Biography: Helen Belton Lyles was born on December 13, 1924 to the late George and Carrie Belton in Birmingham, Alabama and after attending two years of college moved to Harlem, New York City, where she met, fell in love with and married James Lyles and lovingly raised four children, Carolyn, Ronald, James, and Jeffrey. After a rich and full life, she was called home on September 24, 2023.

Helen was a compassionate daughter, mother, and friend, offering loving care, down-to-earth wisdom, and a hot meal, if needed.  She loved to cook and in later years, even after her children had families of their own she cooked Sunday dinner, keeping her family close.  Helen was a baker extraordinaire, joyfully making custard pie, pineapple, German chocolate or pound cake, upon request by children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. 

Birmingham was always in her heart, but Harlem was her home.  Helen was a devout Christian and active member of Shiloh Baptist Church for decades.  She lived a life of service and was a committed volunteer for the Harlem Alliance for the Mentally Ill, walking a half mile to work in her late seventies. She was a fixture in the Abraham Lincoln Houses, where she lived for over 70 years , was known as a sharp dresser with a ready smile, and was respected by all.

Helen worked at Loral Electronics for over 35 years and many of her co-workers became lifelong friends, celebrating holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries with one another, sharing good times and bad, and playing bid whist.  Everyone wanted to be Helen’s partner. 

Helen’s reach is long.  She leaves to carry on her legacy her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Sonny, her loving son James, and dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren.  She will always be loved, remembered, and missed by all.