Mary Elizabeth Ann Lyle Porter

She is predeceased by parents Lexie L. and Ora Mae (Vinsant) Lyle, sister Lucille Davis and brothers Ed, Marshall and Wayne Lyle. Her beloved son Thomas Vaughn passed away in 2020. She is survived by her loving husband James Porter, stepdaughters Robin (TJ) Adam and Jana (Thomas) Keller and grandchildren Porter Adam and Trip and Kimber Keller of Nashville. She is also survived by her daughter, Patricia Vaughn of Brentwood, grandchildren Kristi (Steve) Gumm and Brent Bale and great-granddaughters Gracie and Ashlyn Gumm and Autumn Bale of Hendersonville. She was proud of her family and especially blessed to enjoy these great-granddaughters for two decades.

Mary Elizabeth Ann Lyle was born in Somerville, Alabama on August 22, 1931. She moved to Nashville in 1950 where she married Cleo Vaughn and raised a family in the Inglewood and Gra-Mar neighborhoods. In the 70s she divorced and moved to Bellevue where she resided for the rest of her life.

She was active in local Baptist churches holding leadership positions. She loved the old hymns that her family often sang together when she was growing up. Libby played the piano and had a beautiful soprano voice.

She was an avid sports fan and accomplished golfer, known in Nashville for her love and support of the game. She played as an amateur in the LPGA Sara Lee golf tournaments at Hermitage Golf Course in the 80s and was President of the Singles Golf Association in the 90s where she met James, the love and joy of her life. They enjoyed many golf trips and made many wonderful friends over the years. Libby also enjoyed playing bridge and couple dancing with James as part of several local groups.

Libby’s career was primarily in healthcare administration beginning in the mid 60s with Nashville Memorial Hospital (Skyline) as the original Business Office Manager. Later she worked for Equitable Life Assurance and Ross Perot’s EDS Federal in the TN Medicaid program through speaking engagements with physicians all over TN. Libby had an interest in real estate and business investing and formed Nashville Business Brokers Inc. with an office on Music Row. She was featured in the Nashville Business Journal where they spotlighted female entrepreneurs. Upon retiring from business, she became a “nanny” to the Campbell family, whom she dearly loved.

Libby made friends easily in all walks of life. She would remember your name and make a point to speak with you when she next saw you. Libby was known for her compassion for friends in their time of need. She was quick to visit and take a meal or call and send a card. Libby often hosted friends and family in her home and always served an amazing meal very elegantly.

She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes while in her mid 30s. She lived a daily routine of diabetes management that included healthy eating and exercise, a lifestyle of which she was an advocate. Her devotion to good health allowed her to lead a full and active life. Her family is grateful and inspired by her commitment to good health which led to her longevity.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 17 from 10:00 am until 11:45am in the Fellowship Hall of The Church at Harpeth Heights, 8063 Hwy 100, Nashville TN 37221 followed by a funeral service at noon. Burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1101 Lebanon Pk, Nashville TN 37210 at 3:00 pm. Pallbearers are Brent Bale, Steve Gumm, Thomas Keller, Trip Keller, TJ Adam and Billy Joe Morgan (nephew.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the church or to the American Diabetes Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mountolivet.com for the Porter family.