Bertha Viola Lyon 1873-1921

LYON, CARY, WOODS

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/11/2002 at 15:57:05

BERTHA VIOLA LYON

We take the followiing [sic] from St. Cloud, Florida, papers, concerning the death of Miss Bertha Lyon.

"Two angels issued where but one went in" last Sunday evening when the pure spirit of Bertha Lyon went to her heavenly welcome. Miss Lyon was born in Davis county, Iowa, July 21, 1873, and died in St. Cloud, April 3, 1921. Her father, William Lyon, died when the daughter was but ten years of age, and the mother, Rebecca, was spared to this only child until Miss Bertha was twenty-eight years old. After the death of her mother she remained in Iowa until 1913, when she spent a year in Nebraska, coming afterwards to St. Cloud, where she has been a member of the family of Mrs. Lydia M. Cary and the brother, Mr. J.W. Woods, distant relatives of Miss Bertha.

It has always been a sorrow that this, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Lyon should have been born so badly mained [sic] in hands and feet so as to make her helpless, but so loving has been the care for her and so sweet her own spirit, that her serious misfortunes have been in part forgotten both by herself and those who met her. When funds were exhausted, the Cary-Woods home swung open its doors of welcome and gave gladly what money could not buy, loving solicitude and tenderness.

In childhood Bertha learned to love the Saviour and sought ways, helpless as she was, to serve the world "in His name." Feet that had never taken a step became adept with the needle, and the product of her sewing was sold to aid the missionary cause. Her use of the typewriter by her feet was remarkable. In these last hours she trusted fully in the Saviour of her youth and gladly answered the roll call of the better world. The Methodist Episcopal church, of which she was and has been a member since she was nine years old, counted it an honor to have so pure a life upon its records, and rejoices with her friends that remain that she was so ready for the transfer hour.

Services were held on Monday afternoon from the home, conducted by the Rev. N. W. Beauchamp, shared by Rev. Wm. Landiss and Dr. Van Ness, and the body was laid to rest in the St. Cloud cemetery, beneath a wilderness of flowers.

CARD OF THANKS

Thanks are gratefully extended to all who so graciously aided us during the sickness and funeral services of Miss Bertha Lyon, a member of our household. The music, flowers, and all kindly offices of our friends are appreciated.

Mrs. Lydia M. Cary
Miss Nina Cary
Mr. J. W. Woods

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 109 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in Sept 2000. Name of newspaper and date of obit not given.)

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.

[Original Post 28 Sep 2000]