Effie Ruth (McDougald) Lyles

Ms. Effie Ruth Lyles, age 89, of Capital Heights, Maryland transitioned into eternal rest on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at her residence.

Mrs. Effie Ruth Lyles was born on July 15, 1931, to the late Mamie McDougald and James “Taft” McLean.

 “Mom” as she was affectionately known by many, grew up in the Mamers, NC area and was educated in the Broadway School District. She held many jobs over the years, but her most favorite was her job as a foster mother which she worked for more than 30 years.

In her union with Jessie McLean brought ten children, and her union with Murray Lyles brought two children, and together they adopted three more through the foster care system.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Jessie McLean and Murray Lyles; her children, David J. McLean, Beverly L. McLean, Randolph McLean, and John Lyles; one sister, Lillian Clay; brother, Paul McDougald; grandson, David “Twigg” McNeill, and great-grandson, Brennan D. McNeill. 

She leaves to continue her legacy, six daughters: Associate Pastor Ellen R. Johnson (Elder Jeffrey L.) of Capitol Heights, MD who also were her caregivers until her death; Jessie L. McEachin of Atlanta, GA; and Paula McLean of Sanford, NC; Erma M. Williams of Lillington, NC; Camilla Lyles of Richmond, CA and Stacy Lyles of Richmond, CA; five sons: Jeffrey McLean (Kalisha) of Sanford, NC, Stanley L. McLean of Richmond, CA, Miles K. Cox of Phoenix, AZ, Mark P. Lyles of Raleigh, NC, and Michael Lyles of Arizona; three daughters she raised as her own, Fannie McLean of Bonaire, GA, Wanda McLean and Pandora Johnson (Vernon) of Sanford, NC; one brother, Rufus Gilliard of Fayetteville NC; one daughter-in-law, Joyce McLean of Sanford, NC; forty grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren, and twenty great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Paula McLean 401 Old Town Drive, Sanford, NC (Please wear a mask)

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Professional Services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford