Mildred I. Lyons

Mildred I. Lyons, affectionately known as Millie, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio, where her remarkable life began over a century earlier on August 14, 1922. Her departure marks the conclusion of a long and rich journey characterized by resilience, grace, and an enduring spirit that touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born Mildred Greer in Dayton, Millie spent her early years at the Montgomery County (Dayton) Children’s Home alongside her siblings. From these humble beginnings, she carved a remarkable path marked by self-reliance, style, charm, and generosity. She began her professional life with National Cash Register (NCR) in Dayton, a tenure that also introduced her to her first husband, Russell Hewitt. Her entrepreneurial spirit blossomed as she and her sister (Noni) ran a successful bakery, supplying pies to local eateries and drugstore food counters, delighting the community with their craft.

In the latter half of her life, Millie embraced a career in real estate, becoming a reputable Realtor in the Middletown area and an astute property owner within her neighborhood. It was through this vocation that she met her longtime partner, Lawrence "Larry" Thurston, with whom she enjoyed many adventures and joint successes. Following Larry’s passing and a period of independence, Millie’s path crossed once again with companionship when she was reacquainted with Joseph "Joe" Lyons at a high school reunion. They shared nearly two decades of marriage and happiness in Gulf Shores, Alabama, before Millie returned to her beloved hometown of Dayton.

Known widely for a vivacious personality that made everyone feel welcome and valued, along with just the right amount of stubbornness, Millie was a never-met-a-stranger character whose infectious sense of humor, style, and class were hallmarks of her presence. Her wisdom to "keep calm and carry on," combined with a keen intelligence and unwavering kindness, endeared her to many. Even in her centenarian years, she remained a devoted fashion enthusiast, delighting in shopping excursions to Chico’s and maintaining her sharp sense of style, which often caused many to guess her age incorrectly and became almost synonymous with her identity.

Millie’s interests were varied and reflected her joyful embrace of life. She found pleasure in tending her garden, delving into books, playing cards, playing games on her iPad (starting at 90 years old!), and reveling in the company of friends and family. Her generous nature and gentle spirit left an indelible imprint on those fortunate enough to be part of her circle.

Her family meant the world to her—and she is lovingly remembered by her grandson Brian Cunningham and his mother, daughter-in-law, Donna Cunningham; niece Judith (Judy) Gandy and her husband Bob; niece Saundra Bergman and her husband Bill; nephew Ron Becker and his wife Sue; nephew Joe Becker and his partner Jackie; niece Patricia (Patsy) Eldridge and her late husband Cliff; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews. They are all inspired to carry forward her legacy of kindness and resilience.

Millie was preceded in death by her son, Gary Hewitt; her first husband, Russell Hewitt; her long-time partner, Lawrence Thurston; her husband, Joseph Lyons; as well as her parents, Father Rollo Greer and Mother Ada Cross; her sisters, Rhea (Pee-Wee) Becker, Noni Schell, Dorothy Barnes; and her brother, Bob Greer.

A graveside service honoring her life will take place on May 8, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at 1625 Calvary Avenue, where friends and family will gather to celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman whose enduring spirit and endless generosity left an everlasting mark on all who knew her.

Mildred I. Lyons lived a full life marked by strength, grace, and an abiding love for family and community. Her memory will continue to inspire and comfort all who cherished her.

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