Frances Adkins Lyle

Frances Adkins Lyle, 80, of Little Rock, Ark., formerly of Magnolia, Ark., passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, in her favorite chair, in her own home, where her family had been caring for her. Frances was born November 22, 1935 in Athens, La. to the late Milam and Mary Bell (Shepherd) Adkins. She was a member of the St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock and former member of the First United Methodist Church in Magnolia. She married Claude Weiss Lyle on March 6, 1964. A hard-working, intelligent and resourceful woman, Frances had success in self-employment as a bookkeeper, dog groomer, upholster, seamstress, decorator, and small business owner. But she will be remembered most for her true servant's heart, which was obvious to those who saw her care for family members and pets, especially in times of suffering. A loving and devoted mother to all of her children, perhaps the proudest accomplishment in her life was being entrusted by God with the care of her youngest son, Steve. Born with a heart condition and a life expectancy of weeks to months, Frances protected, nursed and encouraged Steve through a full and happy childhood, a college degree, a career, and nearly 37 years of a well-lived life. Her strong will enabled her to recover from Steve's death in 2002 and go on to care for her own Mother through her death, and to nurse Claude through his illness and death in 2009, after 46 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Claude Weiss Lyle; son, Steve Alan Lyle; brothers, Melvin Adkins, Prather Mac Adkins, Donald Adkins, and Ted Adkins. Frances is survived by many friends and family members who loved and cherished her. These include her children, Vickie Darby and husband Bill of Little Rock, Chuck Lyle of Magnolia, Terry Benefield and wife Dee Ann of Texarkana, Texas, and Dr. Wayne Lyle and wife Dr. Kristin Lyle of Little Rock; grandchildren, Christopher Darby, Lauren Attaway, Alex White, Jessica Griffin, Sam Benefield, Harrison Benefield, Jordan Hardin, Katelyn Lyle, Natalie Lyle, and Stephanie Lyle; and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation with the family will be Friday, October 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia, Ark. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 15 at 11 a.m. at Lewis Chapel with Dr. Eric Goble officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Christopher Darby, Sam Benefield, Harrison Benefield, Jordan Hardin, Andrew Griffin, Lance Attaway, and Cody White. The family requests memorial donations are sent to Arkansas Children's Hospital, #1 Children's Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. To sign the online guest book or to share a memory visit lewisfuneralhome.biz.