Mrs. Catherine Jeanette Wiggins Yander

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Mrs. Catherine Jeanette Yander was truly a virtuous woman. She loved Christ her husband, family, friends, and community. She was exceptionally beautiful both inside and out. Her outer presentation always represented her inner-being. Vibrant, stylish, elegant, brilliant, and hardworking are just a few words used to describe this beautiful soul. Jeanette was born on November 29, 1950 in Haywood County, Tennessee. She was the youngest child of the late Willis “Doc” O. Carney and Annie H. Reames Carney Cox. Jeanette was married to her true soulmate, Walter E. Yander, Sr., a Vietnam and 24-year US army retired veteran. Together they exemplified the true essence of real love. Their love will continue always and forever! She was loved dearly by many and will be greatly missed. Special memories are left to be cherished by seven children; Tracy Wiggins, Renee Wiggins, Ronnie (Stephanie) Wiggins, LaTonya Yander-Moody, Walter (Angela) Yander, Jr., Jamila (George)Yander-Miller, and Andre (Marie) Yander, twelve grandchildren; Dr. Kelby (Christopher) Garner, Chazni A. Darden, Jaydin L. Wiggins, Amani R. Wiggins, Princia Moody, Jayla Yander, Walter Yander III, Talia Young, Jaynia Miller, Samara Miller, Jeremiah Miller, Kendrea Yander, eight siblings; Annie Bell Williams (Preceded in Death), Vivian (June) Bond, Willie June Carney, Wilma (Freddie) Burnette, Michael Carney, Yvonne Carney, Reginald (Ella Jean) Coleman, Cynthia Coleman Bond and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jeanette accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age. She was a proud member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, of Jackson, TN where she served as the President of the Deaconess Ministry, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Choir Member, and Director of the James Booth Scholarship Program. Jeanette graduated Class of 1968 from Carver High School in Brownville, Tennessee, where she was actively involved in the Band as a trumpet player. Upon graduating from high school, Jeanette enrolled at Jackson State Community College and later, Lane College of Jackson, TN. At Lane College Jeanette received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education. Jeanette received her Certification in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education from Union University. She also attended Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN, where she received hours above a Master's degree. Jeanette had an extensive work history with over fifteen years in business and more than twenty-five years as an educator in Haywood and Jackson-Madison County school systems. Jeanette retired from education in December 2015. She was an excellent educator and it was her mission to encourage youth to reach for greatness both inside and outside the classroom. Jeanette was a servant leader who loved to enhance her community. In addition to her involvement and leadership at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Jeanette was also a member of several organizations. She was a member of The Top Ladies of Distinction, Jackson Chapter, where she served as the Coordinator & Chairperson of Community Beautification, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter, Lane College Alumni Association, Jackson Chapter, NAACP, Jackson Chapter, served as a member of the nominating committee, Dunbar Carver High School Alumni Association, served as the First Vice President, Brownsville, TN, Community Resource Development (CRD) Association, Dyersburg, TN, Member of the Retired Tennessee Education Association (RTEA), Relay For Life Supporter, St. Jude, Hospital Supporter, and the America Heart Association Supporter.

Mrs. Catherine Jeanette Wiggins Yander

November 29, 1950 - October 27, 2020