Sarah Dorothy “Dot” Lucas Lyles

Sarah Dorothy “Dot” Lucas Lyles, 94, of Spartanburg, SC passed peacefully at home on Friday, June 20, 2025. She was born July 16, 1930 in Dillon, SC. She was the daughter of the late William Gaston Lucas and Sarah Dorothy Barlow Lucas Allen.

In 1954, she married Clarence Cross Lyles, M.D. of Spartanburg. She left teaching to be a devoted wife, loving mother and later a grandmother. She took much pleasure in her family and provided a warm, loving home for her husband and two daughters. Dot had the gift of hospitality and loved having family and friends for a meal, get together, party or family reunions.  

Dot was a 1947 graduate of Dillon High School and a 1951 graduate of Winthrop University. Dot was a beloved 2nd grade teacher at Pine Street Elementary School where she taught for several years. She was an active, long time member of Trinity United Methodist Church and was honored to have a circle named after her, The Dot Lyles Circle. She loved these dear women and enjoyed being a spiritual mentor to them.

She was a Choir Mother for the youth for many years, enjoyed serving on numerous church committees and she and Clarence were a part of the Prayer Team where they prayed for church members and friends. Praying for people she knew and loved was one of her greatest joys.

Dot was extremely interested in Bible Study and was instrumental in the establishment of the Bible Study Fellowship class in Spartanburg. She was a devoted Children’s Leader for 6 years and took great joy in sharing the Bible lessons with her young friends. She enjoyed being a discussion leader and a member for 14 years.

One of Dot’s greatest passions was passing on the Word through numerous verses of scripture on note cards. She actively passed these out to friends, family, and anyone who was interested in them for many decades.

Dot loved her community and enjoyed serving in different capacities of leadership and support in various organizations. She was a Girl Scout Leader and loved working with the girls to help them gain their badges and make campfire stew on occasion. She was a member of the Junior League of Spartanburg for many years, President of the Spartanburg County Medical Society Alliance, a member of the United Women in Faith and was a great supporter of the India Children’s Choir.

Dot was a wonderful cook and had an exhaustive cookbook collection. She and Clarence enjoyed trying out new recipes and found winners all the time. Her favorites were desserts, especially chocolate desserts and baked goods.

She was a member of The Bridge Club for years where she made many life long friends and celebrated their birthdays and family events. Dot was lovingly cared for by her caregivers Jamie, Gina and Samia and many others from All Ways Caring Homecare and Elite Homecare. Because of their caregiving help through the years, Dot was able to live at home.

Survivors include her daughter, Lynn Lucas Lyles, of Spartanburg, SC; grandson, Matthew C. Rambish (Angela), of Richmond Hill, Georgia; son-in-law, M. L. (Butch) Rambish (Cece), of Moore, SC; and sister, Louise Lucas Ardrey, of Rock Hill, SC.

She was predeceased by her dear husband of 63 years, Clarence Cross Lyles, M.D., her daughter, Margaret Lyles Rambish, of Moore, SC; Her sisters, Willie Gaston “Wiggie” Lucas Jones; Mary Jane Allen Magrath; and Evelyn Allen Linder.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 2nd from 12:00 - 1:15 at Trinity United Methodist Church and the funeral service will follow at 1:30 in the Sanctuary, conducted by Pastor Ricky Howell. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. As Dot loved butterflies, please dress colorfully for the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 626 Norwood St., Spartanburg, SC 29302; Bible Study  Fellowship, PO Box 675241, Dallas, TX 75267-5241, Ref. Day Class #775 at First Baptist, or bsfinternational.org/support; Mobile Meals, 419 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC, 29302; Spartanburg Regional Foundation, PO Box 2624, Spartanburg, SC 29304, Ref. Regional Hospice House; or the charity of your choice.

Floyd's North Church Street