With deep faith and abiding love, District Elder Betty Lyle Jones, devoted pastor emerita
of the Apostolic Faith Church of All Nations in Farmville, Virginia, transitioned peacefully
on July 3, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.
Born on May 10, 1941, in Prospect, Virginia, to the late Willie L. and Susie Allen Lyle,
District Elder Jones accepted Christ at an early age. Baptized in Jesus’ name and filled
with the Holy Ghost, she embarked on a life of purpose and service, grounded in
unwavering devotion to God and community.
Educated in Prince Edward County, she pursued her calling with determination and
resilience. Despite being told she would never make it, she earned her nursing degree
from Southside School of Nursing. Beyond her career in healthcare, her nursing
knowledge became a vital part of her ministry—offering comfort and care not only in
local hospital visits but also traveling hundreds of miles to be present with family
members during the birth of their first child.
At Apostolic Faith Church of All Nations, she poured her heart into ministry—faithfully
serving as a Sunday School teacher, choir director, pianist, missionary president, and
assistant pastor. Following the passing of District Elder Willie Nelson, she was
appointed pastor, leading the church with wisdom, grace, and compassion for 28 years
until her retirement in 2021.
A woman who prayerfully moved from vision to action, District Elder Jones was always
focused on winning souls for Christ. One of her most impactful acts of leadership was
relocating Apostolic Faith Church of All Nations from Buckingham, Virginia, to
Sheppards Road in Farmville, Virginia—making it more accessible and welcoming to the
wider community. Part of her vision was ensuring that seniors—often forgotten—had a
special place to gather. To this end, she developed the beloved “Tea Time for Seniors”
giving seniors the opportunity to enjoy weekly fellowship in a dignified and joyful setting.
District Elder Jones firmly believed that one’s presentation was a reflection of their
purpose. She carried herself with both grace and authority, known not only for her
spiritual power but also for her impeccable style. Whether in one of her signature,
fashion-forward ministerial robes or a beautifully coordinated hat, she always stepped
out with intention and elegance. And even in her later years, she wore her heels
proudly—praising, shouting, and dancing before the Lord without hesitation. Her
presence was both regal and reverent, a living example of dignity in service to God.
Through every baptism, child dedication, hospital visit, and moment of grief shared, she
extended God’s love. Her life was a testimony to the grace she believed in so
deeply—reflected in one of her favorite hymns, “He Looked Beyond My Faults (and Saw
My Need).” Another treasured song, “Give Me My Flowers While I Can See Them,”

mirrored the way she lived: loving deeply, giving freely, and encouraging others to
recognize the beauty and worth in each other while there was still time.
Beyond her local church, District Elder Jones was a pillar in the Virginia State Council.
She served with distinction as State Missionary President for 19 years, oversaw
campground ministries, and led auxiliary missionary efforts, always with a heart for
service and a mind for Kingdom impact.
District Elder Jones was also a gifted recording artist. Among her musical offerings, she
lent her powerful voice to the song “Another Day’s Journey” alongside
Bemeche—testifying in song to the strength and joy she carried through every season
of life.
She was married to the love of her life, the late Deacon Walter L. Jones (who she
affectionately called “Daddy”), for 60 blessed years. Their union was a model of love
and faith. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Alfred Lyle and James Lyle, and
two sisters, Emma Goode and Ruby Dungee.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Amy Calhoun; three grandchildren-Jeanae Dibble (Juwan), Anthony Calhoun, and Jayla Calhoun, all of Prospect; and four great-grandchildren
-Juleeah, Juwan, Jr., Juhari and Jushon. She is also survived by one brother, Paul Lyle(Sarah) of Roanoke, Va,, one uncle, Walter Allen, a beloved goddaughter Tonya White, her special niece Phyllis Lyle, her El Bethel church family, Apostolic Faith Church of all Nations church family, four special granddaughters, Paris Barton, Kayla Gassaway, India Farmer, Maya Barton and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, spiritual children, and friends who were touched by her love, wisdom, and leadership.