Naomi Yonts

Born in Alexandria, VA on September 16, 1927

Departed on May 31, 2017 and resided in Nashville, TN

Naomi Martin (Martino) Yonts, age 89 was born September 16, 1927 in Alexandria, VA and passed away May 31, 2017 in Nashville, TN.

She is survived by her husband: Edward Gilbertson; daughter: Lisa Dale Daniel; grandchildren: Marcus Lee Daniel, II, Andrew Micah Daniel, Victor Gabriel Daniel, Jeanne Nicole Boone, Meredith Benton and Jimmy Sullivan; and great grandchild: Marcus Graham Daniel.

Naomi was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years: James Martin Yonts, Jr; children: Sandy Yonts, Vicki Lynn Sullivan, James Martin (Marty) Yonts, III and Tamera Lea Lent; parents: Genero Martino & Mertie Pack; and siblings; Juanita Martin Gilley, Clarence Martin, James Martin, George Martin, Lilly Martin Wyatt, Rosie Martin Breedon, Ruby Martin Kitchen and Paul Martin.

Celebrated songwriter, collaborator, and longtime friend, Mike Reid said of Naomi, "It was a beautiful life she lived - full of the grace, joy, heartache, and struggle we all must go through - well done, Dear Naomi - it was an honor to have written with you - you rest now - XO"

"Naomi was the consummate blend of homemaker and professional at a time when women simply didn't do both family and career. She was a pioneer of the female songwriter on Music Row. We're talking about an industry that can still be described as a "Boys' Club." What's more amazing is the way she did both with such style and grace." - Anonymous posting

When Naomi's grandparents immigrated to the United States from Italy, the family settled in Virginia and Kentucky. Naomi's father, Genero Martino, became a coal miner in Jenkins, Kentucky.

Naomi married her high school sweetheart, Jimmie Yonts, on November 21, 1947. The couple moved to Lexington, Kentucky where Naomi attended the University of Kentucky while Jimmie matriculated to and eventually graduated from Transylvania University.

In 1966, the family, which by this time included Vicki, Marty, Tammy and two year old "Lisa Bug", moved to Nashville, Tennessee where Jim was a District Superintendent of Metropolitan Nashville public schools and Naomi began her song writing career. Within eighteen months, she scored to Top Ten hits; thanks in part to the talents of Jeanie C. Riley's smash album "Harper Valley PTA."

Over the next five decades Naomi's songs consistently appeared on albums throughout the music industry. When Charley Pride recorded "My Eyes Can See Only As Far As You," (Jimmy Payne co-writer) she garnered a Number One hit. Ronnie Milsap's version of "Let's Take the Long Way Around the World" (Archie Jordan co-writer) was nominated for a Grammy in 1979.

A partial list of artists who have recorded "Momma Na's" songs includes Jeanie C. Riley, Charley Pride, Ronnie Milsap, Cleve Francis, Lorrie Morgan, Barbara Fairchild, Lee Greenwood, Kenny Rogers, Dottie West, Barbara Mandrell, Rosemary Clooney, Marty Robbins, Juice Newton, Dale Daniel, Anne Murray, Rhonda Gunn, Roger Whitaker, Russ Taft, Patti Austin and Blake Shelton.

Later in her career, Naomi formed her own publishing company. In the 1990's she signed a mullet sporting Oklahoman named Blake Shelton to his first publishing deal leading to his first record deal with Giant Records.

In addition to her love of music, she adored her large, expansive Italian family, her relationship with Christ, and cleaning.

Naomi often said, "Don't be afraid to re-write. A song is never finished until you hear it on the radio." And, my goodness, did we hear your songs on the radio, Naomi.

Her family and friends will gather for visitation on Wednesday, June 7 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church. A Musical Tribute to Naomi will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 at the church, with a celebration of her life following at 2:00 p.m. She will be entombed beside her first husband, Jimmie, at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Music Cares or The Opry Trust Fund.