Thelma Fort Lyle

Commerce, GA- Thelma Elizabeth Fort Lyle, 97, died Friday, Feb 26, 2010, of a brain tumor at her residence in Commerce. Born July 29, 1912 in Agricola, FL, raised in Fort Meade, then moving to Bartow in 1939 after the marriage to her husband Grantham J. Lyle. She moved to Commerce in 2000 at the death of her husband. A graduate of Fort Meade High School where she was active in sports, Mrs. Lyle attended Massey Business College in Jacksonville. She was a clerk with the A&P Tea Company in Fort Meade, being the first woman ever to be employed by the Company. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bartow. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years: Grantham Jaquette Lyle & son-in-law: Barry J. Nemeth. She was a loving wife, mother. She is survived by her daughter Beth Lyle Nemeth of Commerce; two grandchildren: Sandra & husband Scott Johnson of Hiram, GA. & Jay Nemeth of Jacksonville, FL.; 5 great grandchildren: Jason & wife Jenni Johnson of Hiram; Danielle Johnson of Hiram; April Johnson-Gunter & husband Jared of Savannah, GA; Jacob "Jake" Nemeth & Max Nemeth both of Jacksonville; fifth generation great great grandson: Brayden Johnson of Hiram. Family will receive friends Monday, Mar 1, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow from 1-2 pm. Graveside funeral services will follow at 2 pm. at Bartow Wildwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: Odyssey Hospice, 575 Research Dr, Athens, GA 30605. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com