A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday, May 21) at Athens First Presbyterian Church. A reception will

follow at the church.

Mrs. Hyers earned two degrees from the University of Georgia — a Bachelor of Science in home economics education in 1959 and a Masters in housing and management in 1969.

Mrs. Hyers 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. Mrs. Hyers grew up on the James’ farm with her five younger siblings.

During a time in rural Georgia when some young women were commonly discouraged from attaining secondary educations and having careers outside the home, Mrs. Hyers 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.

At her retirement in 1993, Mrs. Hyers had devoted more than 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, Mrs. Hyers 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 clients with the information needed to navigate their home purchase and ownership, Mr. Hyers continued the same dedication she had with UGA Cooperative Extension — empowering others with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.

Mrs. Hyers was inducted into the FACS Honor Hall of Recognition with other honored Home Economics and Family and Consumer Sciences leaders in 2012. She was active in the Athens-Clarke community, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences 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.

Mrs. Hyers lived in Athens with her husband of 62 years, Johnny Earl Hyers, Sr. She and Johnny have a son, John, Jr.; granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Cloud Barber; and two great grandchildren, Liam Barber and Ava Louise Barber.

Mrs. Hyers was preceded in death by a sister, Dale James Davis and a brother, Albert “Al” Walstein James. She is survived by her three sisters, Norma James Waters Walker, Emily James Saussy and Sandra James (Steve) Wheless; brotherin- law, Paul Davis; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Athens or Louise and Johnny Hyers Endowment Fund at The University of Georgia Foundation.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville (www.lordandstephens. com) is in charge of arrangements.