Marjorie Harriett Tyson

Harriett Tyson, 73, died June 2, 2018, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.  Born September 3, l944, she was the only child of Marjorie King and Robert Alexander Tyson of Holly Springs, Mississippi.  Her father died when she was eight, so she changed her name to Roberta Alexander to honor his memory.  Throughout her youth, she was affectionately known as Bobbie.

She graduated from Holly Springs High School, attended Rhodes College, pledged Chi Omega Fraternity and continued her education at the University of Tennessee. She married Christopher T. Rawlins and moved to New York City where she resided for many years. When that marriage ended, she wed Robert Palmer, the noted music critic with The New York Times. After they divorced, she returned to Holly Springs, reclaimed her childhood home “Fleur de Lis” and took back the name she was given at birth. Harriett loved animals and maintained a flock of peacocks while at “Fleur de Lis.” She had a special affection for Bassett hounds and lovingly cared for many during her years in Marshall County.

Erudite, with an enormous vocabulary, she could captivate an audience with her entertaining conversation.  As one friend commented upon her death, “Holly Springs has lost one of the many eccentrics that has made the community unique.”

She is survived by her cousin, Dr. Jack (Helen) Tyson of Nashville, Tennessee; and her faithful caregivers, Cherrie Shaw of Waterford; and attorney, Goodloe Lewis of Oxford.  

The Rite of Christian Burial will be held at the Tyson family gravesite in Hill Crest Cemetery on Saturday, June 16, at 4:00 o’clock. The Officiant will be The Very Reverend Bruce D. McMillan of Christ Episcopal Church, Holly Springs.   

Memorials may be made to the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, 413 McElroy Drive, Oxford, MS 38655.

paid obituary