FRANKLIN, VA – Joyce Parker Lyon, 80, died peacefully on February 17, 2014 at Hillcrest Convalescent Home in Durham after a long struggle with dementia. She was born April 3, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in Winton, the daughter of Harry and Nita Matthews Parker.

Joyce loved tending her rose bushes, reading books and in recent years watching her two grandsons grow up. She and her husband Dalton spent most of their married life in Franklin, VA but later moved to Durham to be closer to their grandchildren.

For most of her adult life, she was a member of Sycamore Baptist Church in Franklin, VA where she served as a Sunday school teacher. Most recently, she had joined Hope Valley Baptist Church in Durham.

Throughout her life and illness, Joyce maintained a sweet demeanor and gentle patience that touched all who knew her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and her memory will continue to both enrich and strengthen those who were blessed to have known her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Dalton Lyon; she is survived by her son, Dal Lyon, wife Catherine and their son, Drew, of Durham; her daughter, Kris Jones, husband Randy and their children, Katie and Harry, of Durham; a sister, Nita Brown of Colerain; and a number of other relatives and close friends.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Wright Funeral Home, 206 W. 4th Avenue, Franklin, VA. The family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. A donor form can be found at www.alz.org.