Audra Tye

Audra Odessa Brant Tye was born the youngest of nine children on October 11, 1926, in Unus, West Virginia, and passed from this life on August 12, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by her loving family, just two months shy of her 100th birthday.

Audra was a faithful member of Dallas’ Saner Avenue Church of Christ, Beltline at Main Church of Christ, and Cold Springs Church of Christ, both in Lancaster. From her earliest years, her Christian faith was the foundation of her life, and being a faithful Christian woman was her greatest priority. She lived her faith quietly and consistently, showing through her actions the love, kindness, and generosity she believed in.

Born in the hills of West Virginia, Audra’s adventurous spirit led her away from her small hometown to Norfolk, Virginia, where she worked at the Navy Base. At the age of 20, with a sense of wanderlust and a desire to see the world beyond what she knew, she traveled cross-country by bus to begin a new adventure. She eventually made her way to San Francisco, where she worked as a car hop to save money for her first car — despite not knowing how to drive, not yet having a driver’s license, nor knowing how she would get her new red Mercury home from the dealership. That car ultimately brought her to Dallas, where she met the love of her life, Frank Tye. They married and settled in Oak Cliff in 1950, beginning the life and family they would build together.

Audra devoted herself to her family as a homemaker and mother, creating a home filled with love, faith, warmth, and countless memories. She was also active in her community and church family. She was a member of the Zang Women’s Bowling League, but her greatest joy came through serving others. She faithfully attended Wednesday Ladies Bible Class, participated in Silver Eagles, collected donations for Boles Home and Sweetwater Children’s Home, cooked meals for homeless shelters, volunteered for many years with Mission Printing Christian Outreach, and spent countless hours visiting hospitals and nursing homes to encourage and care for others.

Those who knew Audra would describe her as cheerful, funny, and genuine. She did not seek recognition, boast about her accomplishments, or call attention to the many good things she did. Her kindness was quiet, her charity was given without expectation, and helping others was simply the right thing to do. She lived each day the best way she knew how — with faith, love, and a servant’s heart.

While it may be difficult to capture nearly 100 years of life in words, Audra’s true legacy is not measured by milestones or achievements written on paper. It is measured by the lives she touched, the kindness she shared, and the example she left behind.

Her memory will live on in the simple things that remind us of her: a fresh cup of coffee with two creamers, a plate of pinto beans with onions and cornbread, and any mention of the television show Dallas. Through those everyday moments, and through the love she gave so freely, Audra will continue to be remembered.

Audra leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, humility, and service that will remain with all who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank M. Tye, Jr. who passed December 3, 1981; her parents, Harry and Ada Fletcher Brant; her brothers, Marshall, Basil, and James; her sisters, Brownie Stover, Cleo Corprew, Pearl McClung, Grace Brant, and Helen Driskell.

Audra is survived by her daughters, Benita Rushe (Roy) of Carrollton, Chris Lyday of Dallas; her granddaughter, Jennifer Johnson (Clint Heard) of Dallas; her grandson, Joshua Rushe (Chelsea) of Carrollton; her nephew, Vincent Brant of Kearneysville, WV; her nieces, Donna Brant of Fredrick, MD and Debra Cooper of Martinsburg, WV; 4 great nieces & nephews; 4 great-great-nieces and nephews; and her faithful feline companion, Arlo Kitty.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel in Lancaster. A celebration of Audra’s life will be at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 also in Byrum Chapel. A private graveside will take place later at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas.