Obituary of Constance Wise Lyons

Constance Wise Lyons passed away at home on Sunday, April 23, 2023, surrounded by her family, following a prolonged illness. 

Connie was born in Winter Haven on June 9, 1932, to Esther J. and Valmie L. Wise.  She attended local schools and graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1950. From there Connie attended Duke University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  She graduated in 1954, cum laude, with a degree in English Literature. She remained a devoted alumna for the rest of her life. 

In 1955 she married David P. Lyons at Beymer Methodist Church, where they remained loyal members.  After a brief time living in Atlanta they returned and settled in Winter Haven, where they raised their family and lived for the rest of their married life. 
Connie looked for and found beauty all around her. She was an accomplished classical pianist and often volunteered as an accompanist for her children’s and grandchildren’s choir performances. She loved the written word and enjoyed painting with watercolors.  She was a member of Chapter U of PEO for over 60 years. She enjoyed discussing books & ideas with a group of amazing women who made up The Contemporary Club. Connie was a lifelong member of Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church, and she and David played in the handbell choir for many years. She was an avid gardener and loved sharing her roses with friends and family. Connie maintained close ties with many friends from childhood throughout her lifetime.
Along with raising their family and caring for their home, Connie supported her husband as he founded and developed Saddle Creek Logistics Services.  David often attributed his success to Connie's unending championing of his efforts.  Together they were benefactors of countless local charities and organizations.  She and David traveled the world together, but also loved time spent at home and at Little Gasparilla Island. April 23, the date of Connie’s passing, marked their 68th wedding anniversary.
She was preceded in death by her husband David, her parents Esther and Valmie, and her sister Virginia Wise Dellinger.  She is survived by her son Thomas D. Lyons, daughter Jennifer Lyons Thornton (Scott), her 5 beloved grandchildren, Margaret D. Thornton, Christopher D. Lyons (Desiree), David H. Thornton, Michael T. Lyons (Jillian), and Charlotte E. Lyons, by great-grandchild Violet J. Lyons, and by nieces Leslie Lyons Martin (Grady) and Patricia Schinzing, and nephew Steve Schinzing.
The family wishes to acknowledge the roles that Yashekia Atmore, Karen Atmore, Lakeisha Williams, Joann Howell, Trinity Atmore, Mckinnely Atmore, and Tequila Atmore played in making Connie's final years comfortable and happy.  We are forever grateful.
Services will be held at Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church in Winter Haven on Friday, April 28 at 2pm. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church Trust Fund or the The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Enterprise, Florida.