Yvonne Massie

The highest quality of living derives from the prosperity of the soul. It is both God's desire and design for us to prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper.

The earthly manifestation of life at its best takes place when one lives it to mirror the prosperity of the soul.

None ever lived their life to the fullest, as did Yvonne Evelyn Massie. She was born to the parental stewardship of Sam and Pastoria Kelley on December 10, 1940, in Camden, Arkansas.

In the eighth year of her earthly tenure, she was inspired to seal her eternal destiny when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Her public profession of Him as Savior coupled with her pursuit of living under shoe Lordship began at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas, in 1948. She attended the public schools of Camden, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1957. Her academic potential did not conclude after high school. She continued her education at the well-known HSBU, Grambling State University in Louisiana.

A woman of zeal, according to knowledge, her passion was perfectly in alignment with her pursuit of living out of her God-given potential. Fearfully and wonderfully made, she attracted the wholehearted admiration of a childhood friend by the name of Jerry Massie, whose aspiring heart would secure the affection of her soul. Pledging their mutual love for one another on her mother's front porch, the two would be united in holy matrimony on April 19, 1962.

She was a loving, honorable, and supportive wife to her husband, who served his country as a soldier in the army until his honorable retirement. Following him faithfully wherever he was assigned, the Lord added two brilliant sons and one beautiful daughter to this union. Her love for her family was the outflow of her love for God. So dedicated was her heart for the members of her extended family that she did not fail to attend Family Reunions every two years. Her devotion to her husband and children would not hinder her duties pursued beyond the house and home.

Everywhere her husband was assigned to serve his country, she was gainfully employed in various capacities. Her tenure in the workforce concluded in the Killeen Independent School District, where she was highly esteemed.

Her reverence for God inspired her passionate pursuit of living. Upon her and her husband uniting with Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church in 1988, the spice of the congregation's witness would not be the same. Her unique personality's rare and raw flavor introduced people to Truth in some of the holiest yet humorous portraits affirming reality like no other. Her service to the Glory of God as an Officer of Order (Usher) assures no one came to church to lounge in the pews as if they were in their own house. For her, the House of the Lord was the place of worship. Her sophisticated diplomacy coupled with her highly intellectual and impressionable personality made her the church's "Beyoncé” by self-acclamation. She was wholeheartedly affirmed with joy by those members to include the pastor whose lives were blessed by the unique flavor her identity brought into their life.

For nearly 33 years, she shared her life and served the Lord as a member of Marlboro.

A Saint, Sheep, Steward, and Servant, she lived her life to the fullest without regret. To what may we attribute her resolve to live without regret?

Her Faith in God assured her there is no end to living when this earthly life concludes. It leads to living the greatest life in eternity that knows no end.

On November 3, 2021, Yvonne Evelyn Massie left the shores of this earthly realm bound for eternity.

Among those who preceded her earthly transition to Glory is her husband of over 50 years, Jerry; parents: Sam and Pastoria Kelley; and siblings: Irma Jean Ford, Maceo Kelley, Richard Lee Kelley, and Levonne Kelley.

Among those left to celebrate her earthly tenure and eternal triumph until our collective reunion at the return of our Lord are her children: Jerry N. Massie, Derrick Massie (Nicole), and Courtney Ladson (Nathaniel); grandchildren: Nate'vyonne Ladson, Nae'Tasha Ladson, Nae'Tavia Ladson, and Nicholas Massie; and a host of family and friends.

She fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the Faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness which the Lord the Righteous Judge will give her; and not only to her but to all those who love His appearing.