Ona Pyron

Ona Lee Pyron, 93, passed away on February 28, 2010. Only days before, she told her only surviving son Billy, she was ready to go home. On Sunday afternoon while surrounded by he and other family members, with Billy’s blessings, she closed her eyes gently and peacefully and went home to be with her Lord and to the reunion awaiting her in heaven with her family and loved ones who have gone before. Ona Lee Pyron was born April 15, 1916, in Paxton, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Eddie H. Pyron of Tyler, two sons, Bobby Harold Pyron of Dallas, and Eddie Michael Pyron of Tyler, a grandson, Billy D. Pyron II of Houston, her mother, Mildred Beatrice Whiddon and father, Edward Nathan Whiddon. Ona Lee was one of ten children. Also preceding her in death were three brothers, Olan Whiddon, Herald Whiddon, and Edward Whiddon, five sisters, Gladys Cockrell, Dovie Cole, Era Scott, Myrtle Hughes, and Audrey McCure. Ona is survived by one son, Billy D. Byron of Tyler, a sister, Mavis Forsyth of Port Arthur, grandchildren, Tracey Ott of Dallas, Merilyn Hartley of Tyler, Shelley Simpson and husband John of Houston, Rhonda Overbergen and husband Todd of Houston, and their mother, Merigale Manziel Pyron of Tyler, Becky Hamilton and husband Paul of Price, Michele Gabbard of Price, Susan Nelson and husband Scott of Hughes Springs, Kristi Jackson and husband Johnny of Price, and their mother, Penny Pyron Cockrell of Tyler, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Ona Lee was known as “Na-Naw” to her three generations of grandchildren and all of their friends. She made a point to attend every game, recital, concert, play, party and graduation. Ona had such a love for football and was a long time devout fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Words alone cannot express the love Ona Lee carried in her heart for all of her family, friends, and those she met along the way. Her unique sense of humor, feisty personality and quick wit to the very end made her a joy to be around. She retired from Sears having been employed there for more than 30 years. She attended Central Baptist Church where she was a devoted member and was a member of Rebekah Lodge. She loved to travel and visited many countries, carrying those memories with her and loving to tell of her visits to foreign places. Her absence on this earth will be deeply felt but she will never be gone in our hearts. Pallbearers will be Charles Hunter Hartley, Michael Pyron-Loosier, J.D. Thomas, John Simpson, Todd Overbergen and Clay Elliott. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Milstead, Dr. Kenneth Tarkington, Wayne Dean, Nolan Manziel and Paul Manziel. Visitation will be at 2:30 p.m. and services at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler with Reverend Roy Thoene officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Ona Pyron

April 15, 1916 - February 28, 2010