From Left: Hubert Lyles, C. Julian Lyles, Jr., Ruth Barlow Lyles (mother)

The Lyles Funeral Service was founded in 1950 by the late C. Julian Lyles, Jr. of Alexandria, Virginia and his lovely wife, the former Beatrice Maclin of Lawrenceville, Virginia. They settled in Loudoun County making it their home and that of their children. Recognizing the need for community service, the Lyles struggled, with very limited resources, to establish the Lyles Funeral Service. This became the first expression of black entrepreneurship in Loudoun County, Virginia.

C. Julian Lyles, Jr., was educated in the public schools of Alexandria, graduated from Eckels College of Mortuary Science and was a World War II honorably discharged veteran. He saw a great future for his family in Loudoun County, Virginia. Beatrice(Bea) surrendered an accomplished career in education to join her determined husband in building a family business in Loudoun. Bea, having advanced on the masters degree level and teaching at Christianburg High School, Pomonky High School, Parker Gray High School and at an interval, Fayettesville State Teachers College, made an extremely difficult decision. Neither party ever looked back.

Reverend & Mrs. William Barlow (Great-grandparents of Eric S. Lyles, Director of Lyles Funeral Service)

The business strived under the stewardship of Julian Lyles. Upon his untimely death in March 1962, we applauded Bea's decision and determination to continue the funeral business. She was extremely gratified when the family realized that Eric, their son, would pursue a degree in Mortuary Science in order to continue the business. However, fate would have it that Bea would not realize this achievement by her son due to her untimely death in June 1974. Upon graduation from Mortuary Science College and his internship in May 1982, Eric reopened the Lyles Funeral Home and has set a high goal of professional, quality service. The principles of dignity and respect are the cornerstones of this continuing tradition.

The Lyles Funeral Home is situated on approximately two acres of commercial land in the town of Purcellville, Virginia. Many will remember this as being the site of the Old Colored School House. We are proud of the journey that we have made and look forward to the future with great confidence.

		© Copyright 2001 Lyles Funeral Service. All Rights Reserved