Mitzi Lyons Kessler

Mitzi Lyons Kessler died December 18, 2021 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 89. She was born May 26, 1932 in Charleston, SC, attending Ashley Hall and Hollins College. It was while she was still in high school that she met her love, Robert Frederick Kessler — lovingly known as “Muffin”— who she married on May 3, 1952, after he returned from the Korean War. They lived a very full life, first in the military where they were able to enjoy extensive travel. Since “Muffin” was in the artillery branch of the US Army, they spent several tours on old Calvary posts in Kansas and Oklahoma, where the whole family became active equestrians. Mitzi also used this time to take art lessons and learn to play the pipe organ, using her talents to become a church organist. After 22 years of active duty, they retired to Tallahassee, Florida, where Mitzi blossomed into a renowned watercolor artist. She won multiple art competitions and has works hanging in the Florida State Capital and at Florida State University. Faith was always central to their lives, and during their 30 years in Tallahassee, they were founding members of 2 churches. Mitzi remained a church organist for many years, while Muffin served as a church elder. They were also big fans of the FSU Seminoles and had season tickets for more than 30 years. Saturday FSU tailgates and football games were very popular for both their children and grandchildren, as were annual family beach vacations. Mitzi was also very active the in Tallahassee Arts Community. She and Muffin were also both avid gardeners and their yard overlooking Shelly Pond was a site to behold. Unfortunately, Mitzi developed signs of cognitive impairment in her 60’s which curtailed many of her activities. In 2008, they moved to Park Springs in Stone Mountain, Georgia to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. Although limited by her disease, she and Muffin were active members of Decatur Presbyterian Church and became orchid growers and enthusiasts. The annual orchid show at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens was a favorite outing.

She is survived by her husband of 69+ years, Robert Kessler; her daughters Karen Kessler Caplenor and Anne Kessler Wiskind (Bob) and grandchildren Callie Anne Caplenor, Samuel Robert Wiskind (Sarah) and Claire Elizabeth Wiskind. A graveside service will be held on January 8,2022 at 11AM at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. In lieu of flowers, the families ask for donations be made to the following organization: Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), Decatur Presbyterian Church 205 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030; dpchurch.org or the Atlanta Botanical Gardens 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 https://atlantabg.org.