Merdis Jenkins Lyons

Merdis Jenkins Lyons was born in Halifax County, North Carolina on November 13, 1925 to Lemuel and Claudie Jenkins. Raised in faithful Christian home, she shared a memorable childhood on a farm with 14 brothers and sisters. After her secondary education, Merdis left Halifax County and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where she earned her bachelors degree in Home Economics at Shaw University.

Merdis began her career in 1952 as an educator in Hardeeville, South Carolina teaching home economics. As a teacher there, she made many life long friendships with other teachers living in nearby Savannah, Georgia. While visiting with her new friend and fellow teacher in Savannah, she met John W. Lyons, a local business man and entrepreneur.
They were married 3 months later on December 27, 1952 and sustained a loving 48 year marriage.

Now married, Merdis moved to Savannah and put her professional life on hold to begin a family. She and John were blessed with 4 children. With a young family, Merdis volunteered for Chatham County School district as a substitute teacher.

Merdis began her second career working for the Department of Family and Children Services for the state of Georgia where she used government services and resources to give others a better life. She retired after 13 years of service with honorable mentions from state officials and dignitaries.

Merdis was a devoted member of the Gamma Sigma Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc. While she wore her ""pink and green"" proudly, she never lost sight of the mission of service and understood her impact on others. Merdis was a charter member of the Savannah Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. In Jack and Jill, Merdis met and formed friendships with families that have lasted three generations. Merdis was also a charter member of the Savannah chapter of Smart Sets of America, where she served as national treasurer and locally held office as the president for several years. She was a loyal member of SONATA,Inc., which began as an outreach and development project with the Savannah Symphony Orchestra to groom musicianship with underprivileged children.

Merdis worshipped God at Butler Presbyterian Church and enjoyed singing in the choir for over 40 years. She was a member of the MG Redd Circle.

She was a devoted wife and mother and is survived by her son, Dr. Ralph Lyons; two daughters: Wanda Lyons McCreary and Jeanne Lyons Overton; six grandchildren: Christine Lyons, Jeanne Lyons, Laurence McCreary, Lauren McCreary, Miles Overton, and Sydney Overton; one daughter-in-law Karen Lyons; two sons-in-laws: Laurence McCreary, Sr. and Sherman Overton; one sister: Etherlene Freeman; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Service for Mrs. Merdis Jenkins Lyons will be held 11:00AM, Friday, April 13, 2012, at Butler Presbyterian Church. Public viewing 12PM -6 PM, Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Adams Funeral Services with family visitation immediately after public viewing until 7PM. Interment: Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. At 10:15 AM, Friday, April 13, 2012 the cortege will assemble at the funeral home. Please convey your thoughts of remembrance of Mrs. Lyons using the links on our website.