Virda Mae Tyler, 88, of Holly Grove, died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, at Stuttgart Regional Medical Center in Stuttgart.
She was born Dec. 8, 1918, in Holly Grove to James Johnson and Annie Lillie Moore-Johnson. She was the widow of Ernest Tyler Sr. Mrs. Tyler was a lifelong member of St. Paul AME Church in Holly Grove where she served as the Missionary Society president, Sunday school instructor, choir member, member of the Steward Board and member of the Department of Religious Education.
Mrs. Tyler received her education from Simpson Elementary School, the Fargo Agricultural School and AM&N College in Pine Bluff. She was employed as a school teacher with the Holly Grove Elementary School in Holly Grove for more than 33 years. She taught third grade from 1943 to 1976.
She loved arts and crafts and games of basketball. She also loved singing and working in her church and community.
Survivors are four daughters, Celestine Tyler of Holly Grove, Carolyn Boone and husband, Lynn, of Helena, Joan Tyler of Jacksonville and Gloria Rogers of North Little Rock; a brother, Mckinley Johnson and wife, Mathia, of Los Angeles; two sisters, Georgetta Barner and Vapi Jones, both of Denver; 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul AME Church, Highway 17 North, Holly Grove, with the Rev. Scot Tyler officiating. Burials was in Pine City Cemetery by Branscumb Johnson and Gilchrest Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Anthony Boone, Michael Boone, Steve Tyler, Sean Tyler, Terek Tyler and James Jackson.
