Norma Lynne Hodnett Byers, age 78 of Geraldine, Alabama, passed away on July 7, 2026, surrounded by her family and those she loved most. Although she spent her final years in Alabama, Lynne lived much of her life in Georgia, where she called Hiram home for more than three decades.

Affectionately known as "Mimi" by her family and friends, Lynne was born on July 14, 1947, in LaGrange, Georgia.

She is survived by her daughter, Denise Heath (Doug) of Dallas, Georgia; her son, Chris "Wormy" Wiseman (Marti) of Crossville, Alabama; and her bonus daughters, Paige Southard of Kansas City, Missouri, and Terri Christopher of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She is also survived by her brother, Bob Hodnett (Linda) of LaGrange, Georgia.

Lynne leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren: Megean Dumas (Jeremy) of Rogers, Arkansas; Doug Heath III (Anna) of Cartersville, Georgia; Eli Heath of Dallas, Georgia; Chris Wiseman Jr. (Amanda) of Crossville, Alabama; Dylon Lofty (Daisy) of Fairbanks, Alaska; Kaitlyn Young (Kyle) of Crossville, Alabama; Shayna Southard of Mission, Kansas; Kelsey Southard of Overland Park, Missouri; Blakely Thomas (Jordan) of Vancouver, Washington; Parker Arnspiger (Geneva) of Youngstown, Florida; and Bryson Christopher (Kali) of White Pine, Tennessee. She was also blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of twenty-six years, Donald Preston Byers Jr.; her parents, James and Norma Hodnett; her sister, Sandra McGuire; and her brothers, Jim Hodnett, infant John Christopher Hodnett, and infant Charles Edward Hodnett.

Lynne graduated from Gainesville (Florida) High School in 1965. However, she always considered LaGrange (Georgia) High School, where she attended grades nine through twelve, to be her alma mater.

Known for her remarkable organizational skills, Lynne enjoyed a long and accomplished career as an administrative professional. She worked for Rome Plow and the Polk County Sheriff's Department in Cedartown, Georgia, before beginning a twenty-one-year career with Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia, where she remained until retiring.

Retirement opened the door to one of Lynne and Don's greatest joys—traveling and cruising the world together. Among her favorite destinations were Tahiti and Europe, where she delighted in painting the breathtaking landscapes and scenery she encountered. More than anything, she treasured time spent with her grandchildren and loved opening her home to family and friends for holidays, celebrations, and special gatherings.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Lynne exemplified the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman. She faithfully served her church communities with unwavering devotion and eagerly shared her faith with others. Blessed with the beautiful voice of a songbird, she joyfully sang in church choirs and was frequently asked to perform at weddings and other special occasions.

Lynne was also an accomplished artist whose paintings earned numerous awards and ribbons. Her home reflected her creativity, filled with her artwork and beautiful ceramic pieces she crafted by hand. She was an active member of several local art guilds, often serving in leadership roles. Her gift for leadership extended beyond the arts, as she generously volunteered her time and spearheaded projects that enriched her community.

Her interests and talents were as varied as they were remarkable. The performing arts held a special place in her heart, and she shared her gifts through acting and singing with the Cedartown Little Theatre and the Cedartown Junior Service League Follies. She and Don also enjoyed participating in antique automobile clubs, proudly exhibiting their treasured vehicles at car shows throughout the region.

Lynne was a master seamstress who taught herself to sew at a young age out of necessity, making clothing for her family. Over the years, she refined her craft and became an accomplished expert. Most of her wardrobe was custom-made to fit her petite frame, and she took pride in being one of the best-dressed people in any room. Her impeccable style and creativity were evident in every garment she made.

At the height of the movie's popularity, Lynne created a remarkably realistic E.T. costume. Dressed as the beloved character, she delighted children throughout the community, bringing smiles and laughter wherever she went.

As the years passed, Lynne expanded her creative talents into new pursuits. Always eager to learn, she taught herself to make "dolls from the vegetable patch" and eventually began teaching classes so other mothers could create them for their own families. She also enjoyed crocheting, macramé, and cross-stitching, mastering each craft through her curiosity, patience, and determination.

Lynne had a lifelong passion for genealogy. Through years of diligent research, she traced her family's lineage to the 1600s and found great joy in connecting with distant relatives to share the stories and history she uncovered. She also delighted in encouraging family and friends on birthdays and other special occasions. To make each celebration more meaningful, she handcrafted greeting cards and faithfully ensured that each loved one received one of her beautiful creations.

Dedicated to serving her community, Lynne frequently served on the board of her homeowners' association, often as its president. In her later years, she found another avenue for service through the Geraldine Homemakers Club, where she quickly stepped into a leadership role, also serving as president.

Above all else, Lynne loved people. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, sharing stories, celebrating the accomplishments of those she loved, and making everyone around her feel welcome. She never met a stranger, and her warm smile, generous heart, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Bellamy Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Broome officiating. The family will receive friends that same day from 10:00am until the service hour begins.

Interment will follow at Peaceful Meadows Cemetery in Dallas, Georgia.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Doug Heath III, Eli Heath, Chris Wiseman Jr., Bryson Christopher, Kyle Young, and Zac Hairston. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Pete McGuire and Paul McGuire.

Bellamy Funeral Home, 3551 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram, Georgia 30141, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Lynne's legacy of faith, love, creativity, generosity, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Bellamy Funeral Home in Hiram, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Lynne Byers.