Honoring the memory: Mally Yates
In the quiet town of Darley Dale, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Friday 21st July at 2pm, marking the life of Mally Yates. Mally, who passed away at the age of 92, was a significant figure at St John's College, leaving an indelible mark on the institution and its community.
Mally studied Maths at Oxford University before embarking on a journey that would lead her to St John's College. In 1966, she was appointed as a new member of staff, tasked with caring for female theology students in an all-male environment.
Mally married Tim, who was a tutor and later Warden of Cranmer Hall at St John's. They were married in the Christmas vacation of 1968 and were married for 47 years until Tim's death. Together, they had two children, Catherine and Mark, who were born while in Durham.
Mally and Tim provided substantial support, encouragement, and advice to the current Principal of St John's College, David Wilkinson, during his tenure. David recalls Mally's sense of fun and the presence of God in a fully authentic human being. He credits Mally and Tim with shaping many of the positive aspects of St John's College, including its gracious evangelicalism, opportunities for women, taking risks, prayerfulness, and valuing each person.
Mally was a courageous pioneer in theological education, playing a crucial role in opening opportunities for women at St John's College. She is remembered as a pioneer and trailblazer who paved the way for generations of women at the institution. Former Principal Ruth Etchells attests to Mally's profound influence on her and many significant people in the history of St John's.
Mally's first sermon at St John's was on the theme of Christian Joy. Her influence extended beyond the college, impacting the lives of those she encountered. Despite a lack of widely documented information about Mally Yates, her legacy at St John's College remains a testament to her remarkable contributions.
A Service of Thanksgiving for Mally will be held at St Helen's Church, Darley Dale, on Friday 21st July at 2pm. The service will be an opportunity for the St John's College community and beyond to celebrate the life of a woman who made a significant impact on the institution and its people.
- Mally's academic background in Maths at Oxford University expanded to encompass a deep interest in health-and-wellness and womens-health, as she became a pioneer in opening opportunities for women in theological education at St John's College.
- As a significant figure in the college, Mally's influence extended beyond the confines of St John's, impacting lifestyle and family-dynamics, as her courageous advancements in womens-health was felt in the community.
- Mally's legacy continued to shape relationships both within St John's and externally, as her gracious evangelicalism, risk-taking, prayerfulness, and emphasis on valuing each person contributed to its positive aspects and enduring impact.
