Lytle Batchelor Wooten

Lytle was born on July 12, 1931. She was the only daughter of Edward Batchelor and Marian Lytle Batchelor. Lytle grew up in Greenville, NC with her three brothers, Edward Batchelor, Jr., William “Mac” Batchelor, and Floyd M. Batchelor. While Greenville was her “home base” as a child, she enjoyed summers at Atlantic Beach and trips to Michigan to spend time with her cousins from the Lytle side of the family.

Lytle attended St. Mary’s College in Raleigh and graduated with a degree in education from East Carolina Teachers College. After graduation, Lytle moved to Raleigh to teach elementary school at Sherwood Bates Elementary (now part of Oberlin Middle School). Soon thereafter, she met the love of her life, Louis E. Wooten, Jr. They were married on June 18, 1955, and before they knew it, a daughter arrived, then a second, and then a third. Lytle was a full-time mother now but really wanted a son. Her prayers were answered when she and Louis welcomed two sons into the fold.

Lytle’s children were her pride and joy. She delighted in their successes and comforted them when they failed. As her family grew, she welcomed 10 grandchildren and then six great-grandchildren. They too learned at Lytle’s knee the values necessary to live a good and righteous life: love your neighbor as yourself, treat others fairly and with kindness and always, always tell the truth. While Lytle may have retired from teaching many years earlier, the teaching never stopped.

Lytle had a life-long love of all creatures great and small. While Louis was not as keen on family pets, Lytle noted that “pets teach children compassion.” Realizing the wisdom of her words, the family soon had a barn filled with horses (her passion for riding was shared with her three daughters), and a home filled with a series of much-loved feline friends and canine companions. Often one could find Lytle in her garden, pulling weeds or cutting flowers for beautiful arrangements for the home, family, or friends. She loved giving and was happiest when bringing others joy.

Lytle was a gifted pianist, and she enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, and needlepoint. She was a voracious reader, often staying up past midnight even in her last days. She loved nothing more than a grand adventure, often involving spirited travel, good wine, great food, and parties with stimulating conversations. And, of course, anything related to Atlantic Beach.

Lytle was active in the Junior League of Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Assembly Club, the Circle Club, and the Carrousel Club. She was also a member of the Carolina Country Club, where she enjoyed playing golf and tennis.

Lytle was active in her church and loved studying God’s Word in church groups, Bible studies or personal devotion time. She was also active in Angel Ministries and made the Word the cornerstone of her life.

The family would like to recognize her cherished caregivers from The Cypress of Raleigh who greatly improved Lytle’s quality of life. Additionally, Amedisys Hospice provided excellent loving care during her last months. We are so grateful for both of these teams and their devotion to our mother.

Lytle is survived by her five children, Marian W. Troxler (Billy), Katherine W. Bailey (Jim), Edith Wooten (Ivan Bailey), Louis E. Wooten, III (Sally) and Stephen E. Wooten (Margaret), ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Louis E. Wooten, Jr., her parents and her three brothers.

The family will receive friends at the Troxler home on Sunday, May 19th from 3:00pm-5:00pm. A memorial service will take place at Holy Trinity Anglican Church,100 E. Peace St., Raleigh, on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 1:00pm. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Transitions LifeCare (Hospice of Wake County), 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.