Charlotte Mattingly Tyler, aged 88, gained her heavenly wings on May 4th, 2024. Born on July 14th, 1935 to Mary Askins and John Merlin Mattingly, and raised in Hardinsburg, Kentucky, Charlotte exemplified resilience, compassion, and strength throughout her life. As the oldest of three girls, she took on responsibility at a young age, working in her father’s plumbing store. Eventually she moved to Louisville to attend college and work. After her father passed unexpectedly she took on more responsibility by helping her mother, eventually moving her to Louisville, Ky to be close together.
Charlotte embarked on her journey in education at Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Owensboro during high school. Originally an Arts and Music major, painting and playing piano, cello and violin, she found her passion as a teacher, which allowed her to nurture young minds and empower future leaders. She earned her teaching degree from Spaulding College and said her “greatest accomplishment” was her career as an elementary teacher, spanning over forty years.
Her dedication to her students went beyond the classroom, as she tutored students, arranged and played piano for countless school programs and sponsored Governors Cup team competitions. She approached each day with enthusiasm, fostering a love for learning that extended far beyond textbooks.
Only her devotion to her family and God surpassed her love of teaching. She married her beloved husband, Jim, in 1965 with three children following over the next six years. She made sure her kids had every opportunity to thrive in school, participate in sports, find their faith and follow their dreams. She attended Mass every week and enjoyed attending Baptist Sunday School with her husband. After retirement, she and Jim enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, especially when family would join them. She enjoyed working out at the gym and volunteered at Mayfield Hospital where she loved to peek in on the babies.
Charlotte was the consummate painter and crafter, whether it was painting walls in her house or art on canvas. She often gifted her works to friends and family. She was always up for attending a craft show, an art class or spending the weekend thrifting. When the grandkids were in town, trips to mini golf, the water park and evening game night were a must.
Over the past few years, she suffered with dementia, but her positive spirit was always on display. Ask her how she was feeling, and her response was “I feel great!” and “God is good!” She moved to Georgia last year and would enthusiastically exclaim that she was now “a Georgia Peach”, but always a Kentucky girl at heart.
Charlotte is survived by her daughter Andrea (Bob) Preston of Cumming, Georgia; son Jeff (Nancy) Tyler of Wilmington, North Carolina; a sister Merlene Glenn of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Chad Tyler, Morganne (Michael) Turberville and Evan Preston; two great-grandchildren, Grayson and Miles Turberville; many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends considered family.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, James William Tyler; and one son, James “Jamie” Merlin Tyler; a sister Mary Patricia “Patsy” Cox; and her parents.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bardwell, Kentucky with Rev. Chrispin Oneko officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00AM until the service hour of 12:00PM on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at St. Charles Catholic Church.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Arlington is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, consider giving your time or treasure to your local school; church; Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, 6100 Dutchmans Lane Suite 401, Louisville, KY 40206-3506; Caritas Hospice, www.caritashospicecare.com, 800 Old Dawson Village Rd Suite 20, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
