Joetta Lyons

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Joetta Lyons, at the age of 92 on August 19, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Joetta was born on May 16, 1932, in Shelbyville, Indiana at her Aunt Fay’s home on Teal Street, the daughter of Walter Edward Sr. and Mattie (Imlay) Siefert. On February 2, 1952, she married Robert (Bob) James Lyons who preceded her in death on November 6, 1986. Joetta is survived by her 3 children, Angela Wilson of New Cuyama, California, Robert Lyons of Lompoc, California and Karen Lyons of Reno, Nevada; one grandson, two granddaughters, five great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and several loved nieces and nephews. In addition to Bob, Joetta was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Walter E. Siefert Jr.; sisters, Peggy L. Wilson and Niola T. Small; son-in-law Don G. Wilson and grandson Michael G. Wilson. 

Joetta graduated in 1950 from Shelbyville High School, and eventually continued her education where she earned an Associate of Arts from Allan Hancock College in 1984. Her husband’s Air Force career had the family stationed at many Air Force bases throughout the US and Okinawa, finally settling in Lompoc, California where she has lived for the last 56 years. Joetta worked for the Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD) as a textbook clerk at Lompoc Middle School, briefly taking a leave of absence to take care of her father. She eventually retired from LUSD, but enjoyed working so much she ended up substituting for the Classified Department until her late 70’s. 

Joetta was affiliated with Eastern Star Miguelito Chapter #176 where she was twice a Worthy Matron and a Deputy Grand Matron while also contributing to the Rainbow Girls Organization. She was a 58-year member of Eastern Star receiving her 50-year pin in March 2016 as a member of Central Coast Star Chapter #97. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Lompoc, California, and previously sang with the Lompoc Valley Master Chorale. Some of her favorite pastimes were traveling, attending PCPA Productions, Lompoc Pops Orchestra and Master Chorale concerts, exploring the local area with her daughters, reading and watching movies. 

A service was held on August 24, 2024 at First Christian Church, 1517 W. College Avenue, in Lompoc, California. A second service will be held at the Rocklane Christian Church at 4430 Rocklane Road, Greenwood, Indiana on Saturday, November 9 at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at Lewis Creek Baptist Cemetery in Shelby County, Indiana. We will always carry Joetta’s memory in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.