Ms. Yaeger Deas

Born on September 12, 1987, Yaeger Simone was the first-born child to Cedric Maurice and Exzerra LaShawn Williams of Charleston, South Carolina. She matriculated through Charleston County School District and was a 2005 graduate of Charleston County School of the Arts with a major in Theatre. Yaeger excelled academically and was a natural-born leader. She attended the College of Charleston and studied both Business and Hospitality and Tourism. She was a proud member of the C of C Gospel Choir and Remnant.

She exemplified the truth of Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.” She served faithfully at Holy Light Miracle Temple as a Praise and Worship leader. She was many things to many people: a daughter, a sister, a friend, a leader, and above all, a humble servant of Christ. Her worship was not a performance—it was an offering, and in that offering, we were all drawn closer to the heart of the Father. She understood that true ministry was not just about the stage or the spotlight, but about the quiet acts of service that often go unnoticed. As such, she coordinated “Soup for the Soul” days at her church and prepared hot soups that were distributed to those in need during the winter months. She also served as the head chef at the Lighthouse Café, with the Culinary Arts ministry of HLMT. Whether on Sunday mornings from the pulpit, in rehearsals, or in the kitchen, Yaeger embodied the love and compassion of Christ. 

One of her greatest ministries was the way she shared her love of cooking with others. Yaeger’s passion and love for cooking began at an early age. She could often be found in the kitchen with her best friend and Granny Laura learning to cook and bake. In 2020, as our nation endured a global pandemic, Yaeger filled the emergent need for meal-prepping and private catering experiences. With so many satisfied clients, she decided to establish Forest Avenue Eats and was often heard telling others, “Life’s short; Let’s eat Good!” From Charcuterie boards, cookies, cinnamon rolls, breads, and casseroles, her cooking reflected her heart: full of care, warmth, and hospitality. She loved serving others and shared her gifts with several Lowcountry restaurants including Ye Ole Fashioned, TBonz Gill and Grill, Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe, Gail’s Soul Food restaurant, and Pearlz Oyster Bar. 

In addition to her generous and hospitable spirit, Yaeger had an incredible sense of humor. She had a wit that could light up a room, always knowing just the right thing to say to make others laugh, often at just the right moment when it was needed the most. Even on the hardest days, her sense of humor was a reminder that life was still good, that God is still good, and that joy could be found even amid life’s challenges and obstacles.

Yaeger was deeply loved, and it was clear to all who knew her that the foundation of her life was the love and support of her family. She was incredibly close to her parents, siblings, cousins, extended family and fur-baby, Eloise “Ellie”. She especially loved being an Auntie to her “Laila-bug” and “My guy”.  Her family was always her first ministry—whether it was sharing a quiet moment with her parents, talking to her Granny, laughing around the dinner table with her siblings from “Camp 750”, or spending time with her sister-cousins. She gleaned wisdom from her elders and held a special fondness for her grand aunts and uncles. It was in their example that she learned how to love selflessly, serve faithfully, and give without expectation.

Yaeger’s life was a living testament to her truth that “All my life, You have been faithful.” In her short time on this earth, Yaeger impacted more lives than many could in a lifetime. Her ministry was one of love; love for God, love for people, and love for the simple, everyday moments that make life beautiful. She knew that serving others was a way to serve God, and she lived out that truth every day with humility and grace. She may not have sought accolades or recognition, but she was a light in this world, and that light will continue to shine in our hearts long after she’s gone. 

Yaeger was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, David Deas and her paternal grandparents, Isaiah and Ruth Williams.

Yaeger’s light, love, and legacy will forever live on in those who are left to cherish her memories, her loving parents: Deacon Cedric and Elder Exzerra Lashawn Williams; siblings: Christian Cohen, Xavier (Syeda) Williams, Jordan Williams; brother-cousins: Justin Deas, Ian Deas, Damond (Trinity) Shockley; sister-cousins: Denecia Anderson, Beatrice Heyward, Cameron Deas, Reagan Shockley, Faith Shockley; grandmother: Deaconess Laura M. Deas; niece: Laila Gabrielle Cohen; nephew and God-son: Daniel Elias Cohen; aunts: Davina Deas, Darlene Fludd; uncles: Calvin Williams, Bill Thompson; God-Sister: Coren Gabrielle Bellinger; God-children: Dana Anderson, Cameron Gough; grand nephew: Noah “Butterscotch” Shockley; best friend: Tiffany Bonaparte; a host of extended family and friends.

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