BIOGRAPHY

Yates was born as Mattie Lee Bolar in the community of Troy, Kentucky, on 9 March 1895 as the daughter of Joseph and Sue Bolar. She married Will Yates; the couple had no children.

Yates died following a long illness at a nursing home in Lexington, Kentucky, on 27 June 2006 at the age of 111 years, 110 days. She was survived by a niece, Lettie, and a nephew, Jerry, and their descendants.

RECOGNITION

Following the death of 114-year-old Grace Thaxton on 6 July 2005, Yates became Kentucky’s oldest known resident. Upon her own death, the title passed to Delilah Hays, then 111.

Yates’ age was verified by Filipe Prista Lucas and validated by the GRG on 9 July 2006.

ATTRIBUTION

• Mattie Lee Bolar “The Matriarch” Yates Lexington Herald-Leader / Legacy

GALLERY