Beatrice S. Tyler was born on August 1, 1924, in Ridgeland, South Carolina. She was the youngest of five children born to Alister and Sarah Smalls. At the age of four, Beatrice came to Boston, Massachusetts, where she was raised under the care of her aunt and uncle Janie and Edward Thompson.

In 1949, Beatrice married William Kent Tyler III in Boston, Massachusetts. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Sarah Jane Tyler.

Affectionately known as “Bea” by her relatives, Beatrice was lovingly called “Nana” by her grandchildren. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life and, above all, in the love and companionship of her family.

Beatrice was an exceptional cook, and her culinary skills were always met with high praise from family and guests. She especially loved to bake and became famous within the family for her signature desserts, including her three-layer coconut cake, lemon saffron pie, homemade cinnamon rolls, and chocolate chip and walnut cookies. Her delicious creations were more than just food—they became cherished memories shared across generations of her family.

Beatrice also had a deep love for flowers and gardening. During the summer months, she enjoyed spending time in her front yard planting and tending to her flowers, often alongside her two great-granddaughters, Raye and Cee. She loved to shop and was known to make frequent trips to shopping areas in Natick, Dedham, and West Roxbury. She enjoyed being behind the wheel and continued driving until the remarkable age of 100.

An avid reader, Beatrice could often be found with a newspaper in hand, keeping up with the world around her. She also enjoyed listening to music and watching movies from her massive collection of VHS tapes and DVDs. These simple pastimes brought her comfort and entertainment and reflected her curiosity and enjoyment of life.

In 2023, after 20 years of dedicated service as a crossing guard for the City of Boston, Beatrice retired and enjoyed her well-deserved time with family and the many activities she loved.

Beatrice lived her life with strength, confidence, and a spirit of her own. She was known by everyone who knew her for being outspoken and never ever afraid to speak her mind. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh and tell funny stories from her past. Her stories, her laughter, and her unmistakable personality brought joy to those around her and created memories that will be treasured forever.

On September 2, 2026, Beatrice was peacefully called home at the age of 102.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Kent Tyler III; her beloved daughter, Sarah Jane Samuels; and her siblings, Lillian Claiborne, James Smalls, Lila Davis, Josephine Norman, and Ethel Campbell.

Beatrice leaves to cherish her memory five grandchildren: Lisa, William, Stephen, Balgene, and Heather Samuels; 13 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren from Boston, MA; and her beloved niece, Pauline Wallace of Long Island, NY.

She also leaves behind her a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish the memories of her life.

Beatrice’s life was a testament to strength, resilience, family, and living life on her own terms. Her love, laughter, stories, and one-of-a-kind spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy will live on through the generations of family she leaves behind.

Visiting hours on Monday September 14, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in The Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment private.