Loreather Anderson Lytle was born on June 5, 1910 in Valdosta, Georgia. She was the youngest of three daughters, born to the late William Henry Anderson and Eula Emanuel Porter. She came to Philadelphia with her parents in August of 1917. When they arrived in Philadelphia they resided with the late Rev. & Mrs. J.D. Ingram.

She was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System.

At a very young age while attending Union’s Anniversary service, she was converted and joined Union Baptist Church and was later baptized by the late Rev. James E. Kirkland in 1939.

To further her Christian education she joined the Unity Bible Class at 28th and Ellsworth, Rev. Adams was in charge and he was part of the church, which John Wanamaker attended.

She later met and married the late Archie Frank Lytle and of that union of thirty-five years, ten children were born, four sons, and six daughters. Her four sons are Archie Frank, Jr. Albert H.L., William John, and Ralph Sylvester; and six daughters Norman Jordan, Wilma Lytle, Lola Hailey, Loreather Price, Juanita Knighton Epps, and Patricia Hale. Three sons and three daughters preceded her in death.

She loved music and sang with several groups The Pastor’s Aide Chorus, The Treble Clefs, The Lytle Inspirationals, The Senior Choir and a trio group formed by her The La-ra-thels. She served on many axillaries and groups at Union Baptist. She was the Financial Secretary of the Late Torchbearer Organization, Financial Secretary of the Trustee Aides, Teacher of the Ever Faithful Bible Class, member of the President’s Council, member of the Sunday School Council, member of the Missionary Society and President of the Cheerful Helpers organization. She was always active attending church on Sundays. She continued to be faithful and serve her church well into her Centennial years, still attending the 6:00 A.M. Prayer service up until she turned 100.


For the past five years she has attended the Centenarian Luncheon with Mayor Nutter celebrating turning 100 years of age.

For her charitable contributions to President Barack Obama’s campaign, she received a personal telephone call from Michelle Obama.

She leaves 117 direct decedents including her children, Loreather Price, Juanita Knighton Epps, Patricia Hale, and Ralph Lytle, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and great great great grandchildren.

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