Dr. Thomas Eugene Yarbrough Dr. Thomas Eugene (Gene) Yarbrough was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Albert Benjamin Yarbrough and Ida Mae Hill Yarbrough. To this union, three children were born. Thomas Yarbrough was the youngest of his siblings. He was a proud graduate of Melrose High School and participated in many extracurricular activities. Industrial Arts was his passion, and many of his woodwork creations were selected for display at the Annual Mid-South Fair. Dr. Yarbrough received his Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University, majoring in Social Studies with a minor in Sociology. Later, he enrolled at Memphis State University, where he received his Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. He also received an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 1968 while completing additional coursework at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. In 1982, Thomas earned his Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) from the University of Sarasota. Thomas Yarbrough served Memphis City Schools for forty-four years. He received many awards, including Certificates of Recognition and the Tennessee Distinguished Service Award. He was also nominated by the Memphis Education Association for Principal of the Year in 1991. He served as a classroom teacher, Principal Assistant, Center Assistant, and Adult Evening School instructor. He also served as Assistant Principal at A.B. Hill Elementary, Westwood Elementary, Sheffield Elementary, and Whitehaven High School, as well as Head Principal of Lakeview Elementary School. Thomas professed his faith in Christ at a very young age at St. John Baptist Church. Dr. Yarbrough was active in Sunday School. In his adult life, he moved to Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church, where he served on the Deacon Board and Elder Board for a number of years. He also served on the Finance Committee and the Worship and Witness Committee and was active in other church projects. In 2011, he joined Hope Church, where he remained until his death. Thomas Eugene Yarbrough and his wife, Margaret Estella Gaddy Yarbrough, were married in 1961. To this union were born two sons, Darin Eric Yarbrough (deceased) and Dr. Alex Yarbrough; six grandchildren: Euric, Zachary, Heaven Leigh, Darin, Kaleb, and Kristian; and a wonderful daughter-in-law, Dana Yarbrough. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mildred Jones and Clarence Yarbrough. He is survived by two nephews and one niece, Keith Jones, Carol Jones, and Maurice Jones, and preceded in death by one nephew, Michael Jones. He is also survived by one brotherin-law, Leonard Jones; and a dear cousin, Calvin Acey.
The Celebration of Life Monday, August 31, 2026 11:00 A.M.
Hope Church Memphis 8500 Walnut Grove Rd. Cordova, Tennessee 38018
Processional ...............................................................................................Amazing Grace Welcome and Prayer.............................................................. Reverend Rufus D. Smith, IV Senior Pastor, Hope Church
Song.........................................................................................His Eyes are on the Sparrow Scripture Reading..........................................................................Reverend Chaney James
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Song.......................................................................................................Blessed Assurance
Words of Hope.........................................................................Reverend Rufus D. Smith, IV
Benediction Recessional................................................................................Angels Watching Over Me
The Twenty-Third Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23
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herished Memories
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herished Memories
~ Acknowledgement s ~ We express our sincere thanks and gratitude to our many friends for the
love shown during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, telephone calls, cards, visits, flowers, and other expressions of kindness mean so much to us. May God continue to shower His richest blessings upon you for your thoughtfulness.
~The Family
~Active Pallbearers ~ Family & Friends of Dr. Thomas Eugene Yarbrough
~Committal Rites & Interment ~ Monday, August 31, 2026 •1:00 P.M. Historic Elmwood Cemetery 824 So. Dudley St. Memphis, Tennessee 38104
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