Lelia Belle Tyson

Belle was born on August 19, 1944, in Giles County, Virginia, to Creigh Theron Blaker and Sarah Elizabeth Blaker. She grew up in Narrows, Virginia, alongside her siblings, Andy Blaker and Martha Blaker. From a young age, Belle’s life was marked by faith, music, and service. She played the piano for her church in Narrows and developed a lifelong love for worship and community.

She graduated from Narrows High School and went on to pursue higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned her undergraduate degree, and later at Virginia Tech, where she earned her master’s degree—an achievement that reflected her deep commitment to learning and excellence.

Belle married the love of her life, Bob Tyson, after meeting in the lunch line at Pembroke High School. Their marriage spanned more than 50 years and was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and partnership. Together, they raised four children: Jamie, Beth, Joseph, and Blake.

Education was Belle’s calling. She served for over 30 years as a business educator at Pembroke High School, Phoebus High School, Tucker High School, Godwin High School, Hermitage High School (Vo-tech), and Douglas Southall Freeman High School, where she became head of the Business Department. Known as a master educator, Belle was often called upon to mentor and guide fellow teachers. Her passion for teaching extended beyond high school, as she also served as an adjunct professor at Virginia Union University and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Belle was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. She believed wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church. Her life reflected her beliefs not just in words, but in actions. She lived by a simple but powerful motto she often shared with others: “It doesn’t cost you anything to be nice.” Those words shaped how she treated everyone she encountered.

She was preceded in death by her adored mother, Sarah Blaker; father, Creigh Blaker; sister, Martha Blaker; and twelve dear aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob Tyson; two sons, Jamie Tyson and Joseph Tyson (Amber); two daughters, Beth Tyson (Stephanie) and Blake Tyson (Eric Bedford); eight grandchildren, Harper Tyson, Savannah Tyson, Charlotte Tyson, Hank Tyson, Hampton Tyson, Bristol Tyson, Tyson Bedford, Bryce Bedford; two step-grandchildren, Matthew Brooks and Ben Brooks (Julianna); three step great-grandchildren; brother, Andy Blaker (Gail); loving and devoted niece and nephews, India Haun (Billy), Lee Blaker (Tina), Andy Blaker (April), David Blaker (Robyn); and numerous cousins. Her legacy lives on through them and through the countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives she touched.

Belle will be remembered for her kindness, her wisdom, her devotion to family and faith, and her lifelong dedication to serving others. While she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise that she is now at peace, rejoicing in the presence of her Lord.

A private graveside service will be held prior to the funeral. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, with a reception to follow, at Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Feed More (feedmore.org) or Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (vhbg.org), whose missions were close to her heart.