Mother Maeola Byers

Maeola Byers, passed away on May 22, 2026, at St. Mary Ignite Nursing Facility. Maeola Byers (Blaylock) was born in Cleveland, AR on February 12, 1937. The eldest child to Elzie Blaylock and William McKinley Blaylock, who moved the family to Kansas City, MO. She shared a beautiful childhood with seven siblings, Leroy Blaylock Sr., Gertha (Hawthorne) Blaylock, Wanders Eugene Blaylock, Denorris Blaylock, James Blaylock, Pauline Blaylock, and Gary Blaylock that included trips back and forth to Morrilton, AR. Maeola met the love of her life, who preceded her and will welcome her to heaven, Ollieway Byers Jr., they wed November 20, 1954, and shared five children together. Three of whom she leaves to celebrate her and continue their legacy; Ronald A. Byers, Shawn Michael Byers (Cynthia Byers), Joyce Ann Clark (Dino Clark), and two who preceded her in death; Jeffrey Byers, and Lenore Diane Byers. Maeola celebrated the lives and accomplishments of her 12 grandchildren, 6 grandchildren by marriage, 21 great grandchildren, one on the way, 16 great-great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. The majority of her adult life was dedicated to being a pastor's wife and mother, but she also had careers with VA Hospital and retired from Internal Revenue Service HR team. After her retirement she enjoyed short term roles at weight watchers in their call center sharing her knowledge as a lifelong member and Conway Public Library. She spent decades as an AVON representative earning awards and recognition. Maeola and Ollieway Byers Jr, affectionately called - MaeOllie, built a life and legacy rooted in love, faith, being lifelong learners, and celebrating with family and friends. They met in Kansas City, Missouri and were both from Arkansas. Raising children who played sports, danced, cheered, and built families on their own motivating them to continue to make new memories. Although they both enjoyed "early retirement", neither of them ever stopped working on ensuring their family had love and faith at the center of all things. Ollieway and Maeola moved to Pine Bluff, AR in the late 90's and moved back to their family home in Kansas City, MO after retiring from the ministry. After welcoming additional grandchildren and celebrating marriages, high school and college graduations and welcoming great grandchildren, they moved to Conway, AR. Where they both share stories of football games and family gatherings before moving back to Kansas City, MO, where they both took their final rest. Their legacy anchored on trusting God with ALL thine heart, NEVER stop learning, travel when and where you can and love deeply. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday May 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Metropolitan AME Zion Church 2828 Prospect Ave. KCMO 64127. Interment: Twelve Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation: 9 – 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Mother Maeola Byers

February 12, 1937 - May 22, 2026