Bernetha Wesley Lyle

Bernetha Wesley Lyle was born on May 22, 1937 in Sanford, North Carolina to Mattie Worthy. She was the identical twin of her older sister, Bernice Everett. Their births were separated by only five minutes which cemented a lifelong bond that would last for a lifetime. She was also the devoted wife of William Homer Lyle for twenty-one years.

The twins moved to Greenburgh, New York in 1950 where they attended Greenburgh Junior High School and White Plains High School. During these years Bernetha displayed leadership skills. She was also protective of her twin sister as their relationship evolved.

After graduating from High School in 1955, Bernetha accepted a position at Grassland Hospital as a Dental Assistant. She quickly established herself as a hard worker and received several promotions. She then decided to further her education by enrolling at Westchester Community College where she received an associate’s degree. She subsequently received a four-year degree and a master’s degree from New York University.

Bernetha always had a desire to give back to the community and work with the younger generation through mentoring, partnering with various organizations, and participating in activities through her church. In 1972, she accepted a position at the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) as an Assistant Principal. In this role she found a means to assist students in reaching their potential. She had a special gift for helping students find their strengths by sharing her experiences and struggles. After touching the lives of many students, she retired from the position in 2002.

In 2008, BOCES launched an adult education program. She saw the program as an opportunity to connect with students because she was over thirty years old when she pursued an advanced degree. She therefore ended her retirement by accepting the position of Coordinator of the new program. She excelled in the position until her final retirement in September of 2016.

Through the years, she would often encounter her former students while she was out running errands. They would always greet her with a smile and thank her for making a difference in their lives and she appreciated those kind gestures.

Bernetha (Loyal Lady Bernetha Lyle) was a devoted member of the Eastern Stars. She joined Pentecost Assembly No. 86 in 2001and immediately started to work on various committees. She also served on committees in the New York State Grand Assembly. As the Associate Loyal Lady in 2007, she was crowned Queen of the New York State Grand Assembly. Her accomplishment had a positive impact on Pentecost Assembly No. 86. Loyal Lady Lyle subsequently attained the highest office of Loyal Lady Ruler in 2008. After serving as Loyal Lady Ruler, and Past Loyal Lady Ruler, she served as Treasurer for many years. Loyal Lady Lyle will be remembered for leading Pentecost Assembly No. 86 with grace, dignity, and love.

Bernetha Lyle loved life including reading, cooking, knitting, crocheting, and listening to jazz. She had a special love for the music of Myles Davis. She often talked about the times she spent in New York City watching him and other jazz artists perform.

She was loyal, devoted, generous, and loving. She will be greatly missed by her surviving twin sister, Bernice Everett of Silver Spring, Maryland; her devoted niece, Kathy Everett-Gaines (Dwayne E. Gaines, Esq.) of Silver Spring, Maryland, and a host of cousins.

Her passing on July 5, 2025 leaves a true void in the family that can never be filled but we find solace in remembering the good times. We are so thankful for her.

Enjoy your journey and find peace and happiness during your travels. Love you!!!

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ATTENTION: During the continuing COVID & various other health concerns, as we phase back into smaller capacity public visitations/services & especially in the winter season, we need your help in limiting/controlling the number of people, so please govern yourself accordingly for the health & safety of all. Thank you so kindly!

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 23rd, 2025 at 12:00PM at Mt. Hope AME Zion Church. You may come to the Church to attend, & feel free to wear masks. At the very least you can get hand sanitizer & sign the register book (NOTE: please feel free to bring your own pen). If not at capacity, you will be allowed in to have a seat; but if at capacity by the time you get there, you may be required to leave the premises after signing register book, so as not to be in violation nor cause a health hazard, so please govern yourself accordingly. Regardless of if you're able to enter/be seated, or not, please refrain from too much touching/hugging/handshaking, preferably elbow bumping briefly if at all. If instructed, PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY leave the building & premises if the church is at their capacity. PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY follow & abide by the directions of the church personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the funeral home and/or church, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Bernetha Lyle entrusted the sharing services of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the family of Bernetha Lyle during their time of bereavement.

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Private cremation has already been held.

A public Memorial Service is planned for Saturday August 23rd, 2025 - friends to gather & visit and Memorial Service, starting 12:00PM at Mt. Hope AME Zion Church.

Please still leave condolences now herein on the Memory Wall to express your sorrow, share your memories, and as an expression of sympathy & way to communicate with/offer comfort to the family, that they and others may see, and may be a lasting tribute in her honor.

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As private cremation has already been held, NO flowers should be sent to the funeral home. As a lasting tribute, you may choose to plant a tree and/or a contribution may be made in her name/memory/honor to a breast cancer charity of your choice (may be done simply through the donation tabs/links here in website just slightly below to any charity link listed, or done on your own). If sending flowers, since this is a Memorial Service only, sending small plants or vases is preferable & may be delivered on Saturday August 23rd, 2025 by/before 12:00PM to Mt. Hope AME Zion Church. The Family Thanks You!