Agnes Elizabeth Herbert Yates, also affectionately known as "Sissy", "Sis", or "Sissa", of La Plata, Maryland, was born on March 25, 1945, in St. Mary's County, Maryland, to the late Joseph Harry Herbert and the late Martha "Miss Fussy" Katherine Carter Herbert. Agnes was educated in the St. Mary's County Public School System. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Francis M. Herbert.

Agnes was employed by Compton Bus Service as a school bus driver until her illness prevented her from driving. This was her first love! She drove a school bus for the Charles County, Maryland, school system for over 40 years. Agnes had a special bond with the children who rode bus #26. Before becoming a bus driver, she worked as a cook at several restaurants. Agnes was a hard working woman who did what she had to do to provide for her children, to include working in tobacco fields. If her brothers were stripping tobacco, she would often be there stripping tobacco alongside them. Life was not always kind to Agnes, but she was always willing to help just about anybody. Whether it be a place to live or food to eat, she did what she could do for others, never asking for anything in return.

Her second love was cooking food for others to eat! Her brothers Melvin and Robernard always knew they could count on Sissa to cook a hot meal for them. She always went all out for Thanksgiving, and her chitterlings were always a big hit. Even as her illness progressed, she made sure there was food in the house, just in case somebody stopped by to visit.

Agnes never met a stranger, she loved to talk to people, and she loved to listen to radio station WPFW, 89.3, on weekends. If Agnes was invited to a party or a wedding, and she was invited to many, she almost always attended.

Agnes leaves to cherish her memories, her daughters Kimberly (Craig) Baker, and Devon (D.V.) Yates; a son, (Leo) Kernell Yates; granddaughters Tiffany (Steve) Ellmore, Brittany Yates (fiancé', Randy), and Alexis Yates; great grandchildren Zion, Olivia, and Zoe Ellmore; sister Catherine Ann Butler; brothers Joseph "Fizz" Herbert (Catherine), Ronnie Herbert (Vivian), David Herbert (Linda), Melvin Herbert (Ann), Robert "Robernard" Herbert, and John Henry Butler; in-laws Charlotte Yates, Paulette Yates, Emmogene Yates (Louis), Janet Yates, Irene Yates (Joseph), Joyce Yates, Emma Yates (Ernest), Joyce Dyson (Barney), Jacqueline Yates (Edward).

Special friends Joan and Gus Tolson, Mary Edelen Butler, Lawrence and Arlene Dyson, Lovenne Brooks, Jean Thomas Glover, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Agnes was loved by many and she will be missed by all. Rest in peace.

The family will receive friends on Friday August 8, 2014 from 9:30 AM until Mass time at 11 AM at the Holy Angels Church Avenue, MD. Interment to follow in the Sacred Heart Church Cemetery, Bushwood, MD.

Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.