Mary Ruth Tyler

Sister Mary Ruth Tyler, affectionately known as "Mae Ruth," was born on December 23, 1930, in Jefferson Marion County, Texas, to Lonnie Williams and Luella Porter. She peacefully passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024. Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Earl Tyler Jr., her parents; (2) Sons; Wilbert Vern Tyler, Milton Earl Tyler, (1) Grandson, Andrew Keith Smith, Brother; Otis Williams; (2) Sisters; Amelia Jones, Dorothy McIntosh, (1) Daughter-in-law Charlotte Houston-Tyler, and (1) Son-in-law Leon Rimpson who also proceeded her in death.

Sister Mary R. Tyler was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother leaving a legacy of love and faith. She leaves to cherish her memories: (4) Daughters: Sandra Tyler-Rimpson, Ft. Worth, Texas, Gloria Tyler-Wardsworth, San Antonio, Texas, Se-Gwen Tyler, Dallas, Texas, Faith Scott, Dallas, Texas (2) Sons: Don Tyler, Kenneth Tyler, both of Dallas Texas, Daughter-in-law, Doris Tyler, Dallas, Texas, (6) Grandson's: Edward Tyler (Tracey), Keith Smith (Tammie), Reverand Derrick Gray (Tamiko), James Cooks, Lerone Tyler, John Rimpson, (5) Granddaughter's: Mashonda Grisby, Mary Wardsworth-Eller, Jessica Tyler, Sheri Shofner, Precious Scott (11) Great-grandchildren, (1) sister Velma Cowling, Jefferson, Texas, (1) brother Ronald Mathis, Beaumont, Texas, (1) Sister-in-law: Wilsie Williams, plus a wonderful host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Education: Gethsemane High School, Jefferson, Texas, where she was a basketball and track team member. She waited for her childhood sweetheart John Earl Tyler, Jr., to return from the military and they married on April 20, 1949, and were married for 58 years until his demise on November 13, 2007. To this union, seven wonderful children were born. John and Mary moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1950 and, in 1951, took up residence in Arlington Park Estates. Sis. Tyler worked for Underwriters Salvage Company and later retired from the Salvation Army.

Sister Mary R. Tyler was a woman of strong faith, and her commitment to serving God was evident in her involvement with various church activities and organizations. A few of her proudest moments were seeing her husband, children, and grandchildren accept Christ in their life. Nothing could take precedence over the Lord. She was also very proud when her daughter, Se-Gwen Tyler, was elected to the Dallas School Board. Sister Tyler took pride in all her children and grandchildren, cherishing their accomplishments. Sister Tyler loved and lived for the Lord. She and her husband John loved quoting scriptures: John 14:1-3, Isaiah 53:5, and

Psalms 30:1-12. She loved her husband, children, siblings, family, her church, and community.

Sister Tyler was an active member of her community, particularly in Arlington Park Estates. She enjoyed attending Bible Study at Arlington Park Recreation Center, was a member of the Senior Club, and was the founder of the Annual Arlington Park Estates 90 Plus. She worked closely with her daughter, Se-Gwen Tyler, the community historian Kathy Richey-Farrington, Belinda Odom-Gaston, and Odom’s Bar-B-Que on this project, demonstrating her commitment to her community.

Sister Tyler united with Bethlehem Baptist Church, Jefferson, Texas, and accepted Christ at a very early age. Upon moving to Dallas, Texas, she joined New Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, in 1959, and later Arlington Park First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, and served as a member of the Usher Board and the mission group. In 2003, she reunited with New Greater Mount Zion to be with her loving husband, John Earl Tyler, Jr. Throughout her combined tenure there; she served as president of the choir, program chairman of the mission, a member of the usher board, and Sunday School. Sister Mary Ruth Tyler demonstrated her love for God and others throughout her life through her service and leadership within the church and community. She will be greatly missed by her children, family, community, and others.