Jimmie W. (Parker) Tyler

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; Ecclesiastes3: 1-2

Jimmie Wren Tyler was born on August 30, 1942, in Memphis, TN. to the late A.D. and Florette Parker but raised by her grandparents, the late John and Nora Hudson in Benton Harbor, MI.

Jimmie became absent from the body and present with the Lord on Monday, February 24, 2025, after 12 day stay in Hospice at Hansen Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI.  

Jimmie moved to Benton Harbor Michigan at an early age and accepted Christ under the leadership of Reverend Robert Schley at Union Memorial A.M.E where she remained an active, faithful and dedicated member for over 70 years.  Over those years, Jimmie served in many capacities in the church including but not limited to a Sunday School Teacher, Nurses Guild, Usher/Greeter, Christian Ed., Youth Department, Intergenerational Women’s Ministry, Senior Club, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School.

Jimmie attended school in the Benton Harbor Area School District and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1960. After graduation, Jimmie entered the workforce where she worked at Mercy Hospital as a Nurse’s Aide, and then at VM, and lastly at Bosch where she retired in 2002 at age 60 and with 30 years.

After retirement, Jimmie enjoyed “doing what she wanted to do, when she wanted to do it, and how she wanted to do it.”  She enjoyed keeping her grandchildren and traveling to see her sons in various places around the world as they served in the US Army for a collaborated total of 68 years.  She also enjoyed spending time with her family, immediate and extended. Throughout her years, Jimmie was an active member of the Benton Harbor Chapter, Rose of Sharon #7, Order of Eastern Star, and Benton Harbor Zeta Amicae of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Jimmie enjoyed playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, watching Dr, Poe and animals in the wildlife on television. Jimmie loved to shop off QVC and HSN as well as riding the cart in Walmart where she bumped into everything and one (literally) while seeing all of her old co-workers and longtime friends.  Jimmie was also famous for her Zucchini Bread and homemade Caramel Cake.  She also enjoyed cooking for family gatherings, canning, making homemade ice and snow cream as well as a variety of preserves and Cha Cha.

Jimmie married the love of her life, William Tyler Sr. on April 27, 1963.  To that union, were 5 children: Sandra Tyler, William (Deanna) Tyler Sr. of Wichita, KS., Anthony Craig (Dayana) Tyler of Odenton, MD., Aaron (Shaquette) Tyler of Huntsville, AL. LaToyia Tyler, a bonus daughter, Yolanda (Roosevelt) Bell and a God son, Jerrold Thomas, all of Benton Harbor, MI. She has 6 grandchildren: Julius (Jessica) Tyler of Kentwood, MI., Marcus Lawson of San Diego, CA., Jordan Tyler and Tyler Carter both of Benton Harbor, MI., Aiden and Alex Tyler, both of Huntsville, AL. and 4 great grandchildren: Jametrius Tinsley, Jada and Jaime Tyler, all of Kentwood, MI. and Kaysen Howard of Benton Harbor, MI.

As we give tribute to Jimmie Wren Tyler, acknowledging her, not only as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend; those that knew her knows that she was also full of character, fun, laughter, wisdom and guidance when needed. We are so VERY grateful to have shared her presence and the goodness she has instilled in each of us for the last 82 years, 5 months and 25 days.  Although she will TRULY be missed, she will forever be in our hearts with memories specific to each of us.

Jimmie leaves to cherish her memory, a husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, 3 sisters: Dr. Shirley (Andrew) Stansberry of Benton Harbor MI., Janice (Edward) Jenkins and Donna Turrietta of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2 brothers: Quentin (Sherry) Parker and Michael (Phyllis) Parker, 2 sister-n-laws: Mary Carpenter and Stephanie (Kevin) Robinson, and a special niece, Deeann (Chris) Parker-Jakes, all of Benton Harbor, MI.  

Jimmie was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Nora Hudson, parents, A.D. and Florette Parker, mother-n-law, Laverta Alexander, father-n-law, Andrew Smith, bonus mother-n-laws: Lillian and Ethel Smith, 3 sisters, Ura Smith, Mae Davis, and Rita Lipscomb, 2 brothers: George Parker and Thomas Parker, brother-n-law, Melvin Carpenter, along with some special aunts: Mary Evelyn Hudson and Omi Jean Hudson, Vera Herrion and Joyce Butler, special uncles: John Lewis Hudson, Willie Hudson, Edward Hudson, Charles Hudson Sr., Calvin Hudson, Kenneth Hudson and a special niece, Rev. Dr. Gloria Clark.

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