Doretha Janice Hairston Lyons was Born May 1, 1928. She was one of nine children born to the late Walter and Alma Hairston in Forsyth County. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 6, 2020.

She attended Carver and Atkins High Schools. Doretha was an avid cook. She catered weddings, private parties and owned several restaurants. She continued her passion of cooking until her health began to decline. She enjoyed trips to the beach, Sunday dinners, family gatherings and story-telling. She was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church and greatly loved her pastor and church family.

She is survived by two of her daughters, Patricia Rhodes and Helen Handy; six grandchildren: Tyrone (Vertara) Huntley, Tammy (Chris) Norton, Thalaferro "Fella" (Angela) Huntley, Michael Huntley, Elizabeth Crawford and Jamila Handy; eleven great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; a devoted son-in-law, James Crawford; four sisters: Anna Horton, Janet (Isaiah) Timberlake, Helen Horton and Clara (Willie) Pinkney; special niece, Christine Davis; a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, William "Al" Lyons; daughter, Jacqueline Crawford and siblings: Nathaniel "Bud" Hairston, Doris Roebuck, Ollie Mays and Billy Hairston.

Doretha was known as the Matriarch of the Hairston family and began the annual Hairston Family Reunion 50 years ago. A tradition she took pride in. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. She will be greatly missed and deeply cherished.

Funeral service will be private. Mrs. Lyons may be publicly viewed from 12:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM today at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Interment in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here