Memorial Visitation will be Sunday April 26, 2026 from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Taylor Funeral Home. There will be a private graveside service for immediate family at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Dickson County Humane Society or the Dickson County Help Center.
Nancy Sue Lyle-Howard age 91 of Dickson, TN peacefully passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on April 20, 2026 at NHC Healthcare in Dickson, TN. Sue was a strong, independent, and self-sufficient Christian woman who lived her life with the purpose of loving, serving, and caring for others.
Sue was born on April 28, 1934 in Dickson, TN. She was the youngest of three children born to Clay Evans Rushton and Ora Slayden Rushton. Her brother Billy, died in a tragic hunting accident in 1947. Her sister, Letha, passed in May of 2025 only a month before her 99th birthday.
Sue grew up on her family’s farm in the Pond community. The farm held a special place in Sue’s heart. She cherished the memories of her childhood on the farm and the lifelong friends she made at Pond’s “one-room” school that she attended through the eighth grade. Sue was a 1953 of graduate of Dickson High School. During her high school years, she worked at Kuhn’s Five and Dime. It was there, working the lunch counter, that she met her future husband and father of her children, Willard O’Neil Lyle. Willard and Sue were married on May 2, 1954 in Corinth, Mississippi. Their first home was in Sylvia, TN where their daughter Anita was born in June of 1956. Shortly after moving to Lake Valley Rd. in East Hills of Dickson, their son, Gary was born in August of 1960.
Sue loved the years when her children were young. She was a hardworking homemaker and stay-at-home Mom. She spent summers picking, canning, and freezing fresh fruits, berries, and vegetables, taking Anita and Gary to the creek, and sewing dresses for herself and Anita. Sue loved to cook and bake. Her delicious southern country meals always ended with an amazing pie, cobbler, cake, or banana pudding for dessert. She continued bringing family favorites: sour dough bread, dressing, and coconut cake to gatherings until the last few years of her life.
In 1969 Sue went to work for the City of Dickson where she remained until her retirement in July of 2004. Sue served as the City Treasurer for 33 of her 35 years. She took great pride in her career and loved her work family with whom she made many lasting friendships. She also very much enjoyed meeting and serving the public. She was a “people” person and made friends easily. Sue participated in many social activities with several friend groups well into her eighties. She especially enjoyed playing cards, going to movies, luncheons, and traveling.
In October of 1983 Willard lost a long battle with pancreatic cancer. In 1984 Sue met Chuck Howard. They were married on November 9, 1985. They continued to live in Dickson until October of 2011 when they moved to Houston County and lived there until Chuck’s death in March of 2024. Sue and Willard were members of Walnut St. Church of Christ and attended there with their family until his death. Sue and Chuck attended Rock Springs Freewill Baptist Church.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Willard O. Lyle, her parents, her siblings, and her husband of 39 years Charles M. Howard. There are precious relatives and friends too numerous to mention rejoicing in welcoming Sue to heaven.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Anita Fuson (Tommy); son, Gary Lyle (Denise); step-son, Danny Howard (Eleanor); grandchildren, Stephanie Scott (Andrew), Michelle Carneal (Mike), Marshall Fuson (Miranda), Ricky Lyle (Candice), Corey Lyle (Whitney); great grandchildren, Caleb and Lacie Scott, Kenlie and Clay Fussell, Milan and Milleigh Fuson, Braxton Lyle, Ivey Lyle; step-great grandchildren, Brayden and Jaxton Carneal, Rylee and Ella Deaton; niece, Glenna Hagood (David); nephew, Randy Hooper (Malinda).
Sue was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and Nana. Nothing made her happier than spending time with family. She was an enthusiastic supporter of school progress and activities, recitals, plays, and sporting events. She was always there for special moments. Sue will be remembered for her strength, determination, loyalty, work ethic, and sourdough bread which she generously shared with family and friends.
The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff and caregivers at NHC Healthcare of Dickson. Your support for us and your loving and compassionate care of Sue were such a blessing. Also, thank you to Caris Hospice for your comforting measures during our most difficult time.
Services under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Dickson, TN (615)446-2808. Taylorsince1909.com