Dora May Lyles, 86, succumbed after a courageous battle with complications of Alzheimer's at her residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia on January 5, 2022. Dora was born May 20, 1935, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Robert Splawn, Sr., and Wilma Splawn.

Dora was educated in Spartanburg County.  While growing up, she was a member of Little White Hall AME Church in Inman, SC, and later joined Ridgeville Baptist Church in Inman, SC. She married the late Burrell James Lyles, Sr., a career soldier with the US Army. They were stationed at a few military posts, including Germany, before finally moving to Maryland as the last duty station. They were married for 32 years before divorcing. Dora was a faithful and supportive member of Calvary Baptist Church at Fort Meade, MD where she was a devoted usher and prison missionary worker for many years. Dora completed her CNA license and later retired from the State of Maryland after working for twenty-plus years at Anne Arundel Community College. Dora was a wonderful cook, serving many home-cooked meals, along with love, hope, advice, and inspiration during her energetic years. She loved gardening and music. Her generosity and quick wit were well known and if she only had one of anything and she knew you needed it, it was yours! What she loved the most was being in the company of family and friends, that is when her exuberant smile shined the brightest.  She asked anyone within earshot, "Do you know how much I love you? ... A Bushel and a Peck."

Survivors include four daughters, Debra Lyles of Laurel, MD, Candance Lyles (Mark) of Washington, DC, Jacqueline Lyles (John) of Lawrenceville, GA, and Jeannette Ntoni (Khalee) of Raleigh, NC; one son, Burrell Lyles, Jr. of Lawrenceville, GA; five grandchildren, Stephan Lyles, Amelia Turner, Amanda Lyles, Zion Ntoni and Tevin Phillips; five great-grandchildren; a special daughter Bonnie Kane; two special cousins, Mack Daniel Lyles and Beverly Waddell; a special sister-in-law, Luvenia "Vennie" Splawn; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Dora was predeceased by three loving brothers: Robert Splawn, Jr., Nathaniel "Bliss" Splawn, and William "WJ" Splawn.

Those who wish to remember Dora in a special way may make monetary gifts in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association or The Glaucoma Foundation.

Cure Alzheimer's Fund
34 Washington Street, Suite 200, Wellesley Hills MA 02481
Tel: 1-781-237-3800
Web: http://www.curealzfund.org/