Lovie Gussie Lyons

Gussie “Lovie” (Crews) Lyons, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, passed peacefully on September 18, 2025, in Lake Butler, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 3, 1931, on Cowhouse Island in the Okefenokee Swamp, she lived a life that echoed strength, independence, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

A dedicated worker, she devoted many years of her life to serving others, most notably at Copeland Sausage, as well as at SREC, Lake Butler Hospital, and the Union County School Board in Food Services. Her commitment to her work reflected her character—an independent and hard worker who approached every task with passion and diligence.

Lovie was not just known for her incredible work ethic, but also for her tender love for her family, particularly her daughters Bobbie (Stan) Lehman and Janice (Ralph) Parrish, whom she lovingly referred to as her "Chicks." She nurtured them with grace, always taking the time to share her "Jesus Calling" devotions and pray with them. These moments of connection were invaluable, forming the fabric of their lives together.

Her love extended through generations, touching the hearts of her grandchildren—Phillip (Shelly) Joyner II, Rhonda (Robbie) Barber, Jennifer (Glenn) Ritch, and Terry Dean (Penny) Elixson—and her ever-growing number of great-grandchildren: Michaela (Lee) Elixson, Taylor Joyner, Phillip Joyner III, Brianna (Tyler) Fleming, Shelbie Barber, Bobbie Grace (Zach) Womack, Garrett (Kaitlin) Ritch, Jenna (Jordan) Rowe, Garrison Ritch, Kobe Elixson, Klay (Makayla) Elixson, Kadyn Elixson, and Aleigh Elixson. Her legacy continued with her great-great-grandchildren, including Preslee, Parker, PJ, Palmer, Colson, Hudson, Jencie, Judson, Levi, Layton, Pierce, and Easton. Each of them carries a piece of her spirit, embodying the warmth and love she so generously shared.

Lovie’s heart was as vast as her life experiences. She bravely survived a bear attack and a coral snake bite, stories that became legend within her family. Her passion for caring for others and her commitment to her faith were evident in her long-standing membership at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, where she took pride in working in the nursery. Her love for music resonated deeply, and she spent many hours singing old-time hymns, filling the hearts of her loved ones with melody and prayer.

Lovie Lyons embodied grace, faith, and an everlasting bond with her family that transcends even the greatest of earthly trials.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Deamos Albert and Gussie Dowling Crews, her sisters, Lydia Graham and Veenie Dowling, and her brother, Revis Dowling.

A Celebration of Lovie’s life will be held on September 24, at 11:00 am, at her church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. Her services will be officiated by her grandson, Pastor Terry Dean Elixson and Pastor Jason John’s. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, September 23, from 6-8:00 pm at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Lovie’s pallbearers will be her grandsons, Phillip Joyner III, Garrett and Garrison Ritch, Klay, Kadyn and Kobe Elixson along with Jordan Rowe and Zach Womack. Honorary pallbearers are Phillip Joyner II, Glenn Ritch, Robbie Barber, Lee Elixson, John Johns, and Brad Whitehead.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Lovie’s family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com