Bobbie Jean Lafayette Yelverton

Bobbie Jean Lafayette Yelverton, age 89, of Biloxi, Mississippi, peacefully passed from this life into her eternal home and the loving presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 24, 2025.

Born on September 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Bobbie was the beloved daughter of Robert and Ershal Lafayette. Her early years were spent in Natchez, Mississippi, where she developed the roots of faith, family, and friendship that would shape her life. In January 1960, Bobbie married the love of her life, James Yelverton. Together, they built a beautiful life, first in Mississippi City, then briefly in Huntsville, Alabama, before finally settling in Biloxi. It was there they raised their two daughters and poured themselves into their church and community for the remainder of their earthly lives.

Bobbie's faith was a cornerstone of her life. A long-standing member of First Baptist Church in Biloxi, she later joined Parkway Baptist Church in 2014, where she found continued spiritual fellowship and lasting friendships. Her church family was a great source of joy and support.

Professionally, Bobbie served as the secretary and bookkeeper for the First Baptist Church Child Development Center from 1973 until her retirement in 1999. Her warmth, dedication, and integrity made a lasting impact on generations of children, families, and staff.

Bobbie lived life with energy and purpose. She was actively involved in a wide array of activities, including school PTA, band boosters, Girl Scouts, the Busy Bees Home Extension Club, the Red Hat Society, Parkway Baptist Church Hearts and Hands, and gatherings with friends and family. She delighted in tending to her garden, nurturing flowers and plants with her green thumb. Later in life, reading became one of her favorite pastimes.

She and James shared a passion for travel, exploring the United States as well as Canada. Throughout her life, Bobbie continued to enjoy trips with family, church groups, and BancorpSouth’s “The Lively Ones,” building treasured memories along the way.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, James Yelverton; her daughter, Diane Yelverton Kennon; and her parents, Robert and Ershal Lafayette.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Stephanie Yelverton Graham and son-in-law, Mark; her grandchildren: Amanda Waddell, Kimberly Waddell Carr (Andrew), Katherine Waddell Cooley (Logan), Daniel Waddell, Joshua Kennon (Kate), and Riley Kennon Saltzman (Justin); along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bobbie’s memory to Parkway Baptist Church, 17284 MS-67, Biloxi, MS 39532. Her legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Parkway Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. and the funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m.

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, Bobbie will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Natchez, MS. The graveside service will begin at 12:00 p.m.   

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is serving the family. Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories and photos at www.riemannfamily.com