Barbara Mary Lyons

Barbara, the youngest of three, was born on July 10, 1934 to Emmitt and Linnie Telford, and was raised on a farm near Centralia, Illinois. After attending elementary school in a one room schoolhouse and graduating from Centralia High School, she attended Southern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in business education and later a Master’s degree in counseling. She had a distinguished career as an educator and was proud to serve as Guidance Director at Belleville Township High School East for many years.

Barbara married Bobby Gene Lyons in 1955. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage until Bobby’s passing in 2011. During their life together, they had successful professional careers, owned and managed two Bresler’s Ice Cream Parlors, boated extensively and later became somewhat avid golfers and traveled around the world on many cruises. Barbara was an excellent bridge player and won a game right before her time in hospice. She is widely known for her late in life hobby of making elaborate greeting cards.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Emmitt and Linnie Telford; husband Bobby; and brothers, Oral and Lloyd Telford.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Pamela Cavness; her husband, Jared; their sons, Jeb and Jace and her niece, Mary (Richard) Taylor and nephew, James Telford.

VISITATION: A visitation will be held on Tuesday June 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.

SERVICE: A memorial service and inurnment, with the Reverend Alexandra Lysdahl presiding, will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by a reception for family and friends at Lake View Funeral Home.

Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Road, Belleville IL 62223 or to The Fulton School at St. Albans, 123 Schoolhouse Road, PO Box 78, St. Albans MO 63073.