless hours and days preparing “catered size” delicious dishes for holidays and family gatherings. She had a giving heart always graciously welcoming people into her home.She was employed at Swagelok Company in Solon, Ohio where worked many years as a dedicated machinist. Danielle was a true sports fan. She always loved sports ranging from basketball to softball. However, her ultimate favorite sport to enjoy was football where her son Javaun currently plays. Danielle departed this life on June 8th, 2022 with husband Ken and family by her side. She is preceded in death by her fathers Dan Jackson Sr. and Joe Washington Sr.; mother Reedius Washington; brother George E. Washington; sisters, Yvonne Adair Young; Evangelist Donna Cockrel; Carol D. Henley. She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband Ken Yates; sons Javaun and Orris Washington of Bedford, OH; stepson Tim Bowers; stepdaughters Desare and Elizabeth Yates of Cleveland; 8 grandchildren, London Kimbrough, Eramis Yates, Javaun Washington Jr., Elias Yates, Amari Yates, Harley Wesson, Amour Yates, Haiden Yates; mother Joeatta and step father James Gist of Lynch, KY; sisters Minister Renita Washington of Centerville, OH, Andrea (Tony) Taylor of Centerville, OH, Celeste Washington of Charlotte, NC, Tanisha Jackson of Cleveland, OH; brothers James Gist Jr. of Lynch, KY, Marquelle Gist of, Javaude Gist of Lexington, KY, Dan Jackson Jr of Cleveland; Tony Woods of Cleveland, Tyrone Evans of Cleveland, Pastor Joe (Youlanda) Washington Jr. of Radcliff, Ky and Pastor Darryl (Paulette) Washington of Evarts, KY; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.