Alexander, Barbara Anne (Age 87) of Fort Washington, Maryland

Barbara Anne Alexander (Lyles), also known as Anne to her family, was born on June 29, 1935 in Washington, D.C. and peacefully departed this life on January 31, 2023. She was the youngest of three children born to the late Roscoe Cecil "Shack" (Bones) & Olga Washington Alexander. Her brother Roscoe Jr. "Sonny" (Little Bones) and Weldon preceded her in death, but left her with wonderful memories of their journeys growing up in the city and spending time with the family in Chaptico, MD at their Longview Beach property.

Anne grew up on Park Road, NW and attended D.C. Public Schools, which included The Mott School for Elementary, Banneker Junior High and Dunbar High School. In the summers, she stayed with her Grandmother in Catlett, VA "Up to Country". She would share that these were some of her fondest memories. In 1968, Anne and her parents moved to Rittenhouse Street, NW, where they made many wonderful memories, including raising Tiki, their pet chihuahua.

In 1957, she graduated from Howard University with a Bachelors of Science (Zoology). Anne went on to work for the Department of Interior where she eventually became the Editor in Chief for the Fish and Wildlife magazine until she retired in or about 1983. She believed in preserving the earth well before there was an "Earth Day". She loved the outdoors and appreciated all living things. You could not kill any insects around her and she took care of any animal that crossed her path.

On October 5, 1979, Barbara as she was known in her later years, married Frederick Thomas Lyles "Riley" who preceded her in death.  Barbara and Fred had a love story that spanned over 42 years. They called the Landings of Piscataway in Fort Washington, MD home and built a beautiful circle of friends and inspired many of the neighborhood kids to follow their dreams. They traveled all over the world and especially enjoyed the many RV trips with their children and family. They loved their long walks in the park with their pet beagle Lucy.

Over the years, Barbara enjoyed gardening, bird watching, knitting, sewing, and swimming at the local recreation centers. She loved spending time with the many friends she made over the years and exploring different cultures. The passion we all loved most was her cooking. There wasn't anything that she did not make or bake well. All of her grandchildren will say that she made the most delicious BLTs and everything made by Grandma was better.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.  She leaves to mourn her passing, two sons Frederick Almos Lyles, Sr. (Beverly) and Donald Kevin Lyles, Sr. (Phyllis), one daughter Cheryl Lyles Parker (Phillip); seven grandchildren Bonita Lyles Barnes (Donald), Donna Marie Lyles-Reyes (Elias), Donald Kevin Lyles, Jr., Frederick Almos Lyles, Jr., Phillip Vinson Parker, Jabari Mikal Riley, and Sydney Ann Parker; eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends to cherish her memory.

Her viewing will be held from 10:00am until time of service 11:00am on Friday, February 24, 2023, Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A.,  3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.

On Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11:00am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream