Vertee Kyle

Vertee Yvonne Lynch was born to William and Sybilla Lynch on March, 29, 1934. She attended St. Peters Catholic School, Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, and Lincoln High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree and Master’s degree in Education from Prairie View A&M University. She married Richard A. Kyle, and to their union was born two children, Rodney and Tonya.

Her teaching career began at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School. She later taught at J.W. Ray and Roger Q. Mills Elementary Schools. During her time at Roger Q Mills, she was recognized several times as “Teacher of the Year.” In addition to her love for teaching, she was Blue Bird Troop Leader, Little Steppers Dance sponsor, PTA Faculty sponsor, and Oratorical Winner for several years.

In 1989, after teaching second grade for thirty-three years, Vertee retired from the classroom. Thinking she would have a restful and deserving retirement was short-lived because she returned to DISD to train teachers in the AC program. During this time, she also tutored students for testing and returned to the classroom as a substitute for long-term positions.

She became a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church of Dallas, Texas, at a young age. Years later she became a Sunday school teacher and member of the Senior Choir. She began her journey at St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in January of 1981. She was an active member of the Sunrise Choir, where she served as Secretary, Vice President, Sergeant at Arms, and Soprano Section Leader. Her love for children continued as she and Pastor Emeritus Zan W. Holmes, Jr. created the Pastor’s Honor Roll, where the St. Luke children would meet with the pastor every six weeks. She was also the 2012 recipient of the “Imani Circle Legacy Award.”

In 2010 God gave her a vision for the senior/elders (70 years and older) of the church to be honored and recognized. She made the vision known to the Senior Pastor and the Pastor of Congregational Care Minstries, and the birthing of the Senior Saints of Wisdom Ministry came forth. This February would have been her 9th year as leader for the luncheon and Sunday recognition program.

There were many names for Vertee, including Mother, Mama, Mom, Grandmother, and Great – she was lovingly known as Mother Kyle, Mother Vertee, and of course Mama K! She never stopped loving, nurturing, and educating, even the seasoned.

Vertee was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Elizabeth Lynch and Irene Lynch. She is survived by her son, Rodney Kyle (Sonja); daughter, Tonya Kyle Houston (Anthony); sister, Sybil Hawkins; brothers, James Smith (Dora) and Gerald Lynch (Geraldine); grandchildren, Vertecia Y. Shoto (Elmore), Jermell F. Kyle and Chandler J. Kyle; great-grandchildren, Kayden Shoto and Kai Shoto; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends from California to Texas.