Sharon Lyons

Sharon Lyons of Ocala, Florida and Chisago City, Minnesota, beloved wife of Harley Mays, passed away on February 8, 2009 in Chisago City, Minnesota after a full life. Her father, Raymond Baer, precedes her in death.  In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her mother, Louise Baer of Ocala, her son Trev, and wife Tammy of Chisago City, Minnesota, her grandson Jon Lyons of Raleigh, NC, her sister Elayne Groff and husband Tom of Ocala, and her brother Neal Baer and wife Wilma of Madison, Florida.  Sharon Louise Baer was born on January 6, 1940 in Rensselaer, Indiana. She graduated from Watseka High School in Illinois, received an AB degree from Milligan College in Tennessee and a Masters of education degree from the University of Florida.  She pursued post-graduate studies from Auburn University and Florida State University.  She was a special education teacher for 19 years, both in Anniston, Alabama and in Lake Butler, Florida.  She was also the Director of Public Relations for 9 years at South Florida Community College (SFCC).  After retiring from SFCC she and Harley purchased and operated Café Nostalgia, a family- style restaurant in Mars Hill, NC. She was a master in the kitchen and well known for her culinary talents.  Earlier in her life she was also the head cook at Prairie States Christian Service Camps.  She played organ and piano regularly at various Christian Churches throughout her life and she also taught private piano and organ lessons for over 25 years.


After selling their North Carolina restaurant Sharon and Harley became tour hosts for Winnebago Industries for 8 years.  During this time they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada.  She also enjoyed sewing and quilting when she wasn’t traveling.  She was a member of Forest Lake Christian Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Sharon was full of energy and enthusiasm for life and she had an adventurous spirit that will be missed by many dear family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Forest Lake Christian Church, 367 4th Ave. N.W., Forest Lake, Minnesota.  Fellowship will follow with refreshments being served.  A graveside service will be held on February 18th at 11:00 am at Dekle cemetery in Lake Butler, Florida. George Roberts from Central Christian Church in Ocala will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Melanoma Research Foundation, 170 Township Line Road, Building B, Hillsborough, NJ  08844, 1-800-MRF-1290 would be preferred.

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