Mary Kathryn Ratcliff Lyles

Mary Kathryn Ratcliff Lyles

It is with our love and reverence that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Mary Kathryn Ratcliff Lyles.  Mary Lyles, the youngest of four children to Marvin L and Kate Miller Ratcliff, was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi on September 19, 1935 and passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 30, 2025. 

Mary was raised in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and was a very active, full-of-life young lady who participated in numerous activities, but where she found the most joy was in the marching band. Her love of band earned her a college education, as she received a full-ride band scholarship to Hinds Jr. College. While at Hinds, Mary became a member of the Hind Jr. College Hi-Steppers and was chosen as Drum Majorette for the Hinds Jr. College Band. While serving as the Drum Majorette, Mary led the band down the streets of Pasadena, California for the Rose Bowl Parade.  After relocating to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the early 1960s, Mary went to work for Sears Roebuck and Company where she grew her 23-year career from the Manager’s Secretary to Human Resources Manager. Later in life, after retiring from Sears in 1987, Mary finished out her working years at the Jackson County Health Department. Having a zest for life, Mary overcame obstacles in her early adulthood which made her stronger along the way. Through the years, she formed strong, life-long friendships with people from all walks of life. 

Being very active in the City of Pascagoula, Mary was once chosen as Jackson County Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Mary was a long-time active member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Beta Lambda Chapter where she represented the State of Mississippi in Australia at their International Convention.  Mary and her husband, John Lyles, enjoyed participating in and working in many Carnival Krewes in Jackson County. Mary never met a Mardi Gras she did not love. Through the years, Mary was chosen as Queen of the Tri Cities Carnival Crew, The Elks Carnival Ball, as well as The American Legion Carnival Ball. She also was a member of and served as LaSous President Nationale of La Societe de Femme.

Mary and John were both very active leaders in the community. They were active members of the American Legion where Mary was active in the Girls State program and elected State President of the American Legion Auxiliary. It was a true joy to be around Mary at any American Legion event watching her reconnect with friends with laughter and joy. At meetings where Mary was asked to speak, she began every speech with: “Ain’t it Great to Be an American!”  Mary loved family and country and watching her in her element gave her family great pride.  When not engaged in community efforts and leadership, Mary and John loved to travel. Never flying (except for Hawaii) Mary and John would strike out on adventures unknown all over the United States, Mexico, and Canada and return when they were tired and ready to do so. Once on their way, they would contact their children and advise which direction they were headed in and that they could be found on their cell phones. Mary often boasted that she and John had visited every State Capital Building in the United States. Throughout the years, Mary shared her love of cooking and culinary expertise with friends and family. She was as good of a cook as anyone her family knew. At family events, she would arrive with food and take over a kitchen stopping only occasionally to rest and work a cryptogram allowing family members to clean up the mess. Mary worked very hard at everything she did whether it be her career, civic life,of volunteerism, or times with family. Mary chose joy in life and was always complimentary, considerate of others, and treated all with dignity and respect.  While we mourn our mother's passing, we find great joy and happiness that she lived 90 years and passed peacefully into the hand of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church of Pascagoula, and in recent years regularly attended Bay Cove Chapel. 

Mary was predeceased by husbands, John Peden Arkle and John Anderson Lyles; also her parents, Marvin L. and Kate Miller Ratcliff and siblings Marvin Ratcliff, Jr., Florence Duett, and Dr. James Ratcliff. 

Mary was very proud of her family. She is survived by daughter Kathryn LynneTerry of Biloxi, Jerry (Melissa) Terry of Laurel, and Tommy (Regina) Terry of Brandon. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Melissa, Neal, Owen, Bethany, Sara Kathryn, and Conor and 7 great-grandchildren, Tanner, Riley, James, Emery, Spencer Grace, Baylee, and Alyssa.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and love to Linda Hardesty for her friendship of 60 plus years and for keeping mother’s hair just as she liked it. Also, we wish to express our appreciation to the staff at Summer House Bay Cove and Saad’s Home Health Care and Hospice. 

Visitation will be at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home 4811 Telephone Road, Pascagoula on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 9:00 am until Funeral service at 10:00 am. A private burial service will be at Biloxi National Cemetery on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00 am.

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