Florence L Lyles

Lyles, Florence, 88, passed away peacefully the afternoon of July 2, 2015. Born in Tampa, Florida on March 27, 1927, to Florence Le Fils (later Lyles) and Joseph Le Fils, she was later adopted by Charles T. Lyles. Aside from two years spent in New York City as a child, she was a lifelong resident of Florida, and attended Gorrie, Wilson, and Plant High in Tampa, with her earliest years spent in Plant City. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in elementary education, and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Flo began her teaching career of more than 30 years at Mendenhall Elementary, and retired from Carrollwood Elementary, where she spent the greater part of her career. An active volunteer, she shared her time with organizations including the Friends of the Library, Friends of Plant Park, and the Salvation Army. Flo was a longtime member of the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, the Amaryllis Garden Circle, and a former member of the Tampa Yacht Club. A passion for travel motivated her numerous trips in North America, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. She shared her final trip with her sister and nieces to Greece and Turkey at the age of 86. Flo, along with the original toasts she shared with family and friends on special occasions, will be greatly missed. She is survived by her sister Ann Gudath, Brandon, Florida, and her nieces, Lisa Gudath, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Lauren Gudath, Petaluma, California. A funeral service for Flo will be held at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church at 12:00 pm on July 16, with visitation following at Fellowship Hall. Pallbearers are Jackie Cloen, Joe Nettles, Rick Hardesty, John Heyer, Tom Daley, and Phil Wade. Honorary pallbearers are Dick Clarke, Tim Drabik, and Earnest Mercer. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, Hospice, or the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church. A private interment at Oaklawn Cemetery, Plant City will follow. Blount & Curry MacDill 813-876-2421.