Illa Jean Carver Lytal

Illa Jean (Carver) Lytal, 87, of Huntsville, went home to her heavenly father on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Illa passed peacefully with her beloved daughters by her side. She loved God and her family with a supernatural love due to her strong faith in the Lord.
Illa was born in Yardelle, Arkansas to Ralph and Lela Carver on August 4, 1938. Upon completing her associate degree, she married DG Lytal on December 7, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas. Always industrious, she worked a variety of jobs including professional cake decorator, running the elementary school Math Lab, and as Administrative Assistant to the Principal and Advisor to the Student Body Government for Temple City High School.
Illa and DG relocated to Huntsville, Alabama in 1992 where Illa took on the position of Administrative Assistant for the Huntsville Ballet Company. Her passion for the Arts and mentoring of youth was evident by how deeply she loved every moment she spent at the ballet. She was so very proud to have been a part of such an excellent ballet school and company.
She is survived by her children, Christiana Brotherton (Brent), Deborah Lytal-Britton (Bob), Cherie Lytal (Todd Meyer), and Susie Eurton; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a granddaughter, and her siblings, Geraldine, Teresa, Doug, and Timothy.
Illa never met a stranger. Everyone who knew her felt her love and joy for the Lord. Her faith, service to others and generosity were the hallmarks of her life. Illa and DG were members of First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. Illa enjoyed music, dancing and playing the violin. One of her highlights was performing as "Grandmother" in the Huntsville Ballet Company (CBA) production of the Nutcracker.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Chapel with the funeral at 1 p.m. Following the funeral there will be a graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery.