Lois Harris Byers

Lois Harris Byers
Lois Harris Byers, of Charlotte, the 7th of ten children, was born to the late Moses and Fannie Harris on August 9, 1927, in Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up in a happy household with strong Christian morals. Attending public schools in Birmingham, Lois graduated from Parker High School in 1944. After living a full, active life devoted to serving God, her family and her students, she suffered a stroke on Good Friday, 2011. After a valiant battle to regain her health, she was called home to be with the Lord on February 8, 2012. Lois was baptized at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church and received her Christian nurturing there until she left for college. She was active in all the church youth organizations and sometimes played the piano for church services.
It was at Johnson C. Smith University that Lois met Eddie Byers, who would later become her husband. She received a B.A. degree in Mathematics and furthered her education at New York University where she earned a degree in Physical Education. Lois was fortunate to obtain a teaching position for one year in Sumter County Alabama before returning to Charlotte to marry Eddie, the love of her life. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Karen Michelle and Eddie Elliott, Jr. She and Eddie enjoyed activities in the Senior Olympics, both winning several medals.
For thirty years, Lois taught physical education in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and had both the pleasure and challenge of teaching her own children, nieces, and neighbors' children. During her tenure, she touched many lives and contributed to the fitness of numerous students. Lois attempted to retire but found herself back with the school system, this time directing the after-school program at Irwin Avenue Elementary School.
Upon returning to Charlotte, Lois became an active member of Greater Gethsemane A.M.E. Zion Church, serving in the Women's Home Missionary Society and later became President of the same. She also served as a member of the Steward Board, President of the Parent Body Missionary Group, and troop leader for the Girl Scouts. In addition, Lois was a member of the Church Women United and the Leaves of Wisdom Missionary Society.
Lois was very active in the community as well, belonging to many civic organizations such as Jack & Jill of America, Inc. (President), and Holidays Bridge Club, where she was instrumental in establishing several chapters in her role as National President. She was a member of the Charlotte Chapter Links and served as its Membership Chair and was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She represented the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta on the Pan Hellenic Council, and at one time served as its president. In her later years, Lois joined the Bluebirds Bridge Club. During her retirement, she enjoyed the fellowship of the Bluebirds immensely.
Lois Harris Byers leaves to cherish her precious memory a daughter, Karen Byers Mansel (Rudolph); a son, Eddie E. Byers, Jr.; one granddaughter, Crystal Michella Mansel; one grandson, Eric Kingsley Byers; one brother, Aaron Harris (Edna) of Birmingham, Alabama; two sisters, Norvella Tarver of Birmingham and Emma Henderson of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Funeral Service is Monday, February 13, 2012, 12 Noon, with visitation 11:00 a.m.-12 Noon, Gethsemane A.M.E. Zion Church, 531 Campus Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. Interment will be in Beatties Ford Memorial Gardens. Long & Son Mortuary Service is serving the Byers Family.