J!)ome ~oing ~erbite for ~rs. 1Lpbta 1Sonner 1jper5 , 0unrise: October 4~ 1920 0unset: July 8. 2012 I' !, I ;I I Dunton United Methodist Church 323 Buford Street Gaffney, South Carolina Reverend Lille Davis, Pastor Committal, Benediction and Interment Oakland Cemete'ry College Drive Gaffney, South Carolina ~ ;ffflotber's 1Lobe A Mother's love is something that no one can explain. It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and p~n. / It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, For nothing can destroy it ot take that love away. It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking. And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking. It believes beyond believing when the world arourtd condemns, And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems. It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation, And it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation. A many splendor miracle man <;annot understand, And another wondrous evidence Of God's tender guiding hand. ' I' Processional Selection Dunton United Methodist Church Choir- "Soon and Very Soon" Invocation Reverend CarolinaJones Pastor, Greater Hope Ministries, Gaffney, South Carolina Scripture Reading Old Testament- Dr. Harold Wallace Gaffney, South Carolina New Testament - Reverend John W Evans Orangeburg, South Carolina Affirmation ofFaith In Unison- Page 881 Witnesses (Two Minutes, Please) The Church ........... Dr. Rufus H. Foster, Jt. Family Friend.............. Dr. Harold Wallace A Niece .......... Mrs. Beverly Bonner Mayes Poem Mrs. Mattie Manning Aclmowledgements Foster Funeral Home- Dr. Rufus H . Foster, Jr. Solo Reverend John W. Evans Words ofComfort Reverend Lillie Davis, Pastor Prayer ofCommendation Prayer ofThanksgiving Recessional 1Life'~ ~rofile of ;ffflrs. 1Lpbia rionner ripers "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown ofrighteous- ness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." II TIMOTHY 4:6-8 A Time to Be Born: Mrs. Lydia Bonner Byers was born on October 4, 1920, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Mamie Smith Bonner in Cherokee County; South Carolina. Time to Live: She was united in holy matrimony to Mr. James R. Byers (affectionately called, "J.R.). To this union one daughter was born, Cynthia. Lydia was a faithful wife and loyal mother. At an early age Mrs. Byers was converted, accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined Dunton United Methodist Church where she was a very active member. At Dunton she served as a Bible School Teacher; attended Sunday School and Church until her declining health; a former member of the Choir, the Administrative Council, United Methodist Women Organization and PastorParish Relations Committee; a Pianist for the Sunday School and the Church for several years; former Church Secretary; and served in other positions and committees. Whenever the doors of Dunton were opened, Mrs. Byers was there. She served faithfully in any position she had and was a very dedicated member. Mrs. Byers begin her education at the age of4 in the Cherokee County School System and graduated from high school at 15 years of age. She continued her education at Johnson C. Smith University and graduated in 3 Y2 years. Her graduate work was done at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Byers taught school for 4 5 Y2 years. Her teaching career began at the age of 19 in York County in Fort Mills as an English and History Teacher. She taught in York County for 3 Y2 years, Cherokee County for 7 years and Spartanburg County for 35 years (12th Grade English). She was a dedicated teacher and loved her students. Mrs. Byers loved the Lord; her family and was very supported to them; her church; friends; and people in general. She enjoyed working in the yard and growing flowers. Therefore, every year she had beautiful flowers growing in her yard. She was close to her neighbors. They looked out for each other. A Time to Die: God sent an angel for His Christian servant, our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, neighbor and friend. Mrs. Byers answered the Master's call on Sunday night, July 8, 2012, at 7:00 P.M. at her residence. A Time to Mourn: Fond and loving memories will always be cherished by her family: Her Daughter - Mrs. Cynthia B. Williams of Gaffney; South Carolina Her Son-In-Law- Mr. James F. Williams, Jr. of Gaffney; South Carolina Her Granddaughter- Ms. Jamie Elizabeth Williams (a friend, Darius) of Greenville, South Carolina Her Sister-In-Law- Mrs. Cleo S. Bonner ofWashington, D.C. Her Nieces- Reverend Gwendolyn B. Wynsigger (Marvin) ofCincinnati, Ohio Mrs. Lydia B. Hartley (Michael) of Florida Mrs. Beverly B. Mayes of Lawrence, Georgia Mrs. Cheryl B. Miller of Rock Hill, South Carolina Her Nephews - Mr. Emory Bonner, Jr. (Sharon) of Greenville, South Carolina Mr. FrankL. Bonner, Jr. of Cincinnati, Ohio Reverend Terry Bonner (Vera) ofCincinnati, Ohio A Neighbor she helped to rear- Reverend Gracie B. Robbs ofFort Hood, Georgia A special little one she considered as a great-granddaughter- Ty'Keria A Time to Remember: Family and friends will always remember Mrs. Lydia's quiet and gentle spirit, faithfulness and dedication. She will be greatly missed by her, family; and by all of those who kllew and loved her. She was a source oflove, encouragement, joy and inspiration for her family; friends, and for those she came in contact with. We .loved her. Her presence will always be with us and with many people. ~ ~ote jfrom J)eaben If I could write from Heaven, this is what I'd say. Please don't miss me too much, I'm with you throughout your day. You may not see or hear me, But if you're quiet and still, You may just feel my presence; Because in Heaven, there is free will. Don't worry for the day; It will come and go as planned, Enjoy each moment you are given, Keep worry from your hand. Keep sorrow to a minimum For if Heaven you could see, You'd know I'm safe and happy; I did not cease to be. Moments in time are brief, Until we'll be together again, As Eternity lasts forever, our lives, they have no end. jfamtlp anb jfrtenb~ (Family and Friends Continued) ~onorarp jflobJer anb ~all ~earer~ Retired Educators ~cttbe jflobJer ~earer~ Members of Dunton United Methodist Women Organization ~cttbe ~all ~ea_rer~ Members of Dunton United Methodist Men Organization Jf!ote of \!Cbank~ With heartfelt humility and profound gratitude, we wish to extend our thanks to e_ach ofyou who was there to comfort us during the loss ofo~~ beloved one, Mrs. Lydia B. Byers. A Very Special Thank You To: Dunton United Methodist Church, Upstate Carolina Medical Center, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Med Air Helicopter System, Hospice'Home and Staff, DR, Bright Star Care and Staff, Mr. Cannon Gregory, Mrs. Pam Couch, Neighbors , Friends and Foster Funeral Home. The many expressions ofkindness extended to us from everyone are deeply appreciated. May our God bless and richly reward you for your acts oflove and compassion. - ~'"" ~ Arrangements Entrusted to 1fo&ter 1funeral l~ome 312 North Petty Street Gaffney, South Carolina Phone: ( 864) 489-2422 Facsimile: (864) 487-7474