Marjorie Doreen Lyons

Marjorie Doreen Box Lyons, 85 of Waxhaw, NC, formerly of Pineville, WV, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 27, 2011. She was born in Ystradgynlais, Wales, Great Britain on June 17, 1925 to the late Frederick and Rosina Box. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James C. Lyons, and her son-in-law Arlis D. Cook. She is also survived by three daughters, Pamela Cook and husband Earl of Waxhaw, NC, Suzanne Cook of Cody, WY and Elaine Dannemiller and husband Al of Charlottesville, VA. Grandchildren who adored her are Jeffrey Earl Cook and wife Deonna of Kernersville, NC, James Lyon Garrett Cook of Cody, WY, Amanda Cook Marsh and husband “Trapper” of Fort Collins, CO and Caitlyn Durham of Morgantown, WV. “Granny” also leaves two great- grandsons, Tyler and Tanner Cook of Kernersville, NC. Doreen is also survived by two sisters, Pauline Pope and Gwen Barber both of SC, along with one sister-in-law, Janet Lyons of Martinsburg, WV.

Doreen was a 1943 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and received a Registered Nurse degree from Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, WV in 1946 and then practiced as an RN for forty years. She spent her career working at Stevens Clinic Hospital in Welch, WV and working along side Dr. E.M. Wilkinson at the Pineville Maternity Clinic, where she delivered a large number of babies, many of whom were named after her. Most of her career was spent as head nurse of the Wyoming County Health Department in Pineville, WV where she was instrumental in the development of a family planning clinic and the school nursing program.

One of here fondest memories and proudest accomplishments was earning her American citizenship in 1961. She was active in many civic and professional organizations such as the Pineville Woman’s Club and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She reigned one year as Valentine Queen for the West Virginia Conference of Beta Sigma

Phi. She was a former member of the First United Methodist Church of Pineville for many years. After her retirement and move to Virginia, she became a member of the Red Valley United Methodist Church in Boone’s Mill, Virginia. She excelled at all sewing and needle crafts and loved reading, painting and volunteer church work.

According to her wishes, Doreen was cremated and her remains will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband of 60 years, James C. Lyons. In accordance with her wishes the only memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery prior to interment. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to a Hospice organization of the donor’s choice in Doreen’s name.

Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.