Eleanor 'Nell' Lee Yates

WAKE FOREST, NC -- Eleanor "Nell" Lee Yates, 71, of Wake Forest passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, with her husband Scott Yates holding her hand at the Franklin Oaks nursing home after a long journey through Alzheimer's. She was blessed with peace in her heart with smiles that often broke into laughter.

Nell grew up in Louisburg, the daughter of the late Umphrey Lee Jr. and Rose Kearny Malone. Her brother is Umphrey Edwin "Buck" Lee. Her father was an English professor and head of the department at Louisburg College. Horse riding was Nell's childhood passion and hobby. She had a horse barn in her backyard in downtown Louisburg near the college. The family traveled to horse shows locally and across the Southeast for competitions.

Nell and Scott met as veteran newspaper reporters at the Fayetteville Observer. After moving to Wake Forest, Nell wrote for many university, state and national publications. They are members of the North Raleigh Church of Christ.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 24 at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Strickland Funeral Home in Louisburg followed by a graveside service in nearby Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Strickland Funeral Home one hour prior to the service.

Nell is survived by her husband of 33 years, Scott Yates, their son Lee Yates and grandson Tatum Yates.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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