Jeanie Mae Lyles

Jean was born Jeanie Mae McDougle on Thursday, August 24, 1933 in Mounds, Louisiana to parents, Clarence McDougle and Jessie Virginia Smith-McDougle. Both parents preceded her in death. Jean was an only child. Her mother was severely ill and could not travel when Jean and her father moved to Chicago in 1942 when she was nine years old. 

Jean attended McKinley High School, where she graduated early in 1951. There she met and married her high school sweetheart, Sylvester Lockett. Soon after, Beverly and Calvin were born. Several years later, Robert and Jerry came along, but both preceded her in death. 

Jean had several residences on the west side of Chicago, until settling in a house on Adams Street in the early 1960s. In 1974, Jean gave birth to her last baby girl, Michelle. In 1979, she met Cecil Lyles, Sr. and gained two bonus sons, Cecil Jr. and Russell. 

Jean had several jobs over the years, her last employment was with Chicago Press Corporation, where she remained until she retired in 1998. 

After retirement, Jean just enjoyed life, spending time with family and traveling with her husband. But most importantly, she loved watching her soap operas, Family Feud, Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire and the Lifetime Channel. 

Jean and Cecil joined Garden of Prayer Church, under the ministry of the late Johnnie R. Haynie, in the mid 1980s. She was affectionately known as “Diva” at the church for her stylish dress and sweet personality. Sundays were her most stylish day of the week. She loved her blingy suits and fur coats. 

Jean amazed her family in December 2023 when she was diagnosed and beat colon cancer, but the fight was not over. In November 2025, she was diagnosed with carcinoid and cardiac sarcoma (cancer in the lungs and heart). Although this cancer was more advanced and aggressive, she displayed amazing courage and strength until she took her last breath on December 17, 2025. 

Jean leaves to cherish her memory: Her loving husband, Cecil Sr.; five children, daughters Beverly (Leonard”) and Michelle, son Calvin, and stepsons Cecil Jr (Tina”) and Russell (LaTonya); two Godchildren, Derrion and Karla; thirteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and a host of cousins and dear friends.