Funeral Details

Bonita Cole Lyles

May 15, 1943 - February 3, 2026

SERVICE INFORMATION

Visitation

Midtown Funeral Home
3918 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, Illinois 60618
773.654.3744
Get Directions
Memorial Visitation on Saturday March 7, 2026 from 1PM until time of service at 3PM, and then following the service until 7PM.

Memorial

Midtown Funeral Home
3918 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, Illinois 60618
Get Directions
Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Interment - Private


Officiating

By Family




OBITUARY

Our beloved Bonita Mae Cole Lyles (Bonnie), age 82, left this life on February 3rd, 2026 at her home in Chicago, IL.

Bonnie was born on May 15th, 1943 to Lois and Ernest Cole in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of seven siblings (Sam, Nancy, Ernest, Jim, Jeff and Tim Cole). She graduated from Wyalusing Valley High School in 1961, and then attended LockHaven State College to study teaching. Bonnie’s cousin, Mary Lou, was teaching at a school back home, and got Bonnie her very first teaching job. She then received a scholarship to study abroad in Spain for six months. She lived there with Catholic nuns which she often mentioned having hated. Upon her return, Bonnie moved to Chicago to attend the University of Illinois, studying “boring old literature” in her words. She got hired by Chicago Public Schools and started teaching at Harrison High School where she met many life-long friends and “the love of her life”, her husband John Lyles. Bonnie worked the remainder of her career with CPS teaching Spanish. She was a CTU active member and took her children to protest in support of the Union starting very young. Bonnie adopted her first child Kyla (then Lyles) in 1986 and her second child Shianne in 1989. She was loving, kind, and took much pride in being a mother.

Bonnie leaves behind her husband of 42 years John E. Lyles, daughters, Kyla (Michael) Henderson and Shianne Lyles. Cherished grandchildren Kordell Coleman, JaNyah Henderson, Kendrick Lyles-Henderson, Hayden Lyles Guzman, Malia Henderson and Calixto Lyles-Puente as well as her step daughters, nieces, nephews, friends and chosen family held dear along the way.

Bonnie was known as a beautiful, intelligent, vibrant and open person, who loved to travel, experience the arts and spend time with her family. She was curious about the world around her, an advocate for social justice and dedicated her life to educating others. We are all better for knowing her and it was a privilege to be loved by her. We will miss her forever!

A memorial visitation will take place on Saturday March 7, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a service at 3:00 PM at Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 3918 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago.

Arrangements by Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 773.654.3744, www.midtownfunerals.com


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Bonita Cole Lyles below and we will share them with the family.
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My sincere condolences and prayers to Uncle John and family. May God give you comfort and peace during this time of bereavement.


Sandra Lyles-Macon
February 10, 2026
On behalf of the Harrison Alumni, deepest sympathy goes to Coach Lyles and his family on the passing of his beloved wife. May she Rest in Peace.

Anna Ramirez
February 12, 2026
Ras & Marchia Sartor Family extend our deepest sympathy to you dear cousin John and family on the passing of Bonnie. We always know that God has a plan for each of our lives, unfortunately, we don’t know what the plan is. Cherish the fond memories that you were blessed to share with Bonnie while she was here on earth. May it bring comfort and peace to you and family to know that you don’t have to go through this difficult period in your life alone. You are loved and have family support to help you through this most difficult time. Praying God’s blessings, strength and peace.
Sincerely,
Ras & Marchia Sartor and Family


Ras Sartor
February 16, 2026
My condolences to the family on the loss of their matriarch Bonita.

She was such a loving and giving person to children and dogs.

We shared some time together as neighbors 2006-2018. My favorite story of her was in 2008 when the hood was being overrun with squatters. We often walked our dogs in the alley behind one of the squatters homes on the block and after many days of surveillance we decided to take action (since the bank wouldn’t). So she stood lookout holding the pups while I removed a temp tag and let air out of the tires of the squatter car. She was a good friend. Witty, practical, gentle natured and empathetic . The world was a better place while she was in it. Peace be with you my friend, you deserve the rest. 🕊️❤️

Cindy Exline
February 21, 2026
All of us neighbors will miss Bonnie. I'll miss coming across the street to sit on her stairs with her and gossip about various goings-on. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if she's watching over us and shows up as a beautiful butterfly. Condolences to the family, especially John.

Maz Wojciechowska
February 27, 2026
My condolences to the Lyle’s family
Rest in peace✝️🙏🏿

Johnn Essex
February 27, 2026
The Spanish Mrs. Cole taught me, I still use to this day, over 50 years later. She was a beautiful person. My condolences to Coach Lyles and the entire Cole and Lyles Family. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Wade Ingram
February 27, 2026
My sincere condolences to the Kyle's family
May God comfort you doiyryyyyyyyyyyfyyyrrrrrryyyyrrrffyyyfrffryythyyyyyyygyyyyyyyng this tike to y ryyyyyyhyyyyyyfrhyyyruyyyytyyyyyyyryyyyyytyyyrrfyyyyyyyyyyttyfyryyyyyyyt

John Essex
February 28, 2026
Both John and Bonnie were friends from my first teaching and coaching assignment. Bonnie was a fun loving person and often kept the day cheerful at lunchtime. John, I wish I could be there but I am dealing with some health problems over the last few months. She was a super lady.

James Chaloupka
February 28, 2026
Oh I remember learning Spanish in her classroom at Harrison. I was probably her worse student, no fault of hers…. I still can’t speak much Spanish…. Rest in eternal peace!

Rossi Kemp
March 1, 2026
Bonnie was a wonderful person to me and everyone she met. I have
Many memories of her, but the one I remember the most is when she celebrated my birthday for the first win my life. She was my English motivating me not to be shy about trying new phrases and idioms.
Bonnie was a great person very difficult to imitate. Indeed it was a privilege to have known her.. My beloved friend you rest in peace.

Betty Nieves
March 4, 2026
My sincere condolences and love to John and the entire Lyles and Cole family. I am deeply saddened to learn of Bonnie's passing. Bonnie, John and I worked together at Marshall. Bonnie was such a wonderful, quiet, well educated, well traveled and very smart teacher who gave a lot and didn't mind sharing her knowledge and experiences with others, and that we all loved. She will be missed. With Great Love, . Ernest L. White

Ernest White
March 4, 2026
Deepest sympathy to the family!!

Jeaneatha Chaney
March 5, 2026
I never had her as a teacher, but remember seeing her in the hallways always with a big smile that was contagious. God bless her, my condolences to coach Lyle and their family. Jaime Pérez
Class of 77

Jaime Pérez
March 7, 2026
My sincere condolences to the family and you will always be in my prayers!

Matthew Jeter Jr
March 7, 2026
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to my family. May god comfort you and heal your hearts
Love always Mindy, Jimmer, Alexis and Buddy

Mindy Childs
March 7, 2026
Sending love and my deepest condolences.

Pam Giles
March 7, 2026
Sending prayers and going to miss rhe excitement of her voice when she receives flowers from me ....

Jermaine Young

Jermaine Young
March 7, 2026