Obituary of Verbelene Evens Tyler

Verbelene Tyler was born in Bellville, TX on July 28, 1941 to Lewis and Mary Evans.  Verbelene was one of five children:  sister, Madgalene Gooden (Charles (D)); and brothers Lewis Evans Jr. (Hazel); Bryant Evans (Inez) and John Evans (D) (Terry (D)).  She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Evans; husband, Joseph Tyler; and daughter, Gertrude. 

Verbelene grew up in Bellville, TX; graduating from Sealy High School in 1960; and continuing her education at Prairie View A&M University and studying Child Development & Early Childhood Education at San Jacinto College.  She enjoyed working with children, helping others and sharing the gospel. After receiving her CDA at San Jacinto College, she worked as a licensed childcare provider and daycare director for a local Galena Park, TX daycare.

Verbelene began working in the church at an early age.  She was a member of St. Peter’s Baptist Church Hempstead, TX later joining Mt. Zion Baptist Church Bellville, TX.  Verbelene remained at Mt. Zion Baptist Church until her marriage to Joseph Tyler (D), December 18, 1976.  After marrying, Verbelene moved to Houston, TX joining Christian Hope Baptist Church.  Once her husband began Pastoring, Verbelene worked in missions; assisted in establishing satellite churches at apartment complexes; and helped to organize existing churches in the local area (Greater St. Matthew, Mt. Carmel, New Salem, numerous others) and Union Hill Baptist Church of Independence, TX.  She served for over thirty years as a Pastor’s Wife; was Vice President of Southside Ministers Wives Association and later served as President until resigning in 2012. 

Verbelene loved to sing.  She sang as a member of the Blessed Miracles and in her church choir.  Verbelene also volunteered speaking at numerous women conferences; taught Sunday School; and worked in missions at nursing homes throughout the city. 

Verbelene shared God’s love with church members, neighbors, and people she met in the community.  Telling people about Jesus and praying for them was a significant part of Verbelene’s life.  She nurtured her children and encouraged her family and friends in the Lord.  Verbelene was a member of Senior Saints at Greater Mecedonia Baptist Church and a Red Hatter at Mansions Hastings Green. 

Verbelene leaves to cherish her memory, three sons:  Darrell Shephard, Rodney Shephard (Rose) and Nathaniel Tyler; three daughters:  Latricia Shephard, Valerie Allen (Gary) and Janice Hunter (Donald); grandchildren:  Jamila Anderson (Phillip), Jamal, Roberta, Theresa, Niko, Roy, Ashley, Latricia, Rodney Jr., Victoria, Alexandria, Donald Jr., Rainnie, Kamron, Keon, Destiny; and great grandchildren:  Phillip Jr., Elijah, Nevaeh, and Parker; a host of other family and dear friends.

The Homegoing Celebration for Verbelene will be held Saturday, June 24, 2017 at South Park Baptist Church, 5830 Van Fleet Street, Houston, Texas 77033.  The visitation will begin at 9:00 am and the funeral service will follow at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at Houston Memorial Gardens in Pearland, Texas.