Mary Ann Lyles

Mary Ann Brandon was born on October 24, 1930, as the first of four children and the only girl. She was born to the union of William and Nealey Alexander Brandon in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee.

Mary experienced tragedy early in life with the passing of her mother when she was just eight years old. Her father kept the family together until she was twelve. Understanding that she needed a woman’s guidance, he sent her to live with his great-aunt in Webster Groves, Missouri.

Mary confessed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. She attended Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ in Webster Groves, alongside her father and brothers after they moved to the area.

A bright student, Mary enjoyed her time at Douglas High School. It was there that a friend and classmate introduced her to her brother, Roosevelt Lyles. On July 18, 1947, Mary Ann Brandon and Roosevelt Lyles were joined in marriage, with Roosevelt’s sister, Elizabeth, serving as their wedding witness. From this union, four children were born.

Mary was a devoted wife to the late Roosevelt Lyles Sr. and a cherished mother to Roosevelt Jr., Eugene Edward, Alice J., and William Arnold.

Though she was a homemaker, Mary had an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for business opportunities. In 1975, she founded Mary Lyles Day Care, dedicating herself to caring for children. She and her father shared a deep belief in the healing power of nature, and she owned numerous books on herbs and natural remedies. Her father often told her about their Cherokee and Black heritage, teaching her that while the world judges people by their wealth and accomplishments, Native Americans measure a person's greatness by their humanity and service to others.

Her Words of Wisdom:

"Don’t tell me what you can’t do—you WILL do it. Nobody is better than you, but you can make yourself less than anybody by the way you behave and treat others."

"If you don’t have anything good to say about somebody, then don’t say anything at all."

Mary always put the needs of others before her own and prayed for everyone. She belonged to a generation of women who deeply valued family and often sacrificed their own goals and desires for their husbands and children.

She had a love for country music—especially artists like Tennessee Ernie Ford—as well as gospel music, which brought her joy and peace.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Mary departed this life peacefully in her own home, free from illness and pain. She expressed that she was ready to meet the Lord.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roosevelt Lyles Sr.; her sons, Roosevelt Lyles Jr. and William A. Lyles; her brothers, Clyde Brandon, Robert Brandon, and Plez Brandon; her in-laws from the Grice and Gilliam families; her son-in-law, Dennis Anderson; her daughter-in-law, Carol Lyles; her granddaughter, Monica Lyles-Carter; her niece, Lee Williams; her great-nephew, Michael Gilliam; and her niece, Sherri Grice.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Eugene Edward Lyles, and her daughter, Alice Lyles Anderson. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Cummings of Webster Groves and Willa Mae Brandon of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Kevin Smith (Gretta), Stephanie Adams (Michael), Sharron Stephens (Wayne), Nicole Lyles, Kissa Price, and Sonya Lyles.

Her great-grandchildren: Alicia Shirley, Michael Adams, Jaleel Adams, Davion Younge, Dionte Younge, Marisa Hutch, Trenton Carter, Ore Adams, Kayla Hutch, Tyler Adams, Emmanuel Stephens, Nicholas Hopkins, Mia Carter, Quentin Stephens, Natalie Lyles, and David "Trey" Price III.

She also leaves behind a host of great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Her kindness, love, and unwavering spirit will forever be remembered.