Effie Mae Lyles

Effie grew up in a household where the Word of God was the family’s mainstay. As a youth, she gave her heart to Jesus Christ and, from that day to October 3rd, Effie lived her life in submission to Him as Lord, Savior and King.

On April 14, 1946, Effie Mae Lee married Louis Jean Lyles, just two weeks after her 21st birthday. Over a year later they welcomed their first child, a son, Louis J. Lyles, Jr. Within 11 months, a baby girl named Beverly Sue Lyles, completed the family for a few years. The young family soon added a second baby girl named Rosa Marie Lyles, and after a few more years, Edythe Denise Lyles rounded out the family.

By the time all their children were born, the Lyles family had set down deep roots in Houston, built a lovely home and established a place of respect in their quiet community. Upon arrival to Texas, they joined a local church called New Evergreen Baptist under the leadership of Pastor James E. Lockwood. Around 1968, they joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church where Pastor James V. Phillips presided. In 1988, Effie joined the Christian Community Church pastored by her son-in-law, Rev. Lee Anderson. In her latter years, she joined Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church and remained a member until her home going on October 3rd.

During the early years, Effie chose to remain at home to raise her children in the admonition of the Lord. She was an active member of her church, becoming a Deaconess and gladly serving humbly in positions away from the public’s view. She never sought the limelight or center stage. She was always happy to simply remain behind the scenes, loving and encouraging others.

Effie Lyles was a woman of unvarnished character and integrity. She had a warm smile and accepted everyone with genuine kindness and hospitality. All who met her soon realized these excellent attributes. She taught her children according to the Bible and helped to lead them in the ways of God. She stood in faith until she witnessed them receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, never wavering in believing that the seeds she and her husband planted would someday bear fruit. True to her nature, she extended this same love to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was well-loved, and mostly everyone ---relative or not--- affectionately called her, “Mother.”

Effie leaves behind to celebrate her life, three of her four children (Beverly having preceded her in death): Louis J. Lyles, Jr., Rosa Lyles Hancock, Edythe (“Edy”) Lyles Anderson; 10 grandchildren: Donnis R. Hancock, Warren K. Lyles, Kevin D. Lyles, Karmen Lyles Brown, Keith D. Lyles, Olandos (“Don”) Lyles, Karol Lyles Malveaux, Kristofer M. Stewart, Kali Lyles Morgan, Leo A. Feggett; 15 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and other relatives and loved ones.