Lonna Gay Yates, 60, left this earth too soon on Dec. 11, 2016, following a lengthy illness. She was born on Oct. 20, 1956, to Margaret Louise Yates and Robert Wayne Yates in Detroit, Michigan, and moved as a child to Marion, Virginia. She graduated from Marion High School in 1975 and attended Lincoln Memorial College, Carson-Newman College and later obtained her teaching degree from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.The pride and joy of Lonna's life were her two children, Brandi Carol Peterman (St. Augustine) and Ryan Lee Peterman (Huntersville, North Carolina). In addition to family, she had two other passions: animals and teaching. Lonna's house was always home to one or more furry friends. She loved teaching middle school and, although her career was cut short to address family needs, she was extremely proud of her teaching accomplishments and the success of her students.Left to cherish her memory in addition to her children are her mother, Margaret Louise Yates of Gastonia, N.C.; one sister, Deena Marie (Joe) McAfee of Bland, Va.; two brothers: Dr. Steven (Deborah) Yates of Gastonia, and Douglas (Melinda) Yates of Lexington, Kentucky; three nephews: James McAfee of Leavenworth, Kansas, Aaron Yates of Golden, Colorado and Casey Yates of Jackson, Tennessee; one great-nephew, Joshua Hall of Athens, Georgia; one aunt, Shirley Merz of St. Augustine, as well as several close personal friends.Lonna was preceded in death by her father, Robert Wayne Yates; her paternal grandmother, Lottie Yates; her maternal grandmother, Vera Wallace; a niece, Shelley McAfee; and a nephew, John McAfee.Visitation will take place 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Craig Funeral Home, 1475 Old Dixie Highway, St. Augustine. A Funeral Service in celebration of Lonna's life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the same location. Burial to follow at Craig Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hinds Feet Farms (a brain injury treatment and support facility), P.O. Box 2842, Huntersville, NC 28070-2842, www.hindsfeetfarm.org, or to the Humane Society.Craig Funeral Home, Crematory and Memorial Park (www.craigfuneralhome.com) is in charge of arrangements.