Deirneé Michelle Harris-Yates

A Magnificent Journey, Deirnee’ Michelle Harris-Yates (Age 72) of Washington, D.C.

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, Deirneé "Dee Dee" quietly stepped into eternity while at the Stoddard Baptist Global Care, Washington, D.C. She was born on September 12, 1953 to Norman and Dorothy Harris. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Carlton O. Yates.

Deirnee’ Michelle Harris-Yates was born on September 12, 1953, in Washington, D.C., the first of seven children born to Dorothy Bell Hunter and Norman Harris Sr.

Deirnee’ was a kind and gentle soul who deeply loved God, her children, and her family. She enjoyed traveling to Cleveland, staying connected to her roots, and spending time with loved ones. She was on fire for God and shared His love, grace, and kindness with everyone around her.

She graduated from Shaw High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and eventually moved back to the District of Columbia, where she continued her education at Strayer University and later graduated from Southeastern University with a B.A. degree in nonprofit business.

Deirnee’ worked for the Library of Congress for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mother. She later served as a paraprofessional at Friendship Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.

Deirnee’ met Carlton Yates at Carlton’s Place, and their shared love for God brought them together. They married and had four beautiful children: Julius, Diamond, Carlton Jr., and Anton. Together, they enjoyed an active life for more than 40 years.

Deirnee’ loved music, dancing, fashion, reading the Word of God, family events, and traveling. She shared her love of music with her husband, Carlton, their children, and grandchildren.

Her faith grew steadily over the years. She prayed over her family, trusted God with her whole heart, and served as a faithful member of the Christian Power Center, where she sang as a soloist and wrote original songs, including “Spiritual Chemistry” and “Only Believe.”

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Lord called Deirnee’ to sleep in Jesus. Her family is comforted by the full and active life she lived and the countless memories she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ola Mae Hunter and Julius Hunter Sr.; her parents, Dorothy Bell Hunter and Norman Harris Sr.; her loving sister, Tyjaun Harris; and her niece, Shanell Harris.

Left to cherish many memories are her 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 Sanchez Saxon, Ola Saxon, Norman Harris, Caesar Harris, and Clarence Saxon; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Her viewing will be held from 11:00am until time of Celebration of Life 12:00noon on Sunday, July 26, 2026 Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

On Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 12:00 noon please click the link below to view service online.

When viewing the services, please be sure 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 viewing has ended. Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream