Clara “Louise” James Hyers, 87, died peacefully Sunday, May 18, 2025.
She was born and reared in Blackshear. Her parents, the late Alton "Walstein” James and the late Lillie Ruth McMillion James, established their own farm in Blackshear and were active members of the First Baptist Church. Lillie James was noted for her beautiful singing voice in the church choir and her generous volunteer work with the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the Newbern Creek Home Demonstration Club.
Louise grew up on the James’ farm with her five younger siblings. She earned two degrees from the University of Georgia including a bachelor of science in home economics education in 1959 and a master’s in housing and management in 1969.
During a time in rural Georgia when some young women were commonly discouraged from attaining secondary educations and having careers outside the home, she was determined to earn a degree from the University of Georgia after high school. She faced a number of obstacles throughout her college years and early in her career but overcame each of them.
By the time she retired in 1993, she had devoted over 30 years to the UGA Cooperative Extension, breaking new ground in the development of Georgia's rural communities through building and enhancing the skills of its local leaders, women and minorities.
In 1989, she became the second woman in Georgia appointed to serve as a district director of Cooperative Extension. She served the North District, overseeing its expansion from 18 to 40 counties and leading other agents in community development, agriculture, 4-H and family and consumer sciences.
After retiring from Cooperative Extension, she embarked on a second successful career in 1997 by earning her real estate license. She first worked with Prudential Blanton Realty and then as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Upchurch in Athens, until her retirement January 31, 2013. Through her focus on preparing her clients with the information they need to navigate their home purchase and ownership, she continued the same dedication she had with UGA Cooperative Extension: empowering others with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
She was inducted into the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) Honor Hall of Recognition with other honored Home Economics and FACS leaders in 2012. She has been active in the Athens-Clarke community, the College of FACS and University of Georgia for many years. Among other activities, she participated in Leadership Georgia in 1978 and was a member of Kiwanis Club of Athens, Phi Upsilon Omicron Chi Chapter and the University Women’s Club. She also had several Georgia real estate certifications and had earned the Lifetime Achievement Award for her success.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Dale James Davis and her brother, Albert “Al” Walstein James.
She lived in Athens with her husband of 62 years, Johnny Earl Hyers Sr. Louise and Johnny have a son, John, Jr.; granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Cloud Barber; two great-grandchildren, Liam Barber and Ava Louise Barber. She is also survived by three sisters, Norma James Waters Walker, Emily James Saussy and Sandra James (Steve) Wheless; brother-in-law, Paul Davis and several nieces and nephews.
Private memorial services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Athens or the Louise and Johnny Hyers Endowment Fund at The University of Georgia Foundation.
Sympathy may be expressed online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of local arrangements.
