God dispatched his angels to bring Elder Beverly Wilborn Knight Yancey home on Sunday morning  August 30, 2026. While we mourn the absence of her physical presence, we celebrate the fact that her spirit is with Him. Beverly was the last born in the family of Thomas and Dora Wilborn. She was born in Winston-Salem on March 3, 1964, and she made the city her home for the rest of her life.

                                                                           It Is Well with My Soul

After graduating from East Forsyth High School in 1982, Beverly set her sights on many things. She attended Forsyth Technical Community College and earned certifications in the following areas: CNA, Phlebotomy, and Medical Billing. In addition to those certifications, she served as a para-professional at a local charter school for several years. Always thinking about exciting things to do to satisfy her inquisitive mind, she opened an upscale boutique shop in downtown Winston-Salem called It’s Beauty and ran it for several years. Her travels took her near and far, but she especially enjoyed visiting many of the religious retreat centers in Western North Carolina and Roanoke, VA.

                                                                          Great is Thy Faithfulness

Beverly had a penchant for wanting to help others, whether they were family, friends or strangers. She felt that God had blessed her, so she took Luke 12:45, to whom much is given, much will be required, and she used it in her own life as she shared her talents and blessings with others, especially children and the elderly. She founded a non-profit called WASS (We Are Standing Strong) and had it incorporated. The organization was a support group for women.

Beverly’s spiritual journey started at a very young age at home. At a young age, she joined her family in worshipping at Springhill Baptist Church (the late Rev. James Sturdivant), and Beulah Baptist Church (the late Rev. James Lane). After she was ordained an Elder, Beverly preached and spoke at a number of churches in the region. Her current church is First Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, NC (Rev. Calvin Smith).

Beverly is survived by her husband, Tyrone Yancey, sisters: Sheila Wilborn, Nancy Wilks, and Gay Earl, all of Winston-Salem; brothers: Kenneth Wilborn of Winston-Salem, Kent Wilborn (Deloris) of Gastonia, NC, and Steve Wilborn of Richmond, VA, Aunt: Mrs. Viola Hampton of Elkin, NC, Uncle: Rev. James Welborn of Jonesville, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents, siblings: David, Thomas, Iris Maxine, and Rebecca, as well as her first husband, Curtis Knight, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers who loved Beverly and took care of her for the last few months. Thanks also to her many friends who visited her at home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday September 12, 2026 at the Enterprise Conference and Event Center, 1922 S. Martin Luther King Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27107. The family will receive friends from 11:00-11:30am. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.

Her remains may be viewed Friday September 11, 2026 from 12pm-5pm at Hooper Funeral Home.