Judith Dennard Lyman

Judith Dennard Lyman passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, after a two year battle with metastatic breast cancer, surrounded by her husband and children -- her fighting spirit a part of her to the end. Judith is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 46 years, Jerry R. Lyman; daughter, Erin Samantha Lyman of Charlotte, NC; son Derek R. Lyman & his wife Nelie Bettress Lyman, and two adorable twin grandsons Carson and Garrett Lyman, of Thomaston, GA. She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. William E. (Bill) and Juanita P. Dennard of Albuquerque, NM; and her father- and mother-in-law Mr. Carson F. & Elizabeth P. (Betty) Lyman of Bethesda, MD and later Sea Island, Georgia. Judith is also survived by her brothers Brian Dennard (Joanna) of Austin, TX and W. Jeffrey (Jeff) Dennard (Kathy) of E. Greenwich, RI; nephew Brendan Dennard of Boston, MA and niece Shannon Dennard of Brooklyn, NY. Born June 15, 1942 on the Coronado Island Naval Base in California, Judith was raised in Albuquerque, NM. She graduated high school from The Barstow School in Kansas City, MO and attended the University of New Mexico. Judith met Jerry Lyman in California in 1964 at a Young Republicans event for Barry Goldwater. Politics and conservative political causes would be a passion they shared for all the years of their life together. They were married March 6, 1965 in Albuquerque at the home of the late Irish & Doris Seligman. After a few moves around the country, they settled in Potomac, MD in 1972 when Jerry was named General Manager of WGMS AM/FM. During their many years in the Washington area, Judith served on the board of St. John’s Child Development Center, was a member of Chevy Chase Club, and was active in the schools attended by her children. She served on the Board of Trustees at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, and chaired numerous events including auctions, school festivals, sports banquets, etc. In 1985, the family relocated to Madison, New Jersey where Judith became involved at Morristown Beard School, helping to create new fundraising events and supporting the prep school’s various athletic programs. Judith & Jerry returned to Potomac, MD in 1989 as empty nesters. In 1996 Judith served as head of the Voter Support/Correspondence division of the Dole/Kemp Presidential campaign. Following her work on the campaign, she began an 8-year career with Discovery Communications in 1997. She enjoyed her years as an Executive Assistant, working with company leaders in marketing, educational products, and for the president of Animal Planet. Judith not only excelled in her work at these venues, but she developed treasured friendships, as she seemed to do wherever she went. In 2005, Judith & Jerry retired to St. Simons Island, GA, following a lifelong love of the area developed through years of family vacations at the Sea Island home which was in the Lyman family for more than 50 years. Judith became involved in a women’s group at Hampton Point, where she lived, and helped organize efforts to support U.S. military families through coupon clippings. She also volunteered with the Women’s Auxiliary of Hospice of the Golden Isles, just before her own cancer returned. Judith was a passionate book lover, avid reader of newspapers, sports fan, collector of “bunnies,” loved to plan a great party, and spoiled her loved ones with elaborately wrapped gifts. She never met a stranger, and wherever she lived, she created a home that was filled with love and friends at all times. Judith’s greatest joys came from her family and friends, and all were more than blessed to have had her in our lives. If you would like to honor Judith’s memory, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Pkwy., Brunswick, GA 31525 or www.hospice.me. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com