Special offer

Durham, North Carolina mourns the death of Lista Yarbrough...a fellow REALTOR® and my friend

By
Real Estate Agent with The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group 209227

Lista YarbroughToday, after a five year battle with cancer, Lista Yarbrough went home to be with the Lord.

(July 1, 1973 - January 17, 2008)

As the Vice President of the Durham Regional Association of REALTORS® and a top-producing agent with Realty Executives Triangle, Lista was well-known and well-loved by her peers in the real estate business. Since her diagnosis of cancer in 2003, Lista has fought couragiously...openly sharing her story in order to inspire others to fight also. Her death leaves a void that only her contagious smile and loving heart could ever fill.

When I remember Lista, I think of the words 'selfless giving'. Despite her difficult, five year struggle with cancer, Lista always found a way to give of herself to others. I personally believe that she found her strength to keep fighting by giving of herself. She was an amazing woman and an example for all of us to follow.

Since 2003, Lista has participated in the annual Triangle Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Just this past June, she ran the whole race without stopping...even though she was still in recovery from chemotherapy. Her team, Lace up for Lista, raised over $6000 for breast cancer research. In 2003, she also organized volunteers to provide care packages to patients beginning chemotherapy. The Durham Regional Association of REALTORS® honored her with their Service Award in 2004.

Lista, we'll all miss you very much...but we'll never forget the example you set for us! You showed us the real meaning of life...living for others and not for yourself. It was my honor and privilege to be your friend!

Flowers are being accepted, or memorials may be made in Lista's name to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, P.O. Box 71922, Durham, NC 27722. The donations will be applied to Lista's team for this year's race.

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill Homes for Sale

Terry Rasner-Yacenda
Broker,Owner - Dreams Realty - Reno, NV
"Dreams Realty"
Hi Elizabeth -- I read everyone's comments, at least to some degree, and I'm left with an uneasy feeling, and a highly positive one.  What's positive is that so many reached back to you after you reached out to us -- all triggered by Lista's passing.  Did I say passing -- as passing from earth to heaven?  That's the uneasy feeling I have: do we not see this?  Lista did her work here, for people, for God, for us in AR right now.  She's dancing with angels; we're dreaming of angelsShe's seeing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ; we're reading and believing in the truth of the gospel.  She's not worrying about what toothpaste to use, or which perfume to dab; she's dancing on streets of gold.  I look at her picture and think, heaven just got a little more joyful.
Jan 18, 2008 11:55 AM
Alexander Harb
Knights Investing - Mesquite, TX
Dallas, Texas Real Estate Investing

Terry has it right...Heaven is more populated if Lista was a Christian.....

She did a LOT for the community and for those just entering chemotherapy....

It took 5 years for cancer to claim her life on earth..... I wonder...in
those 5 years, did anyone talk to her about Jesus?

And did the Lord make sure that other Christians knew of her
struggle before she left so they could talk to her and give her
a chance of eternal life when Jesus comes back?

I am sure He did...and I hope she turned to
He who saves our souls.... if a Christian took
the time to talk to her...

=-)

 

Jan 18, 2008 01:14 PM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals
Elizabeth - sorry for your loss and that of her family. I'm sure that her battle touched many lives.
Jan 18, 2008 03:40 PM
Delete Account
Just Delete It - Oaklevel, VA
Ummm... I'm sorry, but I know the family and I don't think her faith should play into our sorrow for her family's loss.  I am a little offended by that post and I wouldn't want my family to read a post that hoped someone had saved her before she passed so she could have a chance at heaven.  I'm sure you meant well Alexander Herb, but it goes a little far.  Lista was a wonderful person and left her mark on this earth.  Her family, freinds, and community will miss her regardless of what her faith is.  Lista's pain was real and the pain her family is suffering is real.  Lista's family is Presbyterian, but I would be just as sorrowful if they were Jewish or Hindu.   
Jan 19, 2008 12:23 AM
Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate

Sarah, I was going to say something about that, too, but decided to pass on it.  But, you appear to have said it for me.  This is not the time for him, or anyone to say something like that.  A woman like Lista is surely in her "heaven"... regardless of her "faith."  Sarah, thank you for saying it so very well. 

Elizabeth... Lista and her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.  My heart is with you all.

Jan 19, 2008 12:29 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

TERRY-  I think your comment is just so beautiful! I can picture Lista exactly that way...dancing around and exploring all the beauty! That is the image that I'll always carry of her.

AGAIN..Thank you to EVERYONE for your loving words and kindness. Your prayers mean more than you will ever know. PLEASE KNOW THAT!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Jan 19, 2008 07:40 AM
Alexander Harb
Knights Investing - Mesquite, TX
Dallas, Texas Real Estate Investing

Sarah and Karen.....if my comment above was offensive to you, I am sorry......

I just love the fact that the Lord stopped me from committing suicide back in 1974.....
and I dedicated my life to His Son Jesus the Messiah after that......my love for God
and Jesus starts at that point.....

Usually if you love someone, you talk about how great they are to everyone you know......

It is because I love Him that I said what I said.... not to point out anything wrong in Listas life....

For all we know, and according to you,Sarah, her family was Christian..... so she may very well be where I am hoping she is...... most serious Christians bring their children up in the same beliefs they have, and they live out those beliefs in a practical way in every situation of life so the kids can see how the parents belief is beneficial to them.

I was just expressing the hope I have that she is a
citizen of the Kingdom of God, as run by Jesus his Son.

BTW...this post WAS put in the group "Christianity and Real Estate"...so
why were you ladies offended that I said what I said..... I am sure you
knew that someone would have probably expressed some kind of hope
for her that way, am I not correct...it was posted to that group along with
the others, right?

And hoping that Lista was in the Kingdom of God as run by Jesus would
be something her parents would hope for also, if they are Christians, as
you have said....... if one of my kids died..... I would want to know I would
be seeing them in the afterlife.... what is so wrong about that?

I was not brushing aside the sorrow of her death...I was mearly stating the
desire I have that she died a Christian... and that I think is a GOOD thing.....

I have no idea why you would be offended at that..... especially if you saw
that the post was put in a Christian group..... or maybe that fact passed you
by as you were reading...it does figure into the context of the comments I
have made....

I hope you understand now why I said what I said in my
comments... it was in a Christian context because it was posted to a
Christian group....

May God bless you.....

  

 

 

Jan 19, 2008 07:53 AM
Adam Waldman
Westcott Group Real Estate Company - Hauppauge, NY
Realtor - Long Island
ELIZABETH - I am not usually at a loss for words, but when it comes to seeing someone so young lose their life, it just makes me sad, and I shake my head in disbelief.  It sounds like Lista was a great person, and that she will continue to inspire others for a long time to come.  This was a beautiful tribute to her.  I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, and to her friends and family for the loss of someone very special.
Jan 19, 2008 08:30 AM
Delete Account
Just Delete It - Oaklevel, VA
I'm obviously a different type of Christian than you are.
Jan 19, 2008 09:13 AM
Ginger S
Wilkinson & Associates, Wilmington NC - Wilmington, NC
Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation~

Elizabeth, What a beautiful smile Lista shared with the world. I am sure all who knew her were better for knowing her.  Iam so sorry for the loss of one so young, and for you and all the friends and family she left behind. May her lagacy of selfless giving live on in the hearts of those who loved her!

Ginger

Jan 19, 2008 09:33 AM
Jan Evett
The Premier Property Group LLC - Rosemary Beach, FL
Broker Associate, 20 years+ in real estate

Elizabeth,

First, I'm sorry that I'm so late commenting.  I am sorry for the loss of your friend, and that she had to deal with this disease for so long.  She was a champion, wasn't she?  I offer my prayers for her family and friends, and I pray that they will feel God's love and comfort in their lives. 

I am leading a program at my church called GriefShare, and it is a very good Bible-based series that is being offered all over the United States.  If you feel they might benefit from it, please check out the website:  www.GriefShare.com

Love and prayers for you, too, as you reach out to others who may have questions that arise from her life testimony.  Often when someone has been such an inspiration to others, it will result in people asking tough questions about their own faith.  I know you will be a beacon to those who are searching.

 

Jan 19, 2008 11:01 AM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA
Sorry for your loss!  Prayers and best wishes for her family and friends! 
Jan 19, 2008 11:50 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

ALEX-  Thank you for your comments! ANYONE who knows you knows what a kind, compassionate and loving man you are. I especially appreciate your coming back and addressing Sarah's concerns. GBU!!

ADAM-  Thank you! It is difficult to lose anyone...especially someone so young. It makes us all question our own frail humanity. GBU!

Jan 20, 2008 12:01 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

GINGER-Your words, "May her lagacy of selfless giving live on in the hearts of those who loved her!" are just so perfect! Thank you so much! GBU!

JAN-  Through your words, I can definitely see that God has given you a special gift for ministering to those who have sufferered the loss of a loved one. I KNOW that He will use you to touch so many lives. Thank you for sharing. GBU!

JIM- Thank you so much!! GBU!

 

Jan 20, 2008 12:25 AM
Alexander Harb
Knights Investing - Mesquite, TX
Dallas, Texas Real Estate Investing

I couldn't stay away, since she was offended....... I HAD to let her see my point of view......

I am always like that...... even before I started this group, if something went wrong between me and someone else, I ALWAYS tried to explain myself and get things taken care of.....

Thanks for commenting on my efforts, sis....

I LUV YA!!

\O/

Jan 20, 2008 04:56 AM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Hello Elizabeth!

That VERY BIG heart of yours has you showing YOUR FATHER's character again...... working upfront, pointing out HIS jewels for all to see the defined beauty.  Such was and IS the aura of Lista!  Everyone is not assigned to go behind the scenes to usher into the spotlight such a valued gem for all to behold.  You have done that!  You were privileged to have her as a friend, as she, to have you.  May her family and loved ones receive comforting.

Thank you!

Jan 20, 2008 05:10 AM
Sondra Meyer:
EXP Realty, LLC - Corpus Christi, TX
See It. Experience It. Live It.
Elizabeth, I'm sorry about the loss of your friend and fellow Realtor to breast cancer.  It is always especially sad when someone so young has to deal with such a terrible disease.  Her strength and determination to help others is inspiring.  I'm sure she will continue to touch the hearts of everyone that met her.  My prayers are with you all.   
Jan 21, 2008 05:14 AM
Tereciah Smithen-Quintana
Dream Home Living @ Keller Williams Realty - Knightdale, NC
I am in shock! I was just looking at a picture of her in the REB. I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend. Definately will pray for the family.
Jan 21, 2008 12:00 PM
Tereciah Smithen-Quintana
Dream Home Living @ Keller Williams Realty - Knightdale, NC
I am in shock! I was just looking at a picture of her in the REB. I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend. Definately will pray for the family.
Jan 21, 2008 12:00 PM
Anonymous
Jan Perry Durham NC

Elizabeth: It is Memorial Day Night 2008. Just stumbled onto your site and saw your wonderful tribute to Lista.  I was fortunate to work with Cissy and Lista for over 16 years. To watch Lista grow up and become an Assistant to her mom Cissy at Re/Max, then again at Realty Executives. Lista was a true enegizer bunny, a living breathing spark plug of joy. When she married Kevin - the love shone in both their eyes. Trust me,  she flies with the Angels and is a Guardian of Love to all she knew and loved. She was beautiful. but not just the shell, her true beauty was within. Don't get me wrong, she could be devilish, but not in a spiteful manner. Her faith was unshakable and true. Her love for life and family pure. God speed Lista. Thank you Elizabeth.

May 26, 2008 02:21 PM
#60