Verdis L. Tyler

Verdis Tyler passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. He spent his final days comforted and surrounded by family, friends, and those who loved him. 

Verdis was born on August 8, 1956, in Joliet, Illinois, to Teattie Tyler and Robert McClinton. He attended Joliet Public Schools and, as a child, enjoyed playing baseball and blues on the guitar. Verdis married Joanne Robinson on February 27, 1976, and from this union, they had five sons. Family meant everything to Verdis. He was a loving son, a proud father, a brother, an uncle, and a grandfather.

Verdis was a regular volunteer at the Mt. Zion pantry. He enjoyed barbecuing for family events, working on cars, watching Jeopardy, and his favorite hobby of all—Fishing. He was always the loudest in the room. He filled every room he walked in with laughter, jokes, and love. Verdis found joy in helping others. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He was lovingly known as “Uncle Verdis” to his nieces and nephews—and to just about every person he came across—because he treated everyone like family. Everyone in his life called themselves “his favorite,” because he had a way of making each of us feel that we truly were.

Verdis was preceded in death by his father, Robert McClinton; his stepmother, Lillian McClinton; his stepfather, Willie Campbell; his son, Antiwan Tyler; his brothers, Robert McClinton Jr. and Mitchell Johnson; his brother-in-law, Tony Woods; his niece, Syreeta Campbell; and his nephew, Roger “Gene” King.

Verdis leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Teattie (the late Willie) Campbell; his wife, Joanne Tyler; his sons, Verdis “Shawn” Tyler, Junair Tyler, Cordarrius Tyler, all of Greenville, MS, Anthony (Nancy) Tyler of Shreveport, LA; his brother, Willie Lee (Antionette) Campbell of Aurora, IL; his sisters, Barbara King and Kimalene (the Late Tony) Woods of Joliet, IL, Lillian Johnson of Park Forest, IL, Ann McClinton of Savannah, GA, Willie B. Johnson of Madison, WI, and Virga (Lawyer) Johnson of Shaw, MS; his favorite Aunt, Ethel Bailey; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, and, along with many extended family members and friends, including his special friends, Dexter “Big Ride” Haynes, Chris Moffett, Donald Dorris, and Benny Williams. 

Though we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life that was full, meaningful, and powerful. We celebrate the stories, the lessons, the laughter, and the love he leaves behind. Uncle Verdis lives on in our hearts, in our voices, in our memories, and in the way we show up for one another—just like he did.

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