Dempsey Tyler

Dempsey Tyler was born to Tilman and Emma Hill Tyler on Tuesday, September 8, 1936, in Edwards, Mississippi. He was one of fourteen children being the youngest of four sons with one younger sister. He completed grade school and attended Edwards Junior High and Sumner Hill Junior High Schools in Edwards and Clinton, Mississippi respectively. Dempsey was athletically inclined to participate in sporting activities such as boxing and basketball respecting his mother’s wishes not to play football.

Dempsey confessed Christ and was baptized at Orange Hill M.B. Church on August 24, 1950. He met and married Rosie Sims at Hill of Zion M.B. Church. After relocating to Chicago to find employment, to this union was born three children, Larry, Brenda, and Audrey. In 1970, Dempsey united along with his family to Shiloh Baptist Church under Pastor C.J. Brooks. He was an active member of the September Ministry and Usher Board.

Dempsey was an excellent provider with an exceptional work ethic with a high standard for finished results. He worked with Hansen and Hempel Construction company for over 33 years as a skilled forklift/machine operator who outperformed his peer group. He was the only African American honored for his years of service at his retirement dinner. After retirement, Dempsey drove a school bus for several catholic high schools. He would arrive early to warm up the school bus to ensure it was warm before picking up students. He was a favorite to many of the students.

Dempsey also excelled at household handyman projects such as painting, installing flower beds, roof repair, installing gutter leaf guards, patios and more. He was also a skilled gardener planting tomatoes, okra and hot peppers while safeguarding his vegetables from squirrels.

During his spare time, Dempsey was a fierce competitor in several bowling leagues with a bowling average exceeding 170. He achieved what many BPA bowlers never achieve – on March 19, 1996, Dempsey bowled a perfect 300 game and was honored with a special ring. He also travelled for bowling tournaments to such places as Detroit, Ohio, New Mexico, and Las Vegas. Dempsey loved the rural outdoors as an avid fisherman and skilled hunter. Starting as a teenager, he was an excellent shot bringing home rabbits, squirrels, pheasants, coons, possums and venison which was very pleasing to his mother, who was an excellent cook of wild game.

Dempsey also excelled at board games such a bid whist and checkers, always enjoying these special moments with family and friends. Dempsey was a great driver and enjoyed taking road trips to visit family in Mississippi as well as attending birthday dinners and holiday celebrations. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dempsey will be remembered for his quiet, intelligent, strong, and hardworking determination. He was serious when needed and fun-loving and compassionate otherwise. Most of all, he never wavered from his inner Faith in Jesus Christ emulated by his mother.

We are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT). On March 20, 2024, Dempsey received his heavenly address.

Gone from our sight but never from our hearts a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Dempsey was preceded in death by his parents, twelve siblings and his daughter, Brenda.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 64 years, Rosie M. Tyler, three sons Victor Harris, Bobby Harris, Larry Tyler (Cynthia); one daughter Audrey Walden (Dwight), eight grandchildren, Rachae, David, Jermaine, Benjamin, De’Angelo, Sheena, Jeremy and Brittany; one special son-in-love, Darryl; 16 great grandchildren, one sister, Mildred Owens of Olive Branch, Mississippi, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends, especially the Vernon family. Special thanks to Compassionate Angels, Lisa Schaffer and Mia Harper-White for the exceptional care provided to our father.

Tribute Scripture:

II Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV‬

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Tribute to My Father

“A father’s love is forever imprinted on his child’s heart.”

Dad, Thank you for all the valuable lessons in life from tying my shoes, riding a bike, learning to drive, car maintenance, and especially directions around the city and surrounding areas. You always reminded me, "Boo, always have an alternative route."

You were a superb grill master and I will miss our times together barbequing and drinking coffee. You were smart, generous and honorable. Dad, losing you will always sting but you are free now and with Jesus. It was an honor to care for you during the last several years. I already miss your voice, your smile, your laughter and humor. Take your rest, Daddy

Audrey (Boo)

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