Frances Payne Bouknight Tyler

1933 - 2019

Frances Payne Bouknight Tyler, 85, died on Friday, February 8, 2019 in Henrico, VA. She was born March 11, 1933, the daughter of William Miller and Frances Turner Bouknight and was reared in Edgefield County, South Carolina at her family's inherited plantation, Mulberry Hill. She was the wife of Harrison Ruffin Tyler, grandson of the tenth United States President, John Tyler.Mrs. Tyler attended Converse College, transferring after two years to the University of South Carolina where she graduated with a degree in fine arts. She then studied in New York and subsequently received another degree from the New York School of Interior Design. She also attended classes at the Art Student's League. She was married to Mr. Tyler in July, 1957 at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour. Their winters were spent in Richmond, Virginia and their summers at Lion's Den, a segment of Mr. Tyler's ancestral property on the James River in Charles City, Virginia, a hunting lodge that was named for his antecedent Lord Lion Gardiner of Gardiner's Island, New York. In 1974, Mrs. Tyler bought Sherwood Forest with surrounding acres of gardens and grounds and began the four year restoration of the National Historic Landmark, the longest frame house in America. Her upbringing at Mulberry Hill, her experience with the decorative arts and her education in fine art and design uniquely suited her to the task. She undertook an enormous project of historic importance and after its completion the family resided there. Mrs. Tyler was an avid horsewoman. Being instrumental in the move of Princess Anne Hunt Club she brought foxhunting to Charles City County and in addition played a great deal of polo on the West Coast. She was the author of a memoir, A Time of High Cotton. She also is the author of several books concerning American Presidents and numerous cookbooks. Mrs. Tyler is survived by her husband Harrison Ruffin Tyler; their children Julia Gardiner Tyler Samaniego, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, Jr. and his wife Catherine McLean Smith Tyler, William Bouknight Tyler and his wife Kay Montgomery Tyler; eight grandchildren David Gardiner Tyler Samaniego, Harrison Tyler Samaniego, Harrison Ruffin Tyler III, Rice Hooe Tyler, Christopher Taliaferro Tyler, Frances Payne Tyler, Lyon Gardiner Tyler, and Emily Quinn Tyler; and Mrs. Tyler's constant companion Mademoiselle Francoise Huet Poodle Tyler. Some of her memberships include the Colonial Dames, Woman's Club, Garden Club of Virginia, United States Polo Association, various foxhunting clubs and organizations concerning the James River. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019 at Bliley's - Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. A Celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, at Sherwood Forest Plantation, 14501 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, VA, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Heritage Library, Charles City Branch, "In Memory of Paynie Tyler", 10780 Courthouse Rd, Charles City, VA 23030.