Reverend Youel Napier, born June 23, 1932, passed away peacefully May 18, 2026, at the Laurel Creek Nursing Home. Preacher Youel was a devout Christian and served the Lord in the Pentecostal faith, most notably as the founder and pastor of White's Branch Holiness Church for 56 years.
Preacher Youel is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia "Toby" Napier, son Lonnie Napier, mother Martha Hyde Smith, father Walter Napier, brothers Pearl England, Lee Roy Napier, sisters Betty Lou Harris, and Marie Smith.
He is survived by son Wayne Napier and wife Linda, grandsons Ian and wife Kelly, Evan and wife Natalie, and Leighton and wife Aveary. Brothers Lawrence Smith, Jr., Paul Napier, and Roscoe Napier. Sisters Bertha Mae Hayre and Pauline Hammons. Special friends Harvey Hacker and Barbara Hacker. Great-grandchildren Rush, Ryker, Hunter, Amelia, and Evie.
Services for Brother Youel will be Friday, May 22, at 1:00 P.M. in the Britton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Mitchell and Rev. Wade England officiating. Visitation will begin prior to service at 11 until funeral time at 1. Burial will be in the Hyde Family Cemetery.
