J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc. - Youngstown

Obituary For Mrs. Verna Lee Jones Wylie

Youngstown A celebration of life service in honor of Mrs. Verna Lee Jones Wylie, 90, will be held Saturday at 11am at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave in Youngstown, Oh. Mrs. Wylie transitioned from this life to her heavenly home on Friday, May 27, 2022. Verna was born June 16, 1931, in Youngstown, a daughter of Henry and Nellie Jones. She was the youngest of four children and a Youngstown City Schools graduate. She graduated from the former, Youngstown College’s Dana School of Music, with a bachelor’s degree and was employed as a music teacher with Cleveland City Schools. Verna earned a master’s degree from Westminster University and completed post-graduate work at Case Western Reserve, Kent State University and Adelphi College in Garden City, New York. She was employed with Warren City Schools from 1958 to 1987 as a music, elementary, corrective reading teacher and reading coordinator. During her time with Warren City Schools, she served as a principal for Garfield Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and East Jr. High. Verna returned from retirement to serve as a staff development specialist for Warren City Schools, a teacher educator for Youngstown State University and principal for Mt. Calvary’s Legacy Academy. She received the Distinguished Faculty Award from the Warren High Schools Alumni Hall of Fame in 2019. Verna was a long-time member of Centenary United Methodist Church where she served as the choir director. She volunteered her time to many organizations. The organization where she felt most influential was the Youngstown Playhouse Minority Advisory Board. Verna was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha where she served in undergraduate and graduate chapters. Verna was a charter member of the Delta Delta chapter and served as president of the Epsilon Mu Omega chapter as well as president of the African American Greek Fraternal Organization, where she headed many service projects, including “Spirituals to Broadway.” While she enjoyed success professionally, Verna considered her family her greatest accomplishment. She married Sidney Wylie in 1958 and had two sons, Eric and Craig. She was a devoted mother and phenomenal grandmother. She was an avid musician and played the piano for enjoyment and church services. Verna operated a clothing business, “Executive Woman” with her sister, P. Mae White for several years. Verna enjoyed spending time with her family, shopping, traveling, and the arts.

She leaves to cherish her beloved memory, her loving husband, Sidney Wylie; her children, Eric Wylie and Craig Wylie; her grandchildren, Brittany, Sydney, Tre’ and Cameron Wylie; her great-grandchild, Aurora Wylie; her sister, P. Mae White, and brother, Bennett Jones.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Thelma Jones. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th at the Jaylex Event Center. The family request that mask be required.

Guest Book

I met Verna many years ago at my church, Indianola UMC, when she and her husband Sid came to visit and worship with us. What a lovely, gracious lady. My husband Wade and I had the greatest respect for her. Later my family and I joined their church, Centenary UMC when Indianola closed. We got to know the Wylie family and their very close sister P. Mae White. I will never forget her and her love of music as she gave of herself on many Sundays leading us in song as she accompanied on the piano. She also for several years lent her talent and time by organizing the most wonderful fundraiser concerts, calling on the best musicians and singers from the community. From what I know of Verna I don't think many, if any, ever turned her down. I also knew of her later work at YSU, when I worked there. Her colleagues there had only the best, most respectful things to say about her when they found out I knew her. Verna may you rest in peace with God. Love always, Cathy Harvey

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Loree Richardson

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Mrs. Wylie was truly a legend in the Warren City Schools. When I first became an administrator, I was nervous about the beginning of the school year; so one of the teachers I had worked with suggested that I call Verna for some advice. I did and she met with me, inviting me to her home, where we had a lovely conversation. She proceeded to give me very practical advice on what to do on the first day of school with staff and with the students, sharing with me her experiences as a principal. I praise God for her life and for her caring spirit. My sincere condolences to her family.

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From my older sister's first day of kindergarten through my younger sister's last day of 8th grade, Mrs. Wylie was school principal to the Cline girls: Lynette's from kindergarten through 6th grade at Garfield School, Nancy's from kindergarten through 6th grade at Garfield School and Lincoln School, and Karen's from kindergarten through 8th grade at Lincoln School, Garfield School, and East Junior High. Thank you, Mrs. Wylie, for your combined 23 years of dedication to our family. You were a legendary influence in our lives. And thank you from our mother, Mary Ellen, who is so grateful for your nurturing devotion to each of your students. -Lynette Cline, Nancy Cline, Karen Cline, and Mary Ellen Cline

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Remembering my sweet friend and sister in love from The Centenary United Methodist Church Family. I truly was honored to know you and share many years with you. Praying for the entire family for strength and know that she is truly in a better place. Love always, Patricia Duvall Williams and Family

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My prayers and condolences to the Wylie family in the passing of Verna. She was a great person. May she Rest in Peace.

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Dearest Family: We Give God praise for Verna's exemplary life of love and service. She is an awesome legend we will remember fondly. Love Always: The Dr. Fredrick D. Stevens Family--Allentown, Pennsylvania

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I'm proud to have been honored to know Mrs. Verna Lee Jones Wyllie. I remember when I was the President/CEO of The Warren-Trumbull Urban League, Inc., Warren, Ohio (1991-1994) she and her wonderful sister P Mae White (Board Chairperson of Warren-Trumbull Urban League) invited me to go to see the play "FENCES" in Youngstown, Ohio with them. It was a wonderful evening and reception, and I met the movers and shakers of Mahoning and Trumbull counties. You know that who both Verna and Mae were to great women. She will be missed by all and, but everyone will be blessed by knowing her. Family be strong and know you will see her again and Verna I will cherish the book you gave me (FENCES) always. RIP! Mr. Marion V. Perkins (Massillon, Ohio)

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I loved Mrs. Wylie! She was my principal from kindergarten through 8th grade. I remember her signature with the swirly "V" (as it was on all my report cards). She was ahead of her time and made a difference in my life. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Wylie. Karen Cline

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc.