Miriam Lyons

Miriam Smith Lyons passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024 at home, surrounded by her family. Miriam was born to George Gayden Smith and Grace Gardner Smith on June 25, 1932, in McComb, Mississippi, the youngest of four children. She attended Mississippi State College for Women before marrying the love of her life, William Barry Lyons (Billy) in 1952.

Immediately after the wedding, the couple relocated to New Mexico for Bill's new work assignment. At first, Miriam was homesick for the trees and lush foliage of her hometown, but soon fell in love with the arid beauty of the desert. Subsequent moves took them to Arizona, Kentucky and Colorado. The last move for the family was to Avondale Estates, Georgia. Miriam enjoyed the community of Avondale Estates and developed close and lasting relationships with her neighbors. She was a very present and loving mother to her four children and a devoted wife to Bill. Miriam was very active in her church, Avondale First Baptist, and served in various roles including singing in the choir. She enjoyed teaching and taught piano lessons as well as kindergarten for a while. She worked in the Accounting Office at Agnes Scott College for 20 years.

Miriam was an excellent seamstress and crocheted beautiful afghans. Her daughters were never lacking in the latest styles in fashion that she sewed for them. Her only son fondly remembers the lion outfit she made for him one Halloween and her grandsons, I'm sure, were similarly fond of their pumpkin costumes. Miriam had close relationships with her grandchildren and thought they each had a hand in hanging the moon.

Miriam will be remembered as a beautiful lady, both inside and out. She seemed to grow more radiant as she aged and was a joy to all who knew her. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed. We know she is in a better place.

Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Arbor Terrace - Decatur, Agape Hospice and other private angels for their compassionate and expert care of our Mother.

Miriam is survived by her four children, Linda Budd (Richard), Tina Connell (Jock), Leslie Watkins (Porter), and John Lyons (Kim). She is also survived by five grandchildren, Barry Connell (Allison), Emily Connell Smith (Michael), James Watkins (Erin Haseley), Clara Watkins, and Will Lyons. Great-grandchildren include Griffin and Brody Connell, and Charlotte and Beau Smith. She is also survived by nephews John Morgan (Rachael), Vic Morgan and niece, Beverly Gay Noble.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, 2773 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, The Reverend John Childers, Officiant.

Visitation will be from 12p - 1p, and 2p - 3p.

A private family graveside service will take place prior to the memorial service.