Mary Tyler

Mary Tyler, age 76, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Mary was born on September 30, 1947 in Anna to Ezra and Hilda (Froese) Simpkins. Mary married Russell Jones on April 15, 1967.   He preceded her in death on October 28, 1991.  She married Bob Tyler on November 4, 2007 in Carbondale and he survives. 

Mary worked as a secretary for Southern Illinois University at Carbondale until she retired in 2017.  She was a devout Christian woman whose life was a symphony of faith, music, family, and the words of the Bible. She was a very talented pianist and brought joy to many through her music. Mary cherished her family, pouring her love into her children and grandchildren with wisdom and faith. The Bible was her guide, shaping her beliefs and actions, and creating a legacy of love and faith that would endure through generations.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Bob; children, Patrick Jones (Chris Jones), Stacia Abe (Sean Abe), Angela Jones, and Sarah McCollum (Jason McCollum); step-children, Ann Booth, Martin Tyler, and Jay Tyler; grandchildren, Gabby Jones, Wyatt Jones, Canaan Cruz, and Matthew McCollum; step-grandchildren, Brittney Hill, Braden Hill, Brant Hill, Lynsay Conner, Samantha Flora, Cassidy Tyler, and Jack Tyler; step-great-grandchildren, Leah Hill, Madison Hill, Robert Hill, Lydia Hill, Lainey Hill, Clara Hill, Cienna Flora, and Otis Flora; sister; Sherrie Taylor; and brother, Arthur Simpkins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; brother, Ted Simpkins; sister, Evangeline Rodenbush; and a stillborn son. 

Funeral Services for Mary will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Pastors Rick McNeely and Bob Spangler officiating.   Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale.   Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday and from 12:00 pm until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.   

Memorials may be made to Eagle Mountain International Church Newark, TX: Bless Israel Fund. https://giving.emic.org/?fund_code=C100,CISRAEL,CBENV,CSLBLDG,CRELIEF&source_code=CWEBCTB&group=CWEB&show_secondary_funds=1

Meredith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.   To leave a story or memory of Mary, visit www.meredithfh.com.