She was born on September 15, 1928 in Shamrock, Florida to the late James Osby Lyons and Minnie Dorthea Williams Lyons. A former music teacher and church choir director, music was a passion she instilled in her entire family. She was strong in her faith, and loved to teach the Bible and to worship the Lord through singing.
She and her husband, Charlie, owned and operated Jenie’s Bridals and Formals, which became renowned throughout the south, providing formal dresses to many Miss Georgia contestants. Later, after her children were grown and the business sold, she turned her passion towards taking the gospel to the children of Israel. She had a heart for the Jewish people and longed to see them come to know Jesus as their Messiah.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Charlie Howard. She is survived by her son, Ken (Debbie) Howard of Long Prairie, Minnesota; her daughter, Beverly Richardson of Marietta, Georgia; four grandchildren, Jake (Lori) Howard, Christin Richardson, Micah Howard, Drew Howard (Lenzie); and six great-grandchildren, Brycen, Laken, Jacob, Will, Sailor, and Sebastian.
Family will visit with friends on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia. A funeral service to celebrate her life will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Cliff Bennett officiating. Burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery.
