Charles Hayden (Abraham) Lyles

CHARLES H. (ABRAHAM LYLES), 93 years old, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 15th, 2021  at his home in Portland, Oregon.

Charles was born to the late John Lyle and Mary Packnett (Lyles) in Natchez, Mississippi on May 19th, 1927. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Sylvester, John Jr., and Richard Lyle and sisters: Mary, Hattie Mae, Rachel (St. Obria), and Henrietta Lyle.

 As a proud husband, father, and grandfather, he leaves behind a beautiful legacy, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charles graduated from school in Natchez and later joined the military. He was a decorated veteran and served in the United States Army 3rd Infantry Division in the Korean War from 1950-1953. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army, Charles later moved to Sacramento where he earned his Real Estate Business License before moving to Seattle, Washington. It was there where he started his business, Lyles Roofing & Remodeling. He worked and retired as a successful contractor in commercial and residential roofing for over 40 years. He also met and married the love of his life, Veester Turner in 1977, and shortly thereafter to this union they welcomed their daughter, Veester St. Obria.

As an active and dedicated member in the Christian community, Charles attended Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church, St. James Pentecostal, Emmanuel Temple, Lifeline Christian Church, Evangelical Christian Family Church and served as a pastor of Prayer Tabernacle. He also served in pastoral leadership, television ministry, and was the author of two books. He was best known as a community activist working alongside members of The Black Panther movement, a Civil Rights Champion, and a strong voice for the voiceless. He held many Tent Church Revival meetings throughout California and Oregon, leading both young and old to Christ. He believed in family, prayer, and unshakable faith. He was a Spiritual father to many. He lived his life in legacy by Psalm 27: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation’.

Charles is survived by his wife, Veester Lyles (Turner); daughter, Veester St. Obria Lyles Patterson (Darryl); granddaughters, Deriana (Che), Desarae, (Isaiah), Dejanique, Darchelle, Demia, and Demaya;  grandson, Avreaunte; six great-grandchildren; sister, Lucy Perry; spiritual daughter, Tracee Wells; spiritual son, John Henry; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other close extended family members, the family of faith, and an endless list of church and community members.  He will be greatly missed, but we rejoice in knowing that he is reunited with the Lord.

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