Tatree Talee

Bionka Lyons

Tatree Tatlee Bionka Lyons (affectionally known as "TT") of Griffin, Georgia departed her earthly home and peacefully transitioned at the home she shared with her beloved family on February 19, 2023. Tatree's final care was overseen by Eternal Hope Hospice along with her mother, Ms. Cheryl Lyons, and step-father, Mr. Terry Tanner who both kept a bedside vigil. Tatree Lyons attended Spalding County High School where she stood out academically. She later obtained her General Education Development diploma from Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, Georgia. Ever the go-getter and with a determination to carve out a better life for her children, Tatree was diligent in her studies and passed the GED test on her first attempt. Immediately, Tatree went and applied for a job at Vernay Manufacturing, Inc. where she remained until her health would not allow her to physically work.

Although Tatree was stunning on the outside, it was her inner beauty that enhanced her outer beauty. To know Tatree was to know a hard worker, a loving Mother, a loving Daughter, a loving Sister, a loving Niece, a loving Aunt, a loving Cousin, and a true Best Friend. Of all the things she loved (such as stylish black clothing) and all of the people she loved, Tatree loved to GIVE. Whether it was a person shivering in the cold who needed the jacket she was wearing; whether it was a person who was at the cash register unable to pay for their groceries; whether it was a person broke down on side of the road with a flat tire; whether it was someone who could not afford Christmas for their children—Tatree did not hesitate to GIVE and not expect anything in return. She went about her life, giving selflessly to those in need and moved on to the next God Moment. Not one instance where God used her to Bless others was filmed or posted to social media. She never boasted or looked to be rewarded in any sense because she genuinely believed that her 5 beautiful children were more than enough in her life.

Tatree loved to laugh and make others laugh. She was a hands-on Mother who was young at heart. She would find any little thing to celebrate her children. Tatree also loved to cook and shop—hobbies she inherited from her late Grandmother, Madame Shirley L. Lyons. Whether going to a thrift store or the mall, Tatree was always searching for a bargain and preferred to do for her children before herself. Tatree also loved to spend time with her sisters, brothers, cousins, and friends. She was very family-oriented. Though she had a sweet and sincere nature, she also knew when to let her hair down and enjoy life to the fullest. Tatree Tatlee Bionka Lyons was born in Thomaston, Georgia on May 30, 1989, to Ms. Cheryl Denise Lyons and Mr. Stanley Lyons. Tatree was reared in Barnesville, Georgia by her Mother and Mr. David Lee Walker. She was taught to love and reverence God by her childhood Pastor, Reverend Jada Sims at Bethel AME Church in Barnesville, Georgia. Through her upbringing, a foundation of Christian duty and respect for your fellow brother and sister was established.

Tatree leaves to cherish her memory: her five beautiful children —Dontavious "Cannon" Ross; Da'Merica "MeMe" Lyons; Armoni "Moni" Lyons; Markelle "Kel" Flemister; and Marlee Flemister (all of Griffin, Georgia).

Her wonderful Mother and Step-Fathers —Ms. Cheryl Denise Lyons, Mr. Terry Tanner (both of Griffin, Georgia) and Mr. David Lee Walker (Barnesville, Georgia). Her Father —Mr. Stanley Lyons (Barnesville, Georgia); Her nine (9) dynamic siblings —Prince Carter, Wachovia Lyons, Sheraton Lyons, Arishona Lyons, Kachae Lyons, LaQuita Childs, Jessica Lyons, Britney Edge, and Kendra (Devontae) Woodard (all of Griffin, Georgia). Her loving Aunts —Mary Lyons (Barnesville, Georgia), Julia Lyons (Columbus, Ohio), Monica Robinson, Heronica Robinson-Fletcher, Veronica Robinson, and Marge Grady (all of Barnesville, Georgia). Her Grandfather —Mr. Herman (Lenora) Robinson (Barnesville, Georgia). Her amazing Great Aunts —Christine (Fred) O'Neal, Dorothy Lyons (both of Barnesville, Georgia), Minister Justina Jordan (Atlanta, Georgia), Janet (Charlie) Sullivan (Milner, Georgia), Nycula (Bishop Jessie) Randle (Roberta, Georgia), Geraldine (Lovett) Shannon (Forsyth, Georgia), Delores (Horace) McClarin, Sheila Linder (both of Barnesville, Georgia). A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends, Neighbors, and Co-Workers who will miss her dearly.

Tatree was preceded in death by her Beloved Maternal Grandmother —Madame Shirley L. Lyons; Paternal Grandmother —Mrs. Dorothy Virden-Lyons; Great Aunts —Mrs. Martha Crawley, Mrs. Betty Phinazee, and Ms. Linda Sue Lyons; Great Uncles —Mr. Walter B. Lyons and Mr. John Wesley Lyons, Jr.; Aunt —Mrs. Gretchen Gotell; Uncle —Mr. Walter Kent Lyons; Cousins —Jonathan Lyons, Kenneth Lyons, and Mason James Piercy.

It is the prayer of the family that each person's life that Tatree touched will remember her immense heart and her giving nature. We believe that her beautiful life will serve as a testimony and bring others a sense of comfort and hope. May we all joyfully begin to live with the indelible mark she left on all who were privileged to encounter her. #TatreeStrong For The Rest Of Our Lives!

Visitation for Ms. Lyons will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Burden's Funeral Home. A Celebration of life for Ms. Lyons will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 2:30 PM in the Chapel at Burden's Funeral Home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service hour. Pastor Jimmy Lyons is the Eulogist.