Iris Nieto Lay

Iris Nieto Lay of Milton, FL, died peacefully at her home on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, on November 27, 1934, Iris, also known as 'Mommy' and 'Buella' by

those who loved her most, left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate to know her.

She was the second daughter born to Manuel and Providencia Nieto and grew up in a loving home

with her three sisters and younger brother, over the grocery store that her parents owned.

She met the love of her life, James Silas Lay, at the beach when he was stationed at Naval

Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico in 1960. They married in February 1961 and shared 65

wonderful years together. She was a dedicated Navy wife while Jim was stationed at various

duty stations throughout his career.

The Navy "landed" them at Whiting Field in Milton, Florida in

1969, and that is where they retired from the Navy and finished raising their family. Iris was a

wonderful wife and mother, supporting her children in their many activities.

She and Jim often entertained and welcomed young sailors into their home for holiday meals when the sailors

could not travel to be at their own homes. Iris was an excellent cook, and many fell in love with

her traditional Puerto Rican dishes, which she would fix for those lucky enough to be at her

table! She was a kind person to the core, and her smile and laugh were contagious.

Iris is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Delia and Irma, and daughter Nivia Buchanan.

Those left to miss her dearly are her loving husband James Lay, Sr.; daughter, Maggie Floyd

(Darwin); sons, James Lay, Jr. (Rita) and Keith Lay; son-in-law, Gary Buchanan; sister, Elsie Nieto;

brother Jimito Nieto; her seven grandchild, Audrey Buchanan, Colby Lay, Kyle Lay, Tyler Lay,

Emily Lay, Fischer Lay, and Kendall Lay; and multiple nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers who helped them care for her during

the past several months.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.