Myra Ball Yates

Myra Ball Yates, was born in Rome, GA on December 21st. She faced the passing of her Father as a teenager, moved to a Gadsden, graduated from Emma Samson High School, met the love of her life, got married, and had one child. She started working dispatch for the Morgan County Sheriff's Office in the early 70’s. Through hard work and dedication, she worked her way up to become the first female investigator for the Morgan County Sheriff's Department. She spent her entire career doing her best to protect children who were victims of sexual, mental, physical, and emotional abuse. She was a trailblazer in her occupation by accomplishing the unheard of and became the first female to serve as Captain of the department. She served her community until she retired in 2008 as Captain. She was a member of BPOE Elks Lodge Decatur #655, Emblem Club of Decatur Lodge #127, and the F.O.P Decatur Lodge #46. She developed a vascular collapse in her hip that caused her first hip replacement at the age of 47, then her 2nd the following year. She developed osteoporosis, which progressively got worse, causing her pelvic and hip area to dissolve slowly. Over the last decade, things developed for the worse quickly. She faced numerous medical issues including more than 10 hip surgeries, broke her right femur four times, developed several staph infections, osteoarthritis, debilitating anxiety, and a blood clot. Each time, her ability to care for herself became less and less. She faced it all head on with the will and determination of her days fighting for those children. Her body finally gave up on 4/9/2025. So many people helped care for her. I want to specifically thank Dr Rodney Harney (retired), Dr Griffin, Candice, and Kyle, the office and staff at TOC in Huntsville, Cullman Health and Rehabilitation, specifically Taylor, Stacy, Brent, and Sonya, Affinity Hospice, all our family, and friends. She is finally healed. She's survived by her daughter, Amy Herndon (Judd), her grandchildren, Michael Ann Pike (Riley), Jake Blackburn (Anna), honorary daughter, Lori Hammack, honorary grandson, Seth, sister Nancy, and many nieces and nephews. She's preceded in death by her father, Earl Ball, mother, Dimple Ball, sisters, Earlene, Toni, Terry, Jaye, brothers Jack, and Joe. In lieu of flowers, I'm asking you to donate to the Child Advocacy Center in Decatur, AL, so more children can be helped in her honor. I would greatly appreciate donations of any amount, no matter how small to honor my mom’s work. https://morgancountycac.square.site/ Celebration of life is April 27th at 2pm at Shelton funeral home in Decatur. Please wear your most colorful, sparkling attire as that's mom!!

Myra Ball Yates

December 21, 1949 - April 9, 2025