Sara Merwin Lyon, 92

June 2, 1933 – August 13, 2025

Sara Merwin Lyon, 92, formerly of Memphis, TN, passed away at her residence in Ripley, MS, on August 13, 2025. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 16, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 10:00am until time of service at 11:00am. Her son, Brad, will share personal reflections, along with her grandson-in-laws, Tom Bloodworth and William Welch, will conduct the service. Burial will take place at the Veterans’ Cemetery at a later date.

Born June 2, 1933, in Des Moines, Iowa, she was the thirteenth of fifteen children born to Chauncey and Alice Merwin. She graduated as the valedictorian of Jackson High School in Jackson, TN, and was recipient of the DAR Good Citizenship Award. She continued her education at West Tennessee Business College and began her career working for a neurosurgeon in Memphis, TN. On May 23, 1956, she married Edward Lyon, her husband of 69 years. She became the mother of Edward Bradley (Brad) Lyon and Sara Catherine (Cathy) Lyon Ward.

Sara is survived by her husband, Edward; her children Brad (Chere) of Houston, TX, and Cathy Ward (Mitch) of Ripley, MS; her five grandchildren: Britni (Rick) Campbell, Steve (Janee) Lyon, Scott (Kerstin) Lyon all of Houston, TX, Caley (Tom) Bloodworth of Auburn, AL, and Alana (William) Welch of Clarksburg, TN. Along with three bonus step grandchildren; Shane O’Neal, Sheridan Vale, and Natalie O’Neal. She is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren, with two more expected in November. Additionally, she leaves behind her friends at Mid-South Therapy Dogs & Friends, a special friend, Carolyn Deeley of Lakeland, TN. She had a host of nieces and nephews throughout the United States.

She will be fondly remembered as a positive, faithful Christian, and an intelligent woman. She was fully committed to the teachings of the Bible and wholeheartedly loved the Lord. Over the years she taught Sunday school, prepared food, and made sure her children attended church. She was baptized around 1955 and faithfully attended the church of Christ all her adult life.

Upon knowing her you may have received one of her famous poundcakes, peanut brittle, or cheese biscuits. She loved to share her time and talents as her health allowed. After retiring from the Defense Depot in Memphis she poured her heart and soul into volunteering for sixteen years with Mid South Therapy Dogs & Friends, where she became affectionately known as “Granny Sara.”

Honorary pallbearers will be Mid-South Therapy Dogs & Friends and her caregivers: Linda Rutherford, Felisa Barkley, Kim Boyd, Jasmine Gray, Trista Johnson, Shirley Mayes, Lou Ann Price, Ebony Robinson, Linnie Selmer, and Claudette Williams. Also, included are Gentiva Hospice and Center Well Palliative Care.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Mid South Therapy Dogs and Friends c/o Mary Ehrhart 7435 Mimosa Dr. Germantown, TN 38138, or a charity of your choice.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Sara’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Saturday
August 16, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Funeral Service

Saturday
August 16, 2025
11:00 AM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral