Yates takes home the tiara as Ned Mother of the Year

Mary Meaux
The Orange Leader

NEDERLAND May 10, 2008 10:01 pm

— Pamela Yates is one busy woman who now has one more hat to wear as Nederland’s Mother of the Year.
Yates didn’t actually receive a hat during the crowded celebration at city hall but she did receive a tiara from last year’s mother of the year, Cheryl Weaver.
“I think I’ll wear it to sleep tonight,” she said amid well wishers and camera flashes.
Amanda Doiron, one of Yates’ daughters, nominated her mother for the honor. In her letter, Doiron proudly told of how Yates works a full time job and a second job if needed, is an officer with the Red Hussars Alumni Association, member of the Thomas Jefferson High School Class of ‘80 Reunion Committee and active at Gulf Avenue Church of Christ in Groves.
“My mom not only keeps busy with activities for herself, but always takes an interest in anything my sister and I participate in. My sister has been a member of the 4H since she was little and my mom is now an adult leader for their organization,” the letter states. “My sister also plays volleyball for NHS (Nederland High School) and my mom and dad make every game. She was also always heavily involved in all of my extracurricular activities when I was in school. No matter what it is, mom mom will always drop everything to make sure my sister and I are able to take part in anything we are interested in.”
Doiron described her mother as a woman who places herself on the back burner while giving her time to her family, church, organizations, charities and community involvement.
“It’s good to see her recognized,” Doiron said during the event recently.
With tiara in her dark hair and a smile across her face, Yates greeted friends and family. The reality of the new title gave way to thoughts of her children.
“It’s their opinions that matter the most, my kids,” she said.
Yates works as an assistant superintendent in the deliquent tax office for Jefferson County.
Dale LeBlanc, yates’ minister for the past 15 years, also praised Yates.
“You won’t find a better person to work behind the scenes or stand up in front and volunteer her time and money,” he said. “She is just a wonderful person, always a peace keeper and will encourage and compliment those around her.”
Husband Lynn Yates beamed from ear to ear as he snaped photos of his wife.
“She deserves every bit of it and more. She keeps us all together. She has three kids, not two,” he said indicating how much his wife takes care of him. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you need, she’ll be there for you.”