Idalee Lyons

Idalee Lyons, a loving wife, mother and proud grandmother and friend to many, has peacefully passed away at the age of 95 on May 19, 2024. Born on May 2, 1929, in Houston, Arkansas, Idalee touched the lives of many with her kindness and warmth. She never met a person she did not care for and love. She was very joyful and happy every day, and only saw the best in everyone.  

Idalee was a graduate of Conway High Wampus Cats in 1947 and attended ASTC College in Conway. Idalee’s career in childcare was not just a calling. She embraced her career with her whole heart, and nurtured countless children over the years, leaving a lasting impact on each life she touched.  She was an original member of Amboy Methodist Church and was deeply devoted to her congregation of friends through the years.  She was an active member of the Amboy PTA, the first Amboy Cub Scout Den Mother, (leading the first Cub Scout pack to the top of Pinnacle Mountain), Assistant Administrator of NLR Ding Dong Campus.  Idalee finished her career as an Administrative Assistant at the Arkansas School for the Deaf, and was an expert sign language communicator.  Her passion for children was reflected in her nurturing nature and compassion for everyone she encountered.  

Aside from her work, she was a talented artist who received numerous awards including the Best of Arkansas Award at the Arkansas State Fair. Her work was shown at the State Capitol Rotunda as well as Washington DC Capitol Rotunda for Arkansas. Idalee’s artistic flair extended to even receiving first place awards and Best of State Show for her beloved irises.

Her love for growing flowers and cooking stemmed from cherished memories with her mother. She could transform any meal or leftovers into a wonderful dining experience. She found joy in cheering for her beloved Arkansas Razorbacks in sporting events. Idalee celebrated all holidays, especially Christmas, surrounded by her beloved family. 

Family and faith were the cornerstones of Idalee’s life. She cherished moments spent with her loved ones more than anything else. She idolized her parents, her brother and sisters and her family; loving all so very much. Her deep-rooted belief in Jesus was evident in all aspects of her life, guiding her actions with love and compassion. 

The happiest day of her life was when she married Thomas JL “Buddy” Lyons on August 20, 1947 and then had 63 joyful, loving years together, and raising their three sons, Tom, Mike and Colin. Idalee is survived by her son, Tom Lyons and his wife Judy; daughters-in-law, Donna and Halyna Lyons; grandchildren, Jeff Lyons and his wife Christina, Stephanie Long and her husband Shawn, Chelle Robinson and her husband Travis, Keith Lyons, Zack Lyons and his wife Brittany; 13 great grandchildren; siblings, Estle Summers and Carolyn Heffington, as well as 15 nieces and nephews; and hundreds of very close friends. Idalee’s favorite quote was that she got her three daughters “the easy way” when marrying her 3 sons.   

Idalee is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas JL Lyons; sons, Mike and Colin Lyons; parents, Grace and Marvin D. Johnson; siblings, Marvin D. Johnson, Anamarie Johnson, Walter Johnson, Dorothy Heskett and Betty Haynie.  

Idalee was a “cherished one of a kind” very special lady who loved and touched the lives of many and will be missed by all. She was a patriotic supporter of our Armed Military services from her husband Buddy's, brothers, father, grandfather, uncles, and other relatives who preceded them to though combat military services as well as times of peace.
 

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 Main Street) from 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM.  

The burial will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock at 1:00 PM. Pallbearers include: Jeff Lyons, Keith Lyons, Zach Lyons, Travis Robinson, and Shawn Long.  Honorary pallbearers are Kip McBride, David Johnson, Jason Cain and Tommy Barnard.