Mrs. Doris Mae (Odom) Lyons

Doris Mae Odom entered the world on October 29, 1928, in Thomasville, Georgia. She would become the only child of the union of Richard Henry Odom and Mamie (Brown) Odom who had married 12 years previously. The young farming family pressed though the early and very difficult depression years and finally Richard decided to seek his fortune "up north" and they became participants in the mass migration experience. They landed in Detroit in 1939 and indeed, found better fortunes within the automotive manufacturing industry. A final move took the family to Inkster in 1942.

Young Doris' education continued with her piano studies at the Detroit Conservatory of Music in Detroit, and she proudly graduated from Chadsey High School in that city in 1946. She performed in numerous recitals and concerts at the conservatory and was the pianist at her church. While at Chadsey, she participated in debating and playing intramural tennis. She loved sharing her "stories/tales" about being the lone "colored" girl in these activities back then and how her only-child "toughness/independence" served her well.

Doris was joined in holy matrimony to Ernest Lyons on May 1,1947 and celebrated 38 years of marriage until his death in 1985. The union was blessed with three children: Karen, Ernest (Larry) now deceased. and Richard.

Doris was initially employed by Wayne County General Hospital in their general medicine department as an attendant and eventually became a practical nurse. She enjoyed a 15-years tenure there. Her next and last employment was with the prestigious Himelhochs Brothers store in Dearborn. There she became manager of the coat department and enjoyed a 20-years career before retiring.

Doris was renowned as an extraordinary cook and baker. She enjoyed entertaining and was a gifted and creative hostess. Gardening, arts and crafts, reading, and church activities filled her time. She also loved traveling and had the opportunities to enjoy Mexico, Puerto Rico. and a cruise around the Mediterranean in Europe.

Her first and foremost passions in life involved supporting and providing for her family. She was the proud and protective matriarch.

Doris departed this dear life on March 12, 2024 and was blessed with a peaceful and restful transition. She leaves to cherish her memory children Karen and Richard; grandchildren: Kako, Tifani, Christopher, Allison, Larry, and Rachael; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends are also celebrating her memory.

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