An so it was, on Saturday, December 10, 2011, our loved one Lelia, who had suffered so patiently and long went to her Eternal resting place, freeing her to return to her triumphant spirit. No longer will there be pain and discomfort, for she has received a body that knows no imperfections and a residence that knows no sickness or death. Lelia was a beautiful and special lady easy to know because of her outgoing personality. It was a privilege to know her, for to know her was to love her.
She was born around Edgefield, South Carolina on March 9, 1924, she was the only child of Adrine McKelvin. She was predeceased by her two husbands: Wallace Smith in 1977 and Henry Tyler in 1990. Her education was in the public schools system of South Carolina. Although a follower via radio, in 1977 she officially joined The Church Of The Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in Washington, DC. She was baptized and later received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Her initial job was a housewife and caregiver to her granddaughters Michelle and Tonya along with other young relatives at various times. She then took a job in the janitorial industry as a Building Service Assistant for a private company. During her employment with the company she received numerous awards of recognition for outstanding performance. In 2008, she became a registered voter, and proudly voted for President Obama.
Lelia lovingly referred to as “Mother Tyler” participated in various church auxiliaries. She loved to travel with her church family near and far. She enjoyed cooking for the church, or just lending a helping hand even when the person didn’t know it was needed. She was a warm, friendly person but never stopped being strong-willed and speaking her mind easily. She was an excellent role model for her family and all those who knew her.
When we think of Lelia, we are reminded of her delicious sweet potato pies that were requested no matter the occasion. Her love for her family was overflowing. Most importantly, she had a reverence fear of the Lord and walked the road of salvation daily.
She was a survivor of breast cancer that was diagnosed five years ago. She lived an active life until the very end. Immediately after being released from one of her stays at the hospital she attended Thanksgiving dinner with her senior group on Tuesday and Thanksgiving dinner with her family that Thursday.
We shall miss Lelia for she leaves us with so many memories, especially as a friend who enjoyed life as evidence by her hearty smile. Visiting her was never dull, but filled with many surprises, such as stories she shared.
She leaves loving memories to: her son James A. Proctor, Jr., “Junior” (Deborah), her granddaughters Michelle Proctor-Hall, Tonya Proctor, and Tiffany Mitchell (Phillip); daughter-in-law Peggy Proctor-Matthews (Alexander), great-grandchildren Aleia Downer (Dwight); Antionette , Darryl, Jr., and Darren Johnson; Candace and Dezmond Proctor; Aarington and Chadé Hall; Cierra and Phillip Mitchell, Jr., and great-great-grandsons Julian Johnson-Burch and Isaiah Downer; along with a host of extend family and friends.
Though she will be missed by all who knew her, we are comforted by knowing that she is now at rest with her Savior.
Services will be held on Friday, December 16 at 11 am at The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, 6135 Port Tobacco Road in LaPlata, MD. Interment immediately following the service at the Church Cemetery.
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