Mattie Will Lyle

News Death Notice

LYLE, Mattie Will age 103 of Dayton. Ohio departed this life on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at Mary Scott Nursing Center. She was born in Sparta, GA. on August 17, 1905 to Duroc William Ingram and Ella Cora Smith Ingram. She joined St. Mark AME. church at an early age and completed grade school in Sparta, GA. Her family knew the value of education, although it was not always available to "People of Color." In 1922, she completed high school and normal school at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA. She taught school in the states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Mattie moved to Dayton in 1939 and married William Herman Lyle. They enjoyed a wonderful life together traveling to all fifty contiguous states, Mexico, Canada, and two pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Throughout their years together, the Lyles worked and developed meaningful professions driven by their determination to succeed. Due to her husband's church affiliation, she joined Bethel Baptist Church and became a member. Immediately, she became active with the Sunday school and the Children's Division. She served in the capacity of superintendent for thirty-three years; president of the Bethel Missionary Society; and chairperson of the Deaconess Board for more than sixty years. Mattie received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and later earned a special certificate for slow learners from Bowling Green University, Bowling Green, Ohio. She wrote her own curriculum based on the needs of the students she taught. The Board of Education recognized her as an outstanding teacher. During the 50's Mattie began a long career of volunteering her services with the west area Y.W.C.A. mentoring young girls and teaching them how to be polished young ladies. Not only did Mattie give of her time, but also supported many organizations which she was passionate about. Her contributions were recognized by the Dayton City Commission, Mary Scott Nursing Center, Inc., Church Women United, Council of Negro Women. Y.W. C.A., N.A.A.C.P., Bethel Baptist Church and the Urban League. She is preceded in death by: both parents, Duroc William Ingram and Ella Cora Smith Ingram; sister, Carrie Lee Ingram and her husband, William Herman Lyle; nieces, Mamie Lee Gay, and Myrtice Poole and nephew Duroc Hicks. Survivors include: nieces; Ingram Hicks of Cincinnati, Ohio, Emily Noiles, Ellen Dansby, Carolyn Terrell and Marie Tanner all of Atlanta, GA; Harriet Mack, of Los Angeles, CA.; nephews; Arthur Hicks of Lompoc, CA, and nephew, Henry Hicks Johnson of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and a host of other friends and relatives. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 401 S. Paul Laurence Dunbar Street, Dayton, Ohio, 45402 with Rev. Dr. Charles S. Brown officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 am until time of service. Interment will be in Greencastle Cemetery, 2045 Nicholas Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Dayton Foundation 500 Kettering Tower Dayton, Ohio 45402 for fund #3359 to benefit Bethel Baptist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Rose Funeral Home.