Della F. Tyus, age 81, S. Poplar St., Jefferson, died Wednesday morning at University Hospitals in Cleveland following an extended illness.  She had been a patient there the past month.

She was born December 14, 1933 in Dayton, the daughter of Eugene & Catherine (Flyint) Turner and has been a resident of this area most of her life.  Della was married to Rufus E. Tyus on December 23, 1955 in Jefferson.  She retired with Community Action delivering Meals on Wheels and the Jefferson Senior Center.  Della drove a school bus more than 20 years in the Jefferson School District.  She was a former member of the Jefferson Community Church of God in Christ.

Della was an icon to Jefferson Schools and Jefferson athletic events.  This is the first year she has missed a Jefferson home sporting event since 1968.  She was a member of the Jefferson Athletic Boosters and the Jefferson Music Boosters, she volunteered as a time keeper and statistician for many years.  She was active with JAGS, Jefferson Little League, JAWS & JAMS coaching, umpiring and being a concessioner.  She formerly served with the Ashtabula Co. Fair Board.  She was an avid Browns, Indians and Ohio State fan.  Della was the neighborhood watchdog for all the children and held a special place in her heart for all of them.  She enjoyed crocheting in her spare time.

Survivors include eight children, Edward E. (Ellen) Turner of Columbus, Gary A. (Barbara) Tyus of Ashtabula, Kristine E. Johnson of Columbus, Christine L. Tyus of Ashtabula, Robert C. Tyus of Columbus, Melvena M. Tyus of Columbus, Charlene A. Richter of Jefferson & Roslyn E. Tyus of Cleveland, 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her step-mother, Genevieve DeCastro of Marion, two sisters, Roberta Edwards of Akron & Essie (Alonzo) Winfrey of Columbus and a step-sister, Gwendolyn (Robert) Siler of Marion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Rufus in 1997, a daughter, Catherine E. Cole in 2004, a son, Marion W. Johnson in 2002 and three brothers, Eugene, Marion & Howard Turner.

Funeral services will be Monday at 11:00 A. M. at the Jefferson Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with Pastor Thomas McCain officiating.  Entombment will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens.

Calling hours will be held Sunday from 3-5 P. M. at the funeral home.  Memorial gifts may be directed to the family, in care of Christine L. Tyus, 421 W. 48th St., #2, Ashtabula, OH  44004, envelopes will also be at the funeral home.  Fleming & Billman Funeral Homes is honored to serve the Della Tyus family.  Visit fleming-billman.com for obituary, guest book or light a candle.

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