Maribelle A. Yerby

May 17, 1941 - November 29, 2020

Maribelle Allbritton Yerby, 79, of Zwolle, Louisiana passed on November 29, 2020. Maribelle was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Ralph Reginald Yerby; her parents, Henry and Grace Allbritton; and siblings, George Allbritton, Virginia Jetton and Harry Allbritton. She is survived by her three children, John Yerby (Courtney), of Choctaw, Oklahoma; James Yerby (Lisa), of Boyce, Louisiana; and Julie Coon (Chris), of Arlington, Texas; eight grandchildren, Olivia Yerby, Caitlyn Monistere (Alex), Sophia Yerby, Bernadette Yerby, Courtney Hollingsworth (Dillon), Jonathan Coon, Sydney Yerby and Grace Yerby; one great-grandson, Alexander Monistere; brother-in-law Charles Yerby (Beth); sister-in-law Wilma Nauman (Art); and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Maribelle spent her early years in Orange, Texas where she cultivated a number of close, lifelong friends. She and her girlfriends, many of whom she knew from elementary school, referred to themselves as the “Ya-Ya Sisters” and enjoyed frequent gatherings over the years. She found solace in these relationships after Ralph’s passing in 2014 and often spoke fondly of her friends' support through many challenges in life. She was especially proud to have been part of the first classes at Little Cypress High School, and recently shared the story of how the school colors and name were chosen, and how so many of her high school classmates remained friends to this day. She enjoyed reunions with her Bear classmates and proudly displayed photos in her high school drum major uniform wearing the green and gold. She loved playing and singing music and frequently shared her gift with friends and family. She especially loved that some of her grandchildren played music as well, and enjoyed their concerts and the occasional spontaneous playing she would hear when visiting their homes. She was proud of all of her grandchildren, and often bragged of their many accomplishments. Recently, she was thrilled to add her first great-grandchild to the fold, and was able to Zoom call little Ande and her grandchildren during Thanksgiving. Maribelle and Ralph enjoyed a loving and lively marriage, moving from Texas to Louisiana when they entered the family farming business, and then traveling together across the county and world as Ralph moved into other endeavors. She loved to travel, making friends wherever she went. She was a devoted mother, raising her three children while working to help provide for the family during the leaner years. Her work history covered bookkeeping to volunteerism, including a stint working at the Grant Parish Sheriff’s office! Her volunteer work with the Red Cross was some of her most rewarding, where she served on local, state and national boards while helping coordinate and respond to natural disaster and terrorist events throughout the country. Maribelle had a heart to serve and encouraged others to do the same, passing this love along to her children and grandchildren. Maribelle was much loved and will be greatly missed. She’s joined Ralph, other members of her family and many friends in the Lord’s Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Colfax United Methodist Church in Maribelle’s honor. Services will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020, at Colfax United Methodist Church with Rev. Nathaniel Langford and Rev. DeeAnn Hargis Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Frazier Cemetery under the direction of Kramer of Colfax. Visitation will be held at Colfax United Methodist Church from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friday morning.