Thelma Hampton Yates, aged 91, of Valdosta, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Langdale Hospice House. Born on August 18, 1934, in Albany, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Rob Hampton and Alice Clemons Waters. Thelma dedicated much of her life to serving others, notably through her Dairy Queen, where she fostered a close-knit, family-like atmosphere among her employees. Known for her generosity and caring nature, she was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, with family always at the heart of her life.

She is survived by her three daughters: Mona Mounts (Skip) of St. Simons, Georgia; Laurie Scruggs of Valdosta; and Elonda Holcomb of Adel, Georgia. Her cherished grandchildren include Christy Grosch (Greg) of Dublin, Georgia; Lindsey Hollstein (Ricky) of Marshville, Massachusetts; Ashli Scruggs of Valdosta; and Erica Gaskins of Hahira. Thelma’s love extended to her great-grandchildren Grant, Hampton, and Caroline Grosch; Lael, Ephraim, and Finley Gaskins; Tucker, Beau, Palmer, and Mac Hollstein. She is also remembered with deep affection by her cousins Debbie Taylor and Paul Hampton, who shared a unique and lifelong bond growing up together after the early loss of their mother, as well as by her brother-in-law William (Billy) Pafford and sister-in-law Linda Bowers.

Thelma was preceded in death by her son, William Robert (Bobby) Yates, her brother Robert Hampton, and her beloved husband William Walter Yates.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the compassionate staff of Langdale Hospice House and Langdale Place, whose exceptional care provided comfort and dignity in Thelma’s final days. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Hobby, Dr. Kendrick, and their dedicated nursing teams for their unwavering support and kindness throughout her journey.

A visitation to honor Thelma’s memory will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home, with Mr. Skip Mounts officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to share their condolences online at www.mclanecares.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Langdale Hospice House to support the compassionate care they provide to patients and families in need.