Carlton Owen Yates (Age 72) of Washington, DC

Carlton Owen Yates was born on March 26, 1948 in Washington, DC., the second of six children born to Eunetha and Charlton Yates.

Carlton was a kind, gentle and thoughtful person who always enjoyed spending time with family and friends and looked for as many opportunities as possible to bless those around him. He was educated in the District of Columbia public school system and began serving his country in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. His civilian career spanned many decades, to include a myriad of jobs.  However, Carlton found his true passion as an entrepreneur when he became the owner and operator of Diamond II Fragrances, also known as, Carlton's Place, for more than thirty years.

Carlton married his soul mate, Deirnee' Harris-Yates, at the age of thirty three and they enjoyed an active life together for over 40 years.  Deirnee' and Carlton met, of course, at the Carlton's Place where he was introduced as "a man on fire for God." This statement would come to epitomize his legacy, as he led many to know the Lord while he played and sang gospel music, welcoming all who visited his business. He was a loving father to four children; his daughter Diamond Harris and three sons, Carlton Harris, Anton Harris and Julius Harris.

Carlton was known for his musicianship over the years as he participated in many groups, including the Viceroys and with the gospel group, "Joint Heirs With Christ" at their opening debut.  He would often perform live as a singer and could easily create beautiful harmony.  A lover of Motown, he sang just like Smoky Robinson and every member of the Temptations (literally). He also greatly enjoyed playing the piano and various percussion instruments.  The "Yates Brothers" would also sing together at family events, bringing even more joy to those special occasions.

His faith grew steadily over the years and he often talked about his lengthy conversations with God.  Carlton served as a lead singer of the devotion team and choir at Universal Power Center and also served as a faithful member of the Kingdom Covenant Church Praise and Worship team.  Through his quiet strength, he proved that trusting in God always provided a peace beyond understanding and constant provision, allowing him to bless those around him.

Carlton's varied interests over the years resulted in a large circle of friends. Whether it was "at the stand," at a Washington Redskins party, church events, basketball, pool, o r events with family, Carlton gave his whole self to his relationship with God, family and caring for others. He chose to live life on his own terms and greatly cherished the opportunity to create different renditions of the specialties of his business, resulting in a loyal clientele over the years. He also used the business as an opportunity to help those in need.  If he heard about a person in need, he would quietly meet that need and extend grace to help them get back on their feet as best he could. Every day was a day to get things done, to handle  business, or to purposefully give love and receive love.

On Thursday, November 19, 2020, the Lord called Carlton to sleep in Jesus. It was a jarring blow for his family and those who loved him, but all are consoled by the full and active life he lived and the countless memories that can never be erased.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eunetha and Charlton Yates and his loving sister, Carlethia "Princess" Dillard.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved wife, "Dee Dee;" beloved daughter, Diamond Harris; sons, Carlton Harris, Anton Harris and Julius Harris (Jenae Harris); grandchildren, Jeniah, Julius, Julian, Jade and Cynthia Harris, Tyleek, Ameen and Cherish Mundy; treasured siblings, Verna Yates, Deborah Adams, Kenneth (Gloria Renee) Yates, Robert "Bob" (Sherry) Yates, sisters-in-law; Sanchez Saxon and Ola Saxon; brothers-in-law, Willie "Mickey" Dillard, Caesar Harris, Norman Harris and Clarence Saxon, as well as a host of nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved, other family members and friends.

Though he will be deeply missed on this side, he is never gone from our hearts and we eagerly await the great reunion when the Lord Jesus returns. Selah.

His Viewing will be from 10:00 am, until time of Service, 11:00 am, Monday, November 30, 2020, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment, Heritage Memorial Cemetery, 13472 Poplar Hill Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.

On Monday, November 30th at 11:00am,  please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the service that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream