Marie Lou (Zarate) Yarbrough, 76, of Key West, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Marie was born on April 7, 1949, in Manhattan, New York. She moved to Key West, Florida, at a young age and graduated from Key West High School in the Class of 1968. She met her husband, Thomas (Tommy) Yarbrough, Class of 1964, shortly after graduating, and they married soon after. Thomas joined the military, and after his service, they returned to Key West, where they raised their two sons, Jason and Joshua.
Marie embarked on a long and fulfilling career with Porter Allen Insurance Company, where she served as an insurance professional admired for her 37 years of dedication and warm rapport with clients and colleagues, many of whom became like family.
A devoted matriarch, Marie’s greatest joy was spending time with her family—especially doting on her grandchildren, Jazlyn and Jason, know to them as Mimi. She was an avid seamstress whose colorful quilts and crafts reflected both her creativity and generosity. Marie sewed on Thursday mornings with the sewing ladies group at the 5th Street Baptist Church. She also looked forward to Tuesday night bingo with Pat Castro and friends and never missed her weekly sorority gatherings or girls' luncheons, where her laughter and camaraderie were cherished by all. She was a member of Presceptor Gamma and served as treasurer. Additionally, Marie was an avid yard sale enthusiast.
Marie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, tia, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and friend. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Yarbrough; son, Jason (Donnie) Yarbrough; grandchildren, Jazlyn and Jason Yarbrough; sister, Sara Acevedo; and nephew, Joseph Henriquez. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Billy Yarbrough, Johnny (Sharon) Yarbrough, and Timmy (Dottie) Yarbrough, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who were like family.
Marie was predeceased by her son, Joshua Yarbrough; father, Joseph Zarate; mother, Tessie Arencibia; stepfather, Simon Arencibia; and niece, Talia Acevedo.