Cleveland, Tennessee – Mrs. Anna Christine Lyda Mickler, affectionately known as “Babe”, departed this life to be with Jesus on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at Tennova Healthcare in Cleveland, Tennessee. Born on December 13, 1935 to Henry Blaine Lyda and Opal Breedlove Lyda, she was one of 13 children who lived daily farm life in rural Pickens County.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of fifty years, John J Mickler, in 2004 and by brothers Grover, Hiram, Glenn and Racine and sisters: Gertrude, Bernice, and most recently in 2019, Leila.
Mrs. Mickler is survived by her remaining brothers Roscoe Lyda and wife Edna, Lawrence Lyda and wife Regina, sisters Edna Hallyburton, Revelee Garzone, and Margaret Gilstrap, as well as extended family in Florida, Georgia and Arizona.
She is also survived by daughters: Patricia Sluder, and husband Marty, of Cleveland, Tennessee and Jan Long and husband Daniel of Greer, South Carolina; sons: Steve Mickler and wife Sandra of Pickens and John Robert Mickler and wife Dixie of Cleveland, Tennessee, with whom she had made her home for the past eight years.
In addition to her siblings and children, She is survived by her grandchildren: Sheryl Mickler of Westminster, Brad (Allison) Mickler of Pickens, John Christopher (Kathleen) Mickler and Nicole Mickler, all of Dallas, Texas, Jesse (Holly) Long and Jared Long of Greer, South Carolina and Craig (Lindsay) Sluder of Cleveland, Tennessee. Mrs. Mickler was honored to be a great-grandmother to: Makayla and Gabriel Rollins, Braelyn Blackwell, Kale, Bryce and Payton Mickler, Ben, Graham, Henry and Daisy Sluder, and the newest great-grandson born in August, John Porter Mickler. She was happy to know that great-grandchild Baby Long will arrive in March.
She retired from McKechnie Plastics in Easley and was a longtime member of Pickens Church of God. She had known Christ as her Savior from a very young age. She enjoyed gospel music, especially the Gaithers, and loved her family with all her heart. For the past eight years, she helped to care for her daughter-in-law, Dixie, as she has battled Alzheimer’s, giving her time and her love to her “little angel” as she affectionately referred to Dixie. Through a trying 2020, with multiple health issues, she grew tired and longed to be with those who had gone before her and to relocate to her heavenly home. She celebrated her 85th birthday just a few weeks ago surrounded by the family she loved. What a compassionate God we serve. She slipped away peacefully with no struggle and the family gives thanks to God for His mercy. For those who wish, a donation may be made in her name to Jones Hill Church of God, YWEA Ministries, 1014 Dalton Road, Marietta, SC 29661.
Psalm 115:16: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” She will be deeply missed, but we find comfort as we survey the night sky and see a star that shines a little brighter.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 10, 2021 in the Chapel of Dillard
Funeral Home with entombment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm until 2:45 pm on Sunday, prior to the service, at the Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.
