Fran Tyra

MARY FRANCES TYRA February 8, 1925 – May 28, 2015 On May 28, 2015, our Sweet and Loving Mother, Mary Frances Arnold Tyra passed away. "Fran", as she was known to her friends, led a very full life. At 90 years old she still drove and was an active member of the community. She was involved in many organizations in Huntsville over the years. In the early years, she served as Den Mother for her sons in the Cub Scouts of America. She also was very involved during the start up years of the Grissom High School Band. A supportive parent, she was always there for her family. Fran was the type person that anyone could go to for help or advice. She was an Amazing Lady. Fran stayed busy as a member of many charitable organizations, always looking to help others. She was a member of the Huntsville Women’s Club, TOPS Club, Hospitality Club, Dogwood Garden Club, and loved playing cards with her friends at the Senior Center. She was also a member of The Eastern Star. The thing she loved the most was being involved with the Huntsville Women’s Club Fashion Show which benefits Meals on Wheels. This annual event drew crowds in excess of 500 people with the proceeds going to this worthy cause. She was Creative and was known for her Beautiful center pieces which she lovingly handmade for every single table. Fran was very instrumental in making this charitable event a success year after year. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her! Fran was one of God’s Special Angels that left this world a better place! She was born Feb. 8, 1925, in Boynton, Oklahoma to W.P. and Birtee Arnold. On February 8, 1943, she married Henry B. Tyra, Jr. who was her husband of 65 years before his death in 2008. She is preceded in death by four brothers, Clarence, CE, Harold and Paul Arnold, and son in law, Bill deCherniss. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Kay deCherniss of Orlando, FL; two sons, Ron Tyra and wife Kathy, and Don Tyra of Huntsville; grandsons, Christopher Tyra of Huntsville and Billy and wife Luz deCherniss of Orlando, FL; two great granddaughters, Taylor Nicole and Alyssa deCherniss of Orlando, FL; brother, Bill Arnold and wife Alice, of Odessa, TX; sister in law, Agness Arnold of Hamilton, TX; and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation is on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 from 12 to 2 pm at Valhalla Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2 pm in Valhalla’s Chapel. The entombment will immediately follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Please sign the guest registry at www.valhallafunerals.com