Agnes Elizabeth Smith Lyons

Betty attended the Baylor School of Nursing in Waco, Texas. She later moved to New Orleans to attend the Charity Hospital School of Nurse Anesthetist. It was here in the early 1950’s she met Dr. George Dewey Lyons Jr., who would become her husband, companion and cohort for sixty-five years. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She also received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Dominican College, New Orleans.

She was an outstanding artist, painter and floral designer. She rose to the level of Ikebana Master of the Iychio School as well as Sogetsu School and took great pride in her many exhibitions at the annual Art in Bloom of the New Orleans Museum of Art. An active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans and later St. Matthews in Houma. She was a member of the Audubon Garden Club and the Orleans Club. She was president of the LSU Faculty Wives Club and served as a mentor to many.

Betty was an exceptional cook and attended the Le Cordon Bleu and the Mondavi School of Wine. She loved entertaining and cooking, most especially for her friends and family. Betty enjoyed traveling the world and sharing these experiences with her children, family and friends. She combined her loves and interests in the successful Wild Game Safari Cookbook. Her favorite trips were to Russia and Africa. Betty will always be remembered for extraordinary style, the perfect hat for every occasion, and her enchanting wit.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Zachary Taylor Smith, her cherished son Timothy Newell Lyons and her beloved husband George Dewey Lyons, Jr.

She is survived by her sister June Smythe Rapier, and children George Lyons (Julia), Dr. Michael Lyons (Mona), Shelley Pribil, Pamela Lyons (Rob); Eight grandchildren Alexandra and Isobel Pribil (Seth); Timothy, Jack (Darci), George, Olivia, Catherine, Grace Lyons; and Hannah Rote. Two great grandchildren Jack and Ellie and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. Donations may be sent in her memory to Second Harvest Food Bank, Ikebana International, New Orleans Chapter #97, a non-profit organization, c/o Mr. Richard Cranford, 3015 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70117 or charity of your choice.