Martha Jean Lyles

Martha Jean Lyles, of Clarksville, TN, died in Dallas, TX on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

Martha was born in Depoy, KY on July 3, 1935 to Cecil and Carrie Roark. She was the first in her family to complete high school, graduating Graham High School in 1953 with honors. She took a job as a nanny and housekeeper in Clarksville. While living in Clarksville, she met Thomas Lyles, an Army soldier stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. She and Tom were married in 1959.

Martha embraced the role of Army Wife. They had one daughter, Lisa, in 1963. Martha loved the Army lifestyle. She has lived in Virginia, Oklahoma, Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Germany. After 32 years of military service Tom retired, and he and Martha settled in Clarksville.

She was a member of the New Providence United Church and greatly enjoyed the years she worked at the preschool there. She always had a special fondness for young children. Her first grandchild, Henry Roark Winegeart, was born in March 2002. Tom died later that year. A second grandchild, Kathryn Roark Winegeart, was born in October 2007.

She greatly loved the community of Clarksville and the many friends there that she made memories with over the years. She lived independently in her Clarksville home until early 2020. Her death was hastened by the inaction of federal, state and local governments that did not take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously in early 2020.

 During her last months music was a great source of comfort to her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Friends of WRR, Post Office Box 12323, Dallas, TX 75225; on the web at www.friendsofwrr.org/become-a-friend.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Greenwood Cemetery. 

 Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.

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