My mother, Mae Ruth Briley – Yelverton was born on April 20, 1948, in High Point, North Carolina to the late Ned Briley, Sr, and Lucille Briley (Sims). Mae was called home to be with the Lord on

July 3, 2024, at 1143am. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early

age and it is a blessing to know that she is resting in the bosom of God. Mae was preceded in death by her husband: John Richard Yelverton (2/5/2022), her brother: Don Ray Briley and by her parents.

Mae received her formal education in Guilford County, High Point, NC, Florence Elementary & Middle Schools, graduating from William Penn High School in the class of 1966.

My mother always chuckled telling me that from an early age of at least 5yrs old that she was always curious & fascinated with learning new things. She mentioned that she was in the 2nd grade the teacher called her into the 6th grade to teach them. Tiny in stature boys would try to dominate her, she never backed down, she was fierce & fearless up to her last day of life. Mae was favored by teachers in elementary schools and one of her High School highlights were participating in the Jabberwock.

My mother would always tell me that her best summers as a little girl was visiting her grandfather in Mount Vernon, NY. She was fascinated with seeing the NY bridges and beauty of Mount Vernon. Once she graduated from High School she tried to see what adulthood had to offer in High Point, NC but New York kept calling her. One day she decided that Mount Vernon, New York

would be her new home. In 1968, she packed her suitcase and told her friends to meet her at the bus station that she was moving to New York. No one believed her, people showed up, she walked up onto the bus, waved goodbye to everyone and High Point, HELLO NEW YORK!!!!!!

In New York, my mom had dreams of becoming a registered nurse. She did take some classes, however, in 1968 she landed a job with New York Telephone Company as a Phone Operator. The Southern Bell met a City Slicker, Claude M. Nelson, Jr., and their unity created what my mom would say ‘THE LOVE OF HER LIFE’, Natasha Lynette Nelson (Briley).

Mae took single motherhood seriously, a southern woman, now raising a child alone in the North was a very scary feeling for her. The Nelson’s took Mae into their family as if she was their own which made motherhood even more beautiful. Claude relocated to Detroit, MI in 1978. Within that same year a dashing Southern Man at the New York Blood Bank laid his eyes upon my mom, and it was love at 1st site for John Richard Yelverton. Mae on the other hand was still processing her recent severed relationship. Fast forward, John reunited about 8 yrs. later, John was still single, he proposed to my mom, and WE said YES! On April 10, 1993, Mae R. Yelverton was created.

Mae’s adult nickname was ‘Busymae’. Mae was always a powerhouse worker. To support her plentiful taste & private school for me she worked 2-3 jobs mostly all her life. Mae’s immediate family started to grow nicely! June 15, 1997, Mae & John became grandparents to Tapanga Alexis Young and then again to Blyss Nyree Eanes on July 1, 2003. After 10 yrs. of working part time at Bloomingdale’s (and other fine department stores) my mom decided to say goodbye in July 1997 to enjoy grandparenting. Mae retired in late 2003 from the phone company with 35yrs of service.

August 5, 2005, I moved to High Point, NC. My mom traveled with me to help me ‘settle in’, at that point she decided to return to NC. In November 2005, High Point, NC gained 2 new residents, John & Mae Yelverton. In 2006, Mae decided to rejoin the workforce, and retired a 2nd time with ‘First Point Resources’ in Greensboro, NC.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her only child, Natasha Lynette Nelson, two granddaughters: Tapanga Alexis Young and Blyss Nyree Eanes, two great grands: Johnny Lashawn Whitted (6), Jr. and Denim Dior Cotton (4); she also leaves her siblings to cherish her memory: Harold Briley (late Sara Briley), Laverne Graham (late Burnest Graham), Don Ree Thomas (late Jerry Thomas), Veronica Jenkins (Dennis Jenkins), Henry Briley (Barbara Briley), Tommy Briley (Henrietta Briley), Teresa Reddick (John Reddick, Sr), Doug Briley (Yvette Briley), Bernard Briley (Tara Briley), Ned Briley Jr (Allison Briley) and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and her CNA, Belinda Alford.

Throughout my mom’s entire life, she absolutely loved ‘family’, sharing & caring. If she had one dollar, everyone with her would receive a portion of it. My mom never like to see anyone starve or be without, especially a child. Her compassion for others was unmatched. A true gem. As a child and certainly as an adult until she took her last breath, I tried my best to spoil her materially & emotionally. My mom deserved nothing less than the best!!! She earned it!

Job well done Mommy. I will love you forever & always,

Tasha

Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.