She was born Feb. 14, 1915 in Greenville, S.C. to the late Samuel and Lula Owens.
Prior to her moving to Kingsport, she was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Taylors, S.C. She graduated from Sterling High School, the Class of ’39.
Mrs. Lyons was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Kingsport, for over 60 years. Prior to her illness, Mrs. Lyons was active in a number of ministries at Shiloh, deaconess, senior choir, Golden Saints Bible Study, director of decorations, Annie Hickman Missionary Society and honorary usher. She also served in the community. Mrs. Lyons was a member of the Women’s Service League, the Voguettes, and many other organizations.
She also enjoyed traveling and dancing and was an avid baseball fan. Minnie took great joy in growing flowers and beautiful plants and she enjoyed cooking and welcoming guests into her home.
She was preceded in death by her faithful husband, Richard C. Lyons, Jr.; three sisters, Mrs. Maggie Owens Featherstone, Mrs. Inez Owens Smith and Mrs. Lacunice Owens Johnson; three brothers, Samuel Owens, LeRoy Owens and Orelious “Reel” Owens; one great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Leigh Lyons; one niece, Mrs. Gloria Johnson Cheeks; and two nephews, J.W. Johnson and Joe Brunson Owens, Sr.
Surviving are her son, Roxy B. Lyons, Sr. and wife, Manon,Largo, Fla.; two grandsons, Roxy B. Lyons, Jr. and wife, Laura, Knoxville, Tenn. and Rodney E. Lyons and wife, Jessica, Atlanta, Ga.; one granddaughter, Veronique A. Lyons, Virginia Beach; one great-grandson, Roxy B. Lyons, III, Knoxville; one niece, Mrs. Marion Webb and husband, James, Columbus, Ga.; and two nephews, Billy Johnson and Bobby Johnson of Taylors, S.C.; as well as a host of great-nieces and nephews of South Carolina.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 712 East Sevier Avenue, Kingsport, Tenn.
Services will follow with Dr. Kenneth Calvert officiating.
Graveside services will immediately follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Asbury Place of Johnson City for their services. May God continue to bless you all.
Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com for on-line condolences.
Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport, is serving the family of Minnie Earl Owens Lyons.
