JoAnn Lyall's Obituary
JoAnn Lyall passed away peacefully at Circle of Life in Bentonville on Friday, July 12, 2024. She was born in Cherokee, Iowa on July 22, 1934, where she lived for the first 12 years of life before moving with her mother to Tacoma, Washington. Her early years were not easy: JoAnn’s father died when she was very young, and throughout her childhood JoAnn moved around frequently due to her mother’s work. Some mysteries of her birth and childhood remain, but JoAnn gained additional clarity and closure later in her life.
JoAnn graduated from Central Washington College in Ellensburg where she met Donald Beyer Lyall, the “big man on campus.” The two later wed and had two daughters, Leanne and Dee Dee. In addition to motherhood, JoAnn taught first grade until Don joined the U.S. Air Force, when she became a full-time officer’s wife. Over the years and many moves, JoAnn always made countless close friends and entertained often. JoAnn was a lifelong bridge player, becoming a Life Master decades ago. She later took up and enjoyed golf, even starting a tournament at Fayetteville Country Club that still bears her name: The Lyall Cup.
JoAnn was a loving mother to Leanne (Mike) Bowles, Dee Dee (Rick) Chesley; grandmother to Katie (John) Eaves, Andrew (Rachel) Chesley, Bryce (Jackie) Roberts, Nathan (Julia) Chesley, and three bonus grandchildren Eileen (Walter) Jennings, Elizabeth (Austin) Sharp, and Michelle (Charlie) Russell. JoAnn’s 13 great-grandchildren brought her much joy.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Donald Beyer Lyall.
A funeral will be held at Genesis Church of Fayetteville at 205 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. on July 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the food pantry and clothing closet at Genesis Church.
What’s your fondest memory of JoAnn?
What’s a lesson you learned from JoAnn?
Share a story where JoAnn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with JoAnn you’ll never forget.
How did JoAnn make you smile?