LYLES, JEROME (AGE 79) OF BRYANS ROAD, MARYLAND

Jerome Lyles, Sr., 79, of Bryans Road, Maryland, peacefully departed this life and gained his wings on Saturday, June 15, 2024. He was called to unite with our Heavenly Father, just a day before Father's Day.

Jerome, a man who never met a stranger, was the surviving twin of the late Eleanor Winters and Frederick A. Lyles. Born on March 30,1945 in Charles County, Maryland, Jerome, or Rome as some called him, was raised by his beloved Aunt Alberta Carter, whom he affectionately called Mom.

Jerome was united in marriage with Frances Kelly on October 31, 1970. From this long union, the Lyles were blessed with three children who were the pride of his life – Jerome Jr., Denita, and Joseph. A devoted dad, Jerome was also a father figure and mentor to more people than can be counted.

Jerome was educated in the Charles County School system and was part of the last graduating class of 1965 at the historic Bel Alton High School. A hard worker and devoted employee, Jerome worked many jobs from the Naval Propellent Station in Indian Head, Maryland, the "truck stop", Hechingers, McQuail's Inn, and cleaning the Bank of Southern Maryland. He worked for Charles County Board of Education, where he retired after 30 plus years.

Jerome was an avid sports enthusiast and football fanatic. ln his younger years, Jerome played baseball and later served as the head coach of the La Plata Bucks. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, who dreamed of going to Dallas to meet Jerry Jones. Rome prompted many loud debates with anyone who rooted against his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Whenever they got a win, especially against Washington, family and friends could expect Rome to tease them about the defeat. He enjoyed family time watching the game and was a premiere trash talker when it came to sports.

While sports held his attention, nothing held his heart like being a Dad and a Pop-Pop. Jerome was rarely seen without his three children. Later in life, his two beautiful granddaughters, Savannah and Harper, enjoyed a special place in their Pop-Pop's heart. There was nothing more in this world that he enjoyed, then spending time with them.

Jerome is now reunited in heaven with many loved ones, especially his first born, Jerome Jr., who departed this life in 1993.  In addition, he is predeceased by brothers Randolph (Barbara), Leroy (Lucille), Frederick (Mary), James; sisters Dorothy Wheeler (Francis), Nora Douglas (Bill), Loretta Coombs; in-laws Henrietta Ford, Joseph Kelly, Lucille Price (John), Gladys Coates (Paul), Shirley Montgomery (Bernard), John Ford (Frances), Ernest Ford, Phillip Ford, William Ford, James Ford, and Jeremiah Mason. Raised in the Carter household as their son, Jerome is also predeceased by Alberta and Lorenzo Carter.

Jerome Lyles, Sr. leaves to cherish his loving memory, wife of nearly 53 years, Frances, daughter Denita, son Joseph (Sarah), granddaughters Savannah and Harper. Sister Mamie Mason, brother Lawrence, Janett Carter, Alice Tolson and Thomas Chisley. Sisters-in-law Dorothy Jenifer (Daniel), Dorothy Ford, Barbara Ford, brothers-in-law Charles Kelly (Sheila), Thomas Jenifer (Helen), and David Coombs. Good friend, Russell Savoy, goddaughter Lynnette Jewell, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

His viewing will be held from 9:00am until 10:00am, Monday, July 1, 2024, Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00am, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 4590 St. Joseph Way, Pomfret, Maryland 20675.