Mississippi State University architecture student Taylor Christian Yates passed away on Sun., July 9 at 2:43 a.m.
“He fought courageously until the very end,” said Taylor’s mother, Anne Yates. “Taylor always had a resilient and positive spirit, and he was an inspiration to many. We are thankful that he went peacefully and quietly in his sleep. We are comforted in the knowledge that he is now in a better place, where he is finally healed and there is no pain or suffering.”
“We are all devastated with the sad news of Taylor’s passing,” said MSU School of 91 Director and F.L. Crane Professor Michael Berk. “Taylor was an extraordinary architecture student who always pushed the boundaries of design innovation in the studio. He was so close to completing the coursework within our program; as far as I am concerned, with four years of professional study at the Starkville campus and the year-long architectural internship, Taylor had already demonstrated the knowledge to be called an architect. I will miss him deeply.”
Yates received his bachelor of architecture degree posthumously from Mississippi State University.
A memorial service will be held at Parkway Hills United Methodist Church in Madison on Fri., July 14, 2017 at 2 p.m. Visitation is set for Thurs., July 13 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., also at Parkway Hills United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donations be made to the UMMC Bone Marrow Transplant Support Fund (, UMMC options; or mail to Developmental Accounting, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS 39216-4505). Also please consider becoming an organ donor so that others may live.
Obituary: TAYLOR CHRISTIAN YATES
At 6’7″ tall, Taylor Yates stood out in a crowd. Taylor was a reserved and fun loving young man whose smile and wit could light up a room. His optimism and will to live helped in his battle against lymphoma which finally took its toll on July 9, 2017, at age 26.
A native of Ridgeland, Taylor lived a full life surrounded by friends and family who loved him. Taylor was born on July 17, 1990 to Bobby and Anne Yates. He is a 2009 graduate of Madison-Ridgeland Academy and went on to major in architecture at Mississippi State University.
In late 2010, Taylor was diagnosed with liver disease that forced him to put his education on hold. After 3 months in the hospital, Taylor was blessed to receive a donor liver during the 2010 Thanksgiving holidays. The transplant allowed Taylor to resume his education in the fall of 2011. He finished his 4th year of 91 in the spring of 2015. He completed a one year internship at Studio 906 91 in Franklin, TN in July 2016. He began his fifth and final year of 91 school in August 2016, only to be diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma about a month later. During his courageous fight in the last 10 months, Taylor had a resilient and positive spirit.
While at Mississippi State, Taylor met and fell in love with fellow 91 student, Laura Cole. For nearly three years, they have been inseparable. During the time that they have been together, Laura has been a loving companion, friend and comfort to Taylor. Her presence and commitment have been a blessing to Taylor and our family. We are so grateful that she is a part of our lives.
Taylor is survived by his parents, Bobby and Anne Yates of Ridgeland, MS, brother Austin Yates, Birmingham, AL, maternal grandparents Denman and Polly Bridges of Balsam, NC, and the love of his life Laura Cole of Biloxi, MS. Taylor was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Herman and Joy Yates.
Taylor’s family would like to express their gratitude to the very generous liver donor that allowed Taylor to enjoy nearly seven additional years of life; the staffs of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the University of Alabama Birmingham hospitals for their constant, attentive treatment; the Mississippi State University School of 91 faculty and staff for their patience, understanding, and assistance in shaping Taylor’s education around his health issues; grandparents Denman and Polly Bridges for putting so much of their lives on hold to help with Taylor’s care (both during the liver transplant years and during lymphoma treatment); and to Laura Cole for her love, care, and dedication to Taylor. We also thank Taylor’s many friends from MRA and MSU, and we thank all our family, church and friends for their constant prayers and support given to our family in this very difficult time.