MINNIE “SISSY” ADRAIN (BYARS) THOMAS

Minnie Adrain “Sissy” Byars Thomas, age 86, of Athens, went to be with her Savior on Friday night, April 17, 2020, at her home.

She was born in Somerville, TN to the late P.P. and Minnie Belle Burgess Byars, and moved to Athens when she was eleven years old. Sissy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, James L. Thomas, on January 21, 2016. Also preceding her in death were three brothers, Frank Byars, Don “Doddy” Byars and Carl “Buddy” Byars, along with six sisters, Mary Campbell, Linnie Jackson, Hazel Matheny, Millie Jackson, Martha McPeak and Catherine Woodard. She was a homemaker and a member of Antioch Baptist Church. 

She is survived by two daughters:

 Karen DeBusk and husband, Mickey of Athens

 Libby Thomas and husband, Reed of Riceville

Five grandchildren:

 Christopher Adam Henry and wife, Amy

 Nathan DeBusk

 Adrianna DeBusk

 Olivia Davis Hill and husband, Kevin

 Rebecca Davis

Four great-grandchildren:

 Christian Henry, Matthew Henry, Jace DeBusk and Sawyer Hill

Sister-in-law: Betty Byars of Athens

Brother-in-law: Kenneth Thomas and wife, Frances of Athens

Private graveside services will be Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at McMinn Memory Gardens with Rev. Herman Jordan officiating. Family will be serving as pallbearers.

You are encouraged to reach out to the family by signing the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Minnie “Sissy” Byars Thomas