JoAnn Lyles

JoAnn Lyles, 80, passed away peacefully with family at her side in her home on Sunday April 15, 2007.

She was born on May 27, 1926 in Michigan City, IN to Myron B. and Nan A. White.

She married Robert A. Lyles in 1944. Their 30 marriage ended in divorce.

She worked for several years in the Michigan City Public Schools as well as the Head Start Program. After moving to Battle Creek, MI she continued to work for Head Start and eventually became the director of Battle Creek Day Care Center. Under her direction, the day care program grew from one center to four and was among the first to offer transportation services. She was a founding member of the Food Bank of South Central Michigan serving on its board of directors since the food bank's beginning in 1982. In May of 1988, she was hired as the Assistant Director/Director of Finance. A position she held until her passing. For a short time, she also worked for Good Samaritan Hospice of Battle Creek.

She is survived by her former husband, Robert (Dorothy) Lyles, sons, David (Laura) Lyles, John (Robin) Lyles, Paul (Debi) Lyles, Tom Lyles, Jim (Lisa) Lyles, and daughters, Kathy (Paul) Parker and Ruth (Andre) de Saint Leger, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Her parents, a sister, Mary Jane White and daughter-in-law, Sue Lyles, preceded her in death.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday April 28, 2007 at 1:00pm in the Lou Boyd Room of the Burnham Brook Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan. Arrangements are by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.