Betty J. Lyles

Betty J. Lyles, daughter of the late Robert Lyles and Mary (Troxler) Lyles, was born on Sunday, May 11, 1941, at Harrisburg Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Betty received her education at Steelton-Highspire Senior High School in Steelton, Pennsylvania. She then began her clerical career at Olmsted Army Base in Middletown, Pennsylvania, later working at the U.S. Army Depot in New Cumberland, and ultimately retiring from the Pennsylvania State Government in Harrisburg. Betty was a faithful member of Monumental A.M.E. Church, where she participated in the Young Adult Choir and the Young People’s Division (YPD). Her church involvement reflected her commitment to faith and fellowship within her community. In her youth, she was a gifted piano player and a passionate music enthusiast. She and several of her girlfriends formed a singing group that performed locally, and she occasionally sang backup for gospel singer Gloria Spencer at area shows. Her love of music remained a constant throughout her life. As a member of the Steelton Elks, Betty enjoyed bus trips to various cities to attend live gospel, soul, and blues concerts. An avid reader, she delighted in perusing many types of publications, whether fact-based or tabloid in nature. In her retirement years, she became more of a homebody, devoting herself to caring for her beloved cats and neighborhood strays. She loved watching classic black-and-white television shows, especially “Shoot ’Em Ups” and Ironside. Though she appeared shy and reserved, Betty greatly enjoyed laughing and having fun with those close to her. Her dry, wry sense of humor often left others laughing until they cried, and when something truly amused her, she would laugh until her shoulders shook and exclaim her signature phrase, “No! Stop the madness!” On Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of eighty-four, Betty peacefully transitioned into eternal rest at UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by those who welcomed her into eternal peace. She leaves cherished memories and her love to her sister, Lisa L. Lyles; her brother, R. Michael Lyles (Angela); her cousins, Nadine Palmer Brown and Charles E. Palmer (Toni); her loving and devoted caregiver, Saundra Golden; along with a host of friends and neighbors who will forever remember her kindness and spirit. Memorial contributions can be made to The Kidney Foundation in honor of Betty Lyles’ life. https://www.kfcp.org/ FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Friday, February 20, at WFD.

Tributes

Betty J. Lyles

May 11, 1941 - January 16, 2026