Obituary
Susie Tyler Stone died at home September 15, 2018. She is survived by sister Dorothy Tyler Simonton (Cal); nieces Tanya Tyler; Natasha “Tashy” Simonton McKee (Chris); nephews James E. Tyler III (Robbin); Tyler Simonton (Sharon); and Wayne Simonton; as well as sister-in-law Greta Tillinghast Tyler; and cousins, including Drucilla ‘Dru’ Tyler. Stone’s brother James E. Tyler, Jr., preceded her in death. She was born to Ernest and Helen Tyler in Jacksonville, FL, December 8, 1936. She attended Jacksonville schools and graduated from Lee High School in 1954. She was a gymnast and a dancer, as well as Head Cheer Leader at Lee High School. She enjoyed many of the reunion events planned by the Class of ’54.
At FSU, she joined Kappa Delta fraternity and graduated from FSU with a BA in Elementary Education. From graduation on, through wins and losses, she followed those FSU Seminoles. Stone taught school in Jacksonville (Lake Lucina); Savannah; Lake Mary, Seminole County; and for many years in Orlando at Fern Creek Elementary School. Like many dedicated teachers, a room in her home was dedicated to teaching materials and supplies with space to work on those necessary lesson plans.
For 25 years she, with friends, made Thanksgiving a trip to New York City to see as many on and off Broadway shows as they could that holiday weekend. Musicals were her love and she could sing many of the songs (on key). She enjoyed cross-country travel by motor home with her brother and sister-in-law, visiting most states and Canadian providences. After she retired, she appreciated the music, the dance, and the theater of the area.
She sang with Young at Heart and enjoyed setting up the music for rehearsals and performances.
As a member of Winter Park Presbyterian Church, she sang in the church choir and served as a Deacon. She was famous for the homemade lemon bars she often made for the choir and Deacons. She volunteered with the Children’s Chorus by helping the younger children stay focused and happy. She assisted several years with the 3 & 4 year olds during Vacation Bible School.
For those wishing to remember Susie, the family suggests contributions in her honor to Winter Park Presbyterian Church, or Young at Heart
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